When looking for a hotel, many points are factored in; location, cost, style, to name but a few. But, ultimately if guests are searching for the ultimate getaway, indulgence is at the forefront of their decision. We take a look at two contrasting hotels in the North West, united by their air of luxury.
Boasting Cheshire’s only Michelin starred restaurant, The Chester Grosvenor Hotel it is a must see when visiting the region and a foodie’s best kept secret. Its distinctive black and white timbered façade typifies much of Chester’s Tudor revival architecture, which is what makes Chester one of the most picturesque cities in the UK.
From the restaurants to the rooms, a traditional air of luxury is maintained throughout, bringing guests back time and time again. The hotel boasts two varying styles of hotel room; the first a classic style with elegant décor and beautiful marble bathroom, the second a more contemporary style, with sleek finishings and even USB charging ports to suit the more tech savvy guest. ‘The Gallery’ on the first floor landing boasts the original staircase where the grandeur of the 28,000 piece crystal chandelier offers the most memorable of settings, perfect for any photo opportunities that may arise.
‘Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor’ has a retained a Michelin star since 1990 – a feat which no other restaurant in the north of England has achieved. Guests can indulge in an eight-course tasting menu, featuring such delectable dishes as Cushion of halibut and Caramelised veal sweetbreads. Alternatively, the hotel’s alternative restaurant, La Brasserie, offers diners a taste of Parisian dining. Home to an original 1920s style hand-painted glass skylight, the restaurant oozes a feeling of French sophistication and offers comprehensive A la Carte and Light Bites menus, featuring such dishes as Corn Fed Poussin, En gelèe and Louis XV dessert.
On the other end of the spectrum is Manchester’s quirky Hotel Gotham. The building dates back to 1928, having been painstakingly restored and transformed from its previous banking life into the impressive 60-room hotel it is today. Internal restoration includes the reincarnation of the main staircase, the brass handrail, its balustrades, mouldings and terrazzo flooring. The Art Deco influence can be seen in the striking bespoke geometric carpets running throughout the corridors and bedrooms. Beautifully rich wall finishes of metal, wood, leather and ceramic are used extensively and provide a richness and decadence that evokes emotions of the past.
However, the Art Deco backdrop is accented with mementos designed to add drama and create talking points; from bowler hats in display cabinets to money bags for laundry and typewriters on the walls, references to the building’s banking past, Hotel Gotham holds a surprise around every corner.
Guests can immerse themselves in Manchester’s industrial views in Club Brass, an exclusive VIP rooftop retreat. Beautifully clad geometric tin tiled walls provide the perfect backdrop to the sleek leather booths and cut-glass decanter lights. Cocktails, liquors and spirits created exclusively by Sipsmith Independent Spirits.
The ‘Honey’ restaurant, serves guests a modern twist on brasserie classics. Menus and cocktails reflect the hotel’s art deco heritage and heavily feature local suppliers and tastes, such as Beetroot Gradvalax, Lamb Hotpot, Manchester Tart and Gotham Kirsch Cake.
The Chester Grosvenor and Hotel Gotham are sister properties within the ‘deluxe’ section of the Bespoke Hotel Group.
For more information on both The Chester Grosvenor Hotel and Hotel Gotham, please contact [email protected].