Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa - Chester

Jacqui Leavold

My elderly mum and myself and small dog stayed for a couple of nights for my birthday. The hotel does look a bit shabby and the place could do with a makeover BUT what it lacked in decor etc was made up by wonderful staff who were exceptionally helpful and friendly.
The breakfast was delicious and we were allowed to dine in the conservatory with our dog which was lovely.
The spa staff were really helpful too and were able to tailor the treatments to my mums needs as she uses a wheelchair.
She had her first ever facial at 91 and was over the moon.
We had a spa package which included 2 treatments o n each day and our evening meals.
We felt thoroughly relaxed ,pampered and well fed by the time we left!
A huge thank you to all the staff.
Especially the spa team

Mike Holman

It's a bit of a mixed bag. We booked in for one night and a visit to the Spa. I don't know if it was an off day or management weren't in that day, but our first impression wasn't great.

Reception staff booking us in and out weren't interested, and the rooms are old and could do with some TLC. Our double bed needed to be replaced – we were rolling into the middle, and it was the worst sleep ever.

When we arrived at the Spa, the staff were just disinterested, and the place was a mess. Food and drink were left on tables all day. Getting a towel was a chore.

The actual spa treatments were good, and we had a relaxing time.

Breakfast was okay. I'd read reviews about the evening meals and decided against it.

I might have missed some things, but if I saw another good deal, I might return, knowing what to expect.

It's okay for the price, but it could be so much better.

Jodie C

We stayed for 3 nights and can honestly say it was one of the worst hotels I have stayed in. For starters, the food in their restaurant was awful and incredibly overpriced. We only ate there because we were offered £25pp off our first evening meal when we booked. The food used poor quality ingredients and it was very obvious nothing was made in-house. We noticed this when we had breakfast as well and it was so bad we decided not to have breakfast the 3rd morning. Also the lock on our door was changed after the first night, so we were awoken to drilling as they changed all the locks on our hallway. We were not warned of this and it meant we had to get a new key card mid-stay as ours no longer worked. This key card then stopped working again the next day, so we had to return and get another new key card. The staff were a mixed bunch, some were incredibly friendly and others were very unprofessional e.g. gossiping about other staff members. The spa did not have some of its facilities working, which was a disappointment. However we received both a facial and full body massage and these were lovely and the only part of our stay that we enjoyed. Both the hotel and spa are incredibly dated. For example, we had massive stains all over our hotel room floor, and the walls throughout the hotel were stained and needed a refresh of paint. I would not recommend this hotel and spa at all, and it's clear this hotel needs a refresh before it can even be considered a four star hotel as it claims to be.

George Broadhurst

Stayed for 2 days, was a really nice stay. It looked fantastic on the outside, and the inside was just as nice. The rooms were matching and fit the setting, really comfy beds and decent rooms all round. I've seen some reviews saying they are dated, but that is just the theme of the hotel. Could do with some sockets by the bed. Bathrooms were very modern and spacious. When staying, you can use the leisure facilities for free when you stay and get a free breakfast on certain packages. We were there because of the deal with Chester Zoo. The breakfast was really nice. The staff were supper friendly and helpful.

Catherine Conroy

We stayed here for my husband's birthday for 2 nights and the room was big and spacious with a lovely view. My Husband has a few health conditions and it is hard trying to find food that he can actually eat. The staff were great and Matt helped him to find something they could do especially for him to eat. Nothing was any trouble at all, they were all very nice.
Thanks Jerone and Matt (and all the other staff) for making our stay very enjoyable ?.

Ruth E

I regularly attend a class at the Leisure centre, and I can’t recommend it enough! The instructor, Matt J Robinson (Wed and Fri am classes), is incredibly motivating and knowledgeable, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and included, regardless of fitness level.||The class itself is a great mix of cardio and strength training, with a variety of exercises that keep things fresh and exciting. Each session challenges me in new ways, and the supportive atmosphere pushes me to give my best effort. Thanks, Matt!

Ellen C

Lovely hotel with friendly staff in a beautiful setting. Why there are no walking trails is a mystery, but the gym and pool are very nice. Rooms are spacious and well furnished. ||It is best visited by car, but an occasional scheduled minivan service to and from Chester would be nice for guests and better for the environment.

Marie Millar

We love McDonalds hotels, but this particular one is outdated. It was sold to us with an upgraded room with stunning views. Trees were practically touching the window, and behind We, looked out onto the children's play area and an open space. Rooms need upgrading.
Staff was excellent