Go through the looking glass with a stay at “chic and quirky” hotel Oddfellows Chester

When we think of luxury city breaks, the status quo is to take a trip to cities like Rome, Barcelona or Paris. But instead of joining the tourist hoards on these typical trips, there are true gems to be found much closer to home. The United Kingdom is full of history and culture that, when living your day-to-day life in the City, can be easily forgotten. But just a short journey from the capital is Chester, an historic and colourful area of England with some surprisingly luxurious features.

Oddfellows Chester is a boutique five-star hotel right in the heart of Chester. There isn’t a thing in this city you’re not within striking distance of, but is it that truly makes this quiet hotel stand out? Walking into the stunning Georgian townhouse, you would never expect the charming design inside, like walking through C.S. Lewis' wardrobe doors and straight into Narnia. Quirky and chic, this establishment boasts a warm and welcoming feel from the get-go.

Before you can stop taking in your surroundings, you’ll be taken to your room after a smooth check in thanks to the excellent and efficient staff. We stayed in the Douglas Duplex Suite, built in tribute to architect John Douglas. Not your average hotel room, the contemporary split-level layout is both unusual and inviting. Decor is the perfect mix of modern and classic, with the star of the show being the huge free-standing bath next to the king sized bed, with views up to the stars from the skylight above.

Elsewhere in the hotel, this nod to clever design continues. Adjacent to the hotel’s delightful restaurant Cultivated is the appropriately named Secret Garden lounge. The outdoor bar and restaurant is one of Chester’s premiere spots for breakfast, lunch and dinner – or a drink or two under the stars thank to its live lounge sessions. >>

Thanks to its elegant canopies, outdoor fires and heated booths the lounge is even available during the winter months. It’s a cosy retreat covered in flora and fauna to help you unwind and relax after that city touring. In the mornings of our stay, we tucked in to the restaurant's delightful breakfast menu (the Eggs Benedict are not to be missed).

There is enough in the Oddfellows Chester to keep you occupied for more than a long weekend, but should you want to venture out of its cheerful and warm setting, you’ll find help from the staff on what are the best kept secrets in the city of Chester and how to truly enjoy it in its full glory.

And with Christmas just around the corner, now is a great time to visit the Roman fortress city. I can only imagine how wonderful the Secret Garden is on a Christmas night after a mooch around the city's Christmas markets. If that doesn’t convince you, they put Christmas trees in your rooms too for that extra festive cheer.