Chester’s Historic Queen Hotel Gets a New Chapter
The Queen at Chester Hotel will become the first UK property in Accor’s Handwritten Collection, with an opening expected this summer after a major developer-led renovation. The hotel, first built in 1860, stands opposite Chester Railway Station and was originally created as a grand arrival point for first-class rail travellers visiting the city.
The landmark Italianate building has a long place in Chester’s hotel history and has hosted well-known guests, including Charles Dickens. Handwritten Collection, launched in 2023, brings together independent hotels with local character and now includes more than 40 properties across 20 countries. The Chester signing gives the brand its first address in the UK.
“The Queen at Chester's individuality, heritage and character sit at the heart of the hotel, and partnering with Accor allows us to protect that identity while benefiting from a powerful global commercial platform. We look forward to working together to ensure this exceptional heritage property is a long‑term success, blending historic character with contemporary hospitality."
What the Hotel Will Offer
The Queen at Chester Hotel will reopen with a mix of rooms, dining, leisure and event spaces, including:
- 218 guest rooms
- V&A Restaurant with modern British cuisine
- Lounge and bar with cocktails and afternoon tea
- Terrace for alfresco dining
- Fitness centre
- Seven meeting and event spaces
- Grand ballroom for up to 400 delegates
The hotel is located directly opposite Chester Railway Station and around 10 minutes on foot from the historic city centre.
The location puts visitors close to some of Chester’s best-known sights without needing much onward travel. The Roman walls, The Rows, Chester Cathedral and Britain’s largest Roman amphitheatre are all within easy reach. With Manchester about 50km away and Liverpool around 23km away, the hotel also works as a practical base for short regional trips.
This opening matters because Chester gets a refreshed heritage hotel tied to a wider international booking network, while keeping the building’s local identity. For people arriving by rail, the address is especially convenient: step off the train, drop bags, and walk into one of England’s most distinctive historic cities. No grand detour required, which is always a win.
