Chester is a city rich in medieval history, known as it is for its extensive Roman walls, one-of-a-kind two-tier Rows, and half-timbered buildings. It is one of the most exciting tourist cities to visit for history lovers. However, visiting this ancient city doesn’t have to be expensive. In this article, I’ve compiled a selection of the best affordable hotels in Chester that offer comfort, convenience, and good value, making it easy to enjoy everything the city has to offer on a budget.
Affordable Hotels in Chester
1. The Premier Inn, Chester
2. The Coach House Inn
3. Holiday Inn Chester
4. Travelodge Chester
5. The Commercial Bar and Hotel
5 Affordable Hotels in Chester
1. The Premier Inn, Chester
Premier Inn is one of the UK’s most familiar hotel chains, known for offering affordable, reliable accommodation, and Chester has several convenient locations to choose from. The Hotel is pretty basic, with hardly any fluff or extra fuss typically noted in luxury accommodations.
The rooms at the Premier Inn are simple but comfortable, with a king-size bed with the added perk of twin/family options. Many of the rooms also come with modern en-suite bathrooms and a flat-screen TV. There is also the added benefit of an on-site restaurant where you can book a Meal Deal at many of Premier’s locations. The meal deal is the simple combination of an all-you-can-eat breakfast (two kids per paying adult, inclusive) and a two-course dinner at a really affordable rate. Parking is sometimes limited and paid, but the central locations make public transport and nearby car parks easy to reach.
If you are in Chester or planning to be, just look out for Premier Inn’s signature purple banner. It’s really hard to miss. You will find many of the Premier Inn branches in popular spots like the City centre and near the railway station. As an added perk, both listed here are within easy walking distance of key attractions, including Chester Cathedral, the Roman Amphitheatre, the Rows, and several of the main shopping streets.
Location: Caldy Valley Road, Great Boughton, Chester, United Kingdom
20 – 24 City Road, Chester, United Kingdom
Price Range: £35 – £90
2. The Coach House Inn
The Coach House Inn is a beautiful 19th-century boutique hotel, just a few miles away from Chester Cathedral. A few ways from the racecourse. The inn’s well-placed location makes it one of the best hotels to stay in Chester if you are planning to do a lot of exploration on foot. Inside the hotel is an impressive set-up of modern highlights inside a historic building. The energy is nothing short of sleek but comfortable.
The hotel only features a modest eight rooms within its walls. While the inn still somehow manages to retain the flourish of its period era, many of the rooms have been upgraded to include plush bedding, beautiful modern décor, and en-suite bathrooms. Add that with a handful of small but meaningful comforts like flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, then you’ve got yourself a cosy little corner. Some of the rooms even offer views over Northgate Street, while others are renowned for their quiet, peaceful space.
Other than the cosy rooms, the Coach House is particularly renowned for its restaurant that serves one of the best English dishes in the city. Meals are made with only the best locally sourced ingredients and produce. From scrumptious Sunday roasts to full English breakfast and brunch, complete with mains, nibbles and light bites and rich dessert options. There is also a menu dedicated to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free meals. You can easily pair your meals with local ale, or if you are feeling fabulous, a cocktail mixture. As a perk, kids’ meals come free of charge with every paying adult meal ordered.
When it comes to location, the Coach house has it down beat. A step outside the hotel, and you will find yourself a short stroll from beautiful landmarks, Chester Cathedral, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the city’s famous Eastgate Clock. If you like a bit of shopping, visiting the Chester Rows, just around the corner, is a must. Meanwhile, for a true experience of Chester’s cultural scene, though, you can catch a performance at Storyhouse or browse the exhibits at the Grosvenor Museum. You can enjoy a simple leisurely stroll along the River Dee, or even the Chester Zoo is a short drive away.
Location: 39 Northgate Street, Chester, United Kingdom
Price Range: £76 – £150
3. Holiday Inn Chester
The Holiday Inn offers guests an affordable stay in Chester with multiple locations within and outside the city. One of the more famous branches of the hotel is tucked within the remarkable grounds of Chester Racecourse. The Racecourse branch of Holiday Inn is the perfect stay for a race day, a weekend break, or a quick business trip, all at a hassle-free, comfortable and budget-conscious price.
The rooms at Holiday are modern, functional, but pretty basic, outfitted with everything you need for a good night’s rest. You’ve got the simple but warm, comfy beds, private en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi. One of the standout perks of a stay at the Inn, though, is the express start breakfast; a generous buffet with both hot and continental options. And you guessed it (or maybe you didn’t), it is included in your stay, so no extra charges.
While parking is usually available on-site for a small fee, the real benefit of the Holiday Inn is its prime location. You are steps away from the racecourse, a short stroll from Chester’s Roman walls, and just minutes from the city centre. All in all, if you are after a practical, well-located base, the Holiday Inn Express Chester – Racecourse is a strong pick.
Another popular Holiday Inn location is located on Wrexham Road, pretty close to the city centre and all the adventures it offers.
Location: The Racecourse, New Crane Street, Chester, United Kingdom
Price Range: £30 – £100
4. Travelodge Chester
Travelodge Hotel is a go-to choice for travellers who want to be right in the city without breaking the bank. The multiple-location hotel is one of the best spots for couples planning a stress-free weekend getaway while sightseeing.
It is also a nice choice for business guests needing quick access to the city centre at an affordable price. The hotel is also a good choice for solo travel on a bit of a budget or for families on holiday. It makes for a great place to stay while balancing city activities with day trips to places like Chester Zoo.
Inside the hotel, the rooms are basic, as most affordable hotels are. The rooms are clean, modern, and comfortable, but with no additional fluff or luxurious decorations. For instance, a standard double room in Travelodge contains a king-size bed, cosy duvet, a small desk area and a nice view. While the design might seem simple, everything is very practical with a space to unpack and hang clothes, a quiet atmosphere, and a well-kept bathroom.
Location: Windsor House, Pepper Street, Cheshire, Chester, United Kingdom
Little Saint John Street, Chester, United Kingdom
Price Range: £35 – £70
5. The Commercial Bar and Hotel
The Commercial bar and hotel is a lively boutique hotel that also doubles as a great place to have fun. The hotel is an acclaimed nightlife spot in its own right, hosting DJ sets and live music. Guests particularly love the themed nights, karaoke services and courtyard parties. The Commercial hotel doesn’t just draw the travellers and tourists, locals are also regular visitors to the hotel.
For travellers, though, it is a fantastic way to experience Chester’s nightlife without even stepping outside. It is perfect if you are in the mood to mingle, or simply to sip cocktails, or enjoy the atmosphere.
One of the biggest perks of the Commercial Hotel, other than its lively atmosphere, is that everything is within walking distance. A quick stroll and you are at Chester Cathedral or the charming Falconry & Nature Gardens. If you like local history, the Grosvenor Museum and Cheshire Military Museum are just minutes away. It even puts you at Chester’s lesser-known treasures, like the Roman Gardens or St John the Baptist’s Church.
As a note, though, the hotel does get noisy, especially on Wednesdays and during the weekends. The hotel’s regular parties and reputation as one of the go-to places for a good time mean that music can keep running till 2:00 am. If you prefer a quiet space, then you might want to skip this one.
Location: Saint Peter’s Churchyard, Northgate Street, Chester, United Kingdom
Price Range: £55 – £120
Conclusion
Chester is a great historical cathedral city to visit, especially for history and architecture fans. The city is still filled with a lot of Roman architecture and plenty of historical sights. Like any historical city, prices of hotels can skyrocket quickly, especially during peak season. Hopefully, this list helps you locate some of the better hotels to stay in on a budget.
