Hotel Review: Roomzzz, Chester

It’s been a little while since I visited Chester.

The last time it was summer, I was in my twenties and I went with friends. Though memories are a bit hazy, we got very drunk, I can remember visiting Rosie’s, with it’s weirdly bouncy dance floor (I was never sure if this was down to the floor being dodgy, or if it was deliberately springy), straw hats, Hawaiian shirts, and a journey back to the hotel at 3am. I think it took us about an hour to find a taxi.

This time around was a much more sedate affair. Mr GFB and I booked a little time off work for a night away, dinner at the much lauded Porta Tapas, walk across the walls before lunch the next day at Sticky Walnut, and in the meantime, a lazy overnight stay at the new Roomzzz Aparthotel near Chester Racecourse.

The Aparthotel opened in early April, and as the name would suggest, gives you the comforts of an apartment, but with the flexibility of a hotel. The rooms have a good kitchen space including hob, microwave and dishwasher, small but perfectly formed bathroom and even a small lounge space. Downstairs there’s a 24 hour concierge, small shop and a little coffee lounge.

I have to admit to being slightly in love with the neatness of the kitchen. I’m not a bit fan of glossy black – it wouldn’t work in our kitchen at home – but this was shiny as a new penny, and had we been staying longer, I’d have filled the fridge with goodies for breakfast.

As mentioned, the bathroom is small, but the shower space is large enough to fit two of you (if you fancy), and even the toiletries match the strong coloured theme of the building. Speaking of which. Fancy a little mood lighting?

This was the bit that made it feel a little bit like a porn set from the 1980s, or some sort of bedroom disco. I was definitely not convinced, and after switching it on for the photograph, the blue lights remained off.

We didn’t take much advantage of the little lounge space, nor the writing desk – we were far too busy dashing around Chester enjoying ourselves, but it’s nice to see that if you needed to stay away for an extended period, you wouldn’t have to use the bed for working, or eating (unless you wanted to).

The single issue we had with the room as a whole (ignoring the disco lights) was the window above the bed. At around 5am the next morning, beautiful sunshine streamed through it directly, onto the head of the bed, making it impossible to sleep.

That was until I got creative.

I hasten to add that the pillow was removed after breakfast and the request for a blind or something to be put into the room for future guests made to reception.

Being an aparthotel, breakfast is a little different. No downstairs buffet, or full English. There is, however, a great selection of fresh pastries and coffee for you to take with you, or collect from the reception area and bring back to your room.

Overall for £69 a night, it’s not bad at all. Central location, flexibility and space – or spend a little more for the Grande Studio, or even a Penthouse Suite.

Oh and for those of you curious?

Yep. Rosie’s is still there.

Maybe next time.

With thanks to Roomzzz, who care of their Chester Aparthotel opening deal offered a room out to a limited number of people at a discounted rate, first come first served.