Mollington Banastre Hotel And Spa - Chester, United Kingdom 

The photograph on the website is of the garden side of the hotel, so when approaching from the road the frontage is somewhat disappointing and institutional. However the inside makes up for that with reception leading on to a large sitting area, bar and further seating leading to the terrace and garden. Checking in took a while as the receptionist broke off part way through proceedings to prepare a bill for some departing customers - unfortunately she didn't bother to apologize for keeping me waiting. Thankfully my single room was better than I'd expected - the usual hotel furniture but an interesting layout consisting of a small sitting room with the bed and television in an adjoining room down a few steps. The bright bathroom led off the bedroom and everything was clean and comfortable. My friend's single room was a convential layout and again was clean and comfortable but an unpleasant smell outside the bathroom meant that the window had to be kept shut. Dinner was a disappointment with the food not living up to expectations. Our king prawns in filo pastry were straight out of a catering pack and not what I'd expected and then my friend's duck arrived well done instead of the asked for pink. However the wine was very enjoyable and the staff were friendly but unobtrusive. Breakfast was fairly standard. Be careful to check your bill - I discovered that room service and bar drinks for the previous occupant of my room had been put on my bill. I would stay here again but would definitely go out to eat.

When you approach the hotel your heart sinks - it looks average. Inside it is better. When I arrived at the friendly reception, I was offered a voucher with a discount for dinner.. Rooms are about 50-50 on the ground flood and upstairs and the downstairs rooms are very accessible - no steps at all. Rooms are large but the bath rooms are only just big enough - mine had a small bath tub. But water was hot, everything I wanted was provided. The bar area is spacious and light and looks onto the attractive garden. The wine list was excellent. Dinner was good. I'd go again.