Abode Chester

The room was cold when I arrived around 10pm. I thought it might warm up if I gave it time, but it didn't. At breakfast, I waited over 15 minutes just for someone to take my order, then another 30 without a drink or food. A couple who sat down ten minutes after me got both, even though we'd ordered the same thing. Genuinely awful. At checkout I asked to speak to someone and was told a manager would email me. I doubt that will happen. I'd avoid this place. Chester has much better hotels.

I stayed one night, 20/21 January 2026. The reception staff were welcoming and the room was clean, though there were no sockets near the bed, which was inconvenient. Breakfast was the real problem. There isn't a buffet, and it took 15 minutes for a waiter or waitress to bring a menu. I had an important meeting at the hotel and went down at 08:10, thinking 20 minutes would be plenty. After ordering, I waited until 08:45 and still had no food. I had to leave without eating and arrived 15 minutes late. It was extremely frustrating and unacceptable. With a buffet, I could have eaten quickly and made it on time. The breakfast service seriously affected my stay.

The guy behind the bar was lovely, but the welcome elsewhere made this feel like our last visit. We arrived at 2.30 and asked about checking in. We got a look as if we had two heads and were told, “it's 3.” When we asked if there was somewhere to wait, the reply was “5 in the lift.” We went upstairs to wait while the room was being readied. The woman at the desk looked as if she'd forgotten to put the lottery on and her numbers had come in. She shrugged and pointed us to seats. We came back just before 3 to check in. The rooms haven't changed in 10 years, and the bath tap was hanging off. There were only two plug sockets, at the far end of the room. I first came here 10 years ago and it was lovely. We'd visited a few times since, but this time will be the last.

The second night was great, with no problems, and we had a nice meal with really helpful restaurant staff. We enjoyed the stay and will definitely visit again. Dean also gave brilliant customer service: after we told him about the first night, he was very apologetic and had arranged another room within 30 minutes. We barely slept that first night. We think inconsiderate guests were the cause, rather than the hotel, but it still means I have to take a star off.