Not every hotel can claim more than 160 years of history. The Queen at Chester can.
Built in 1860 as one of Britain’s original grand railway hotels, this Grade II listed building has welcomed travellers, celebrations and gatherings for generations. Following a recent £5 million refurbishment, the hotel now blends its Victorian heritage with modern comfort.
Located directly opposite Chester Railway Station and just a short walk from the city centre, The Queen is ideally positioned for visitors arriving from across the UK. Whether you’re planning a short break, attending an event, or hosting a meeting, the hotel offers a distinctive setting in one of Chester’s most recognisable buildings.
First Impressions
The Queen at Chester makes an immediate impression. Its Victorian façade — red brick, decorative stucco and imposing scale — reflects the grandeur of Britain’s historic railway hotels.
Inside, the refurbishment has refreshed the interiors while preserving the building’s character. The reception area feels calm and welcoming, and the layout of the hotel makes it easy for guests to move between rooms, dining spaces and event areas.
A Hotel With History
Originally built to serve first-class railway passengers, The Queen at Chesher quickly became a landmark in Chester. Over the years it has hosted notable figures including Charles Dickens, Cecil Rhodes and Lillie Langtry.
Today the hotel continues that tradition of hospitality. The refurbishment has enhanced public areas, meeting spaces and guest rooms while respecting the building’s historic architecture. Features such as patterned wooden floors, panelling and rich fabrics sit alongside modern amenities including air conditioning and upgraded facilities.
Guest Rooms and Suites
The hotel offers 218 individually styled guest rooms, providing a comfortable base for visitors exploring Chester or attending events at the hotel.
Rooms include high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service. As part of the refurbishment, 104 bedrooms were recently upgraded.
For those looking for additional space, the hotel also offers a selection of suites, including the Lily Langtry Suite in the original part of the building overlooking the Baltic Exchange Gardens.
Dining and Afternoon Tea
The hotel’s dining spaces provide relaxed settings for both guests and visitors.
The central bar, redesigned during the refurbishment, offers a comfortable place for drinks or informal gatherings. Afternoon tea is another highlight and a popular choice for visitors looking to enjoy a traditional experience in historic surroundings.
Meetings, Events and Celebrations
Alongside overnight stays, The Queen at Chester is a well-established venue for meetings, private celebrations and larger events.
The hotel offers eight meeting and event spaces, allowing organisers to host everything from small meetings to large gatherings.
The Colonnades Ballroom is the largest space, accommodating up to 400 guests and commonly used for conferences, awards evenings and weddings. The Palazzo, overlooking the Italian terrace gardens, provides a lighter space for up to 100 guests and works well for private dinners and receptions.
The Kings’ Quarter in the hotel’s contemporary wing can host up to 250 guests and features a built-in bar, dance floor and garden views. Several smaller rooms are also available for meetings, workshops and private gatherings.
Italian Terrace Gardens
One of the hotel’s most distinctive features is its Italian terrace gardens.
Outdoor space is rare for a city-centre hotel, but The Queen offers a landscaped terrace that works well for drinks receptions, summer gatherings and wedding ceremonies. It also provides a peaceful spot for guests to relax during their stay.
Exploring Chester
The hotel’s location makes it easy to explore the city. Chester’s historic centre, Roman walls, independent shops and restaurants are all within walking distance.
With the railway station directly opposite the hotel, it’s also convenient for visitors travelling from elsewhere in the UK.
