GET IN TOUCH The Queen at Chester Hotel, City Road, Chester, CH1 3AH 0330 028 3402 | reservations@thequeenatchesterhotel.co.uk www.lghhm.com/portfolio/the-queen-at-chester-hotel Being a total history nerd, I was giddy with excitement when I pulled up outside The Queen at Chester Hotel, so impressive is its Victorian facade I felt as though I might be about to step back in time. The grand and impressive lobby didn’t disappoint with its theatrical four-storey staircase, complete with ornate iron balustrade – a showstopping setting for wedding photographs. Built in 1860, directly opposite Chester station to serve first-class rail passengers, the Grade II listed Hotel, which is part of the BW Premier Collection, has quite the past and is thought to be the first skyscraper of its time. Indeed, I knew we were in good company as it lists among its former guests such icons as Charles Dickens, Cecil Rhodes and Lillie Langtry, and standing in the lobby it’s easy to imagine them checking in just as I was about to. What’s more, located a mere 10-minute walk from the centre of Chester it offers a great base for guests in town to attend your wedding and being so close to the station it’s easy for them to reach you. I was delighted to find a large on-site car park too – so rare in city-based hotels. KINGS AND QUEENS This huge hotel boasts two parts, the original Victorian building of course, and to the rear the more recent addition, Kings at The Queen, which was our home for the night. As I made my way through the historical venue to reach my room I soon discovered that the Victorian era wasn’t the only period embraced. Heading past The King’s Grill and onto the link the place transformed into a different era richly and rightfully celebrated in Chester – that of the Romans. The historical building is indeed Italianate in style and this became more evident passing the gorgeous courtyards and terraces with their Roman-esque statues, classical urns and arches. On a glorious day, you could almost find yourself transported to Italy for your nuptials. Each floor of the Kings section is dedicated to a different country and every room is named after one of that nation’s kings. Our floor was Chinese themed and Emperor Hongwu was our host, founder of the Chinese Ming dynasty, who reigned from 1368 to 1398. The room was hung with paintings of our Emperor in ornate gold frames and the décor was accented with luxurious reds, I enjoyed its character. No doubt, your guests would enjoy swapping stories at breakfast about what room they’re staying in and googling their own king! TYING THE KNOT The Queen at Chester boasts eight event areas with two al fresco spaces and six banqueting suites, all catering for every type of reception, civil ceremony and partnership. The Hotel has been hosting weddings for more than 150 years, and the team’s expertise has been handed down to its various members over that time, allowing them to carefully and deftly plan each special day from intimate gatherings of 50 to larger parties of 300. The Colonnades can play host to 300 loved ones. The perfect space for large ceremonies and celebrations with a nod to the Roman period, it’s brimming with character. Plus, the high ceilings with opulent chandelier centrepiece, make this a grand place to host your big day. Natural light floods in through overhead skylights in the glass-fronted Palazzo, where there’s space for 120 nearest and dearest. It also boasts stunning views over the magnificent Baltic Exchange Gardens, which can host 150 guests themselves. The Victoria Room is one of the Hotel’s original lounges, located in the Grade II listed building, and as you’d expect is brimming with Victorian character and décor making a it a beautiful setting for ceremonies. Here 60 of your loved ones can witness your vows. Similarly, The Disraeli Room is located on the first floor and is packed with style and Victorian features. It overlooks the Baltic Exchange Gardens and is ideal for intimate weddings with 25 nearest and dearest. Finally, The Jubilee Room based in the modern Kings’ building is a stylish suite able to seat 100 guests. It’s flooded with natural daylight, is fully air-conditioned and boasts its own private terrace. At the end of a wonderful day, you can then retire to the honeymoon suite with its stunning four-poster bed and feature bath. ROYALTY Fit for Editor Kelly Andrews visited The Queen at Chester and took a stroll through time via its spectacular wedding suites Scan to view video 16
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