Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester

“Spa Excellent Experience - Nice Hotel but in need of a refurbishment and some TLC.”

Ok so honest review. Spa break booked and paid for by mum for myself and partners birthdays, but after reading some of the reviews on here I was not expecting much. However, we were pleasantly surprised. The location and the grounds the hotel sits in are lovely and in an ideal location for Ch… more

Ok so honest review. Spa break booked and paid for by mum for myself and partners birthdays, but after reading some of the reviews on here I was not expecting much. However, we were pleasantly surprised. The location and the grounds the hotel sits in are lovely and in an ideal location for Chester which is about 6 miles away with Liverpool about 10 miles away and Cheshire Oaks designer outlet a 5 minute drive away. Check in with no issues and very efficient with a polite and pleasant lady on reception. We stayed in room 117 which is a very big, light and airy room with big windows that look out onto the gardens, which you can imagine when the hotel was built would have been really lovely room. However, the room is now in a very dated and poor condition. The curtains had holes in them and furniture in need of some TLC as all old and worn. As previously mentioned in other reviews there is a real problem with black mould in the property, and the bathroom in room 117 was not the exception the paint was all peeling off on the ceiling and there was black mould on the ceiling which is not the best particularly if some guests have breathing difficulties such as Asthma or COPD. I believe this to be unacceptable for such a hotel chain especially with the amount of reviews mentioning this now. The cleanliness of the room was also questionable, skirting boards were dirty, especially in areas such as under dressing table which could be seen and also the bathroom had issues with the shower screen been dirty underneath. But as I said we did like the size of the room and its outlook and the bed was very comfortable. We also liked the lounge area of the hotel it had a very relaxing atmosphere and the service was good with a good selection of drinks and food and the service was good. We had a pepperoni pizza which was very nice as was the sweet potato fries with curry and lime mayonnaise which was very tasty. Also breakfast was nice but took a long time for our breakfast order to be taken as was more interested in seating other guests even though you have to book a time to eat breakfast. SPA As this was a spa break both myself and my partner had a back, neck and shoulder massage treatment booked in. I work but I also care for my son who has a disability which means I have done a lot of moving and handling over the years and at the time of this review I had just spent 2 weeks in hospital with my son sleeping on a camp bed. My back takes a lot of strain as does my shoulders and neck. Once at the spa I was asked to complete a treatment questionnaire before the treatment asking about any health issues and what firmness I would prefer during the treatment. So I have previously been on spa breaks and asked for firm massages, and all I have had is a few light rubs and strokes which for me does not feel adequate enough, so this time I thought I would try and get a massage tailored to my liking - so I put VERY FIRM! Not sure what my treatment therapist Kim thought when she read my questionnaire, but she explained that she would have to build upto very firm as otherwise It would be too painful. Kim started slow and gentle and then built upto a very firm massage, which due to my back and the amount of tension at certain times it could be felt when Kim was working on my knots but I have to say Kim was amazing she listened to my needs and she worked hard to deliver - and deliver she did. The massage was amazing the best massage I have ever had! Kim also recommended due to my lifestyle to keep upto having massages and that I probably needed sports massage, which I am going to follow her advice. The massage has certainly released a lot of tension that I had. (Thanks Kim! ). The spa area was very inviting and had a comfortable and cosy vibe. Overall both myself and my partner had a very enjoyable break and there were lots of things about the break we enjoyed. However, the outdated rooms and the cleanliness of the rooms lets the place down. It is in need of desperate refurbishment which is a shame as nice hotel with character and nice grounds. I would return to use the spa facilities.

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