Chester city centre's historic Grosvenor Hotel is to close in September, it has been announced today. Bespoke Hotels, which operates the Grade II hotel located next to the iconic Eastgate Clock, has confirmed the shock news to Cheshire Live.
It comes after unsafe concrete was discovered above the function suites of the building, which dates back to 1865. In a statement provided to Cheshire Live, Bespoke Hotels said: "Following the recent discovery of RAAC above the function suites, the scale and complexity of the works required to put a long-term solution in place, alongside necessary refurbishment works, we have taken the very difficult decision to cease operating The Chester Grosvenor.
"As a result, it is our intention to close the hotel on 30th September 2026. Our immediate focus is on supporting our colleagues in the weeks ahead. We closed our conference suites after the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) during recent surveys. The safety of our guests and colleagues is of the utmost importance and the affected area will remain closed as a precaution. All other public areas of the hotel, as well as the car park, are unaffected and continue to operate as normal."
A member of staff told Cheshire Live the team was "heartbroken".
What we know
The future of Chester's historic Grosvenor Hotel - what we know
Staff left 'heartbroken'
A reminder of the initial story we broke earlier this afternoon:
Chester's iconic Grosvenor Hotel to 'cease operating': FULL STORY HERE
'Our priority now is to ensure the long-term future of the hotel given its importance to Chester'
Grosvenor Estate confirms plans to find new hotel operator: Full story here
Statement from the Grosvenor Estate
A spokesperson for Grosvenor, which owns the freehold of the hotel, said:
We are sorry to acknowledge that Bespoke Hotels has taken the decision to cease operating the hotel following its summer closure, and for the impact this will have on those whose roles may be affected. Our priority now is to ensure the long-term future of the hotel given its importance to Chester.
As an organisation steeped in the history of city and that is deeply committed to its long-term success, we are developing plans for a major refurbishment supported by significant investment and the appointment of a new operator. The refurbishment will protect the future of Cheshire’s only five-star large hotel, strengthening Chester’s tourism and hospitality economy.”
