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Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester

4.0 star property

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester

Couples treatment room(s), sauna, body treatments, aromatherapy
Property video
Exterior
Couples treatment room(s), sauna, body treatments, aromatherapy
Indoor pool

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • 24/7 front desk

Explore the area

View in a map
Parkgate Road, Ledsham, Nr Chester, Ellesmere Port, England, CH66 9PB
  • Place, Burton Mere Wetlands
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Chester Zoo
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Chester City Walls
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Manchester (MAN)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Double Bed (Deluxe King)

Premium bedding, down duvets, desk, blackout curtains

Deluxe Room, 1 Double Bed (Deluxe King)

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(8 reviews)
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 King Bed (Standard King)

Premium bedding, down duvets, desk, blackout curtains

Standard Room, 1 King Bed (Standard King)

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(15 reviews)
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed (Super Deluxe King)

Premium bedding, down duvets, desk, blackout curtains

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed (Super Deluxe King)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Single Bed (Standard Single)

Premium bedding, down duvets, desk, blackout curtains

Standard Room, 1 Single Bed (Standard Single)

  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Double Bed (Standard Double Family 3)

Premium bedding, down duvets, desk, blackout curtains

Standard Room, 1 Double Bed (Standard Double Family 3)

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(4 reviews)
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Room, 2 Single Beds, Accessible (Accessible Twin)

Premium bedding, down duvets, desk, blackout curtains

Room, 2 Single Beds, Accessible (Accessible Twin)

  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Standard Room, 1 Double Bed (Standard Double)

Premium bedding, down duvets, desk, blackout curtains

Standard Room, 1 Double Bed (Standard Double)

7.2 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Room, 1 Double Bed (Super Deluxe Double)

Premium bedding, down duvets, desk, blackout curtains

Deluxe Room, 1 Double Bed (Super Deluxe Double)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Superior Suite, 1 Double Bed (Super Deluxe Suite)

Premium bedding, down duvets, desk, blackout curtains

Superior Suite, 1 Double Bed (Super Deluxe Suite)

  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard King Room

  • Sleeps 2

Standard Double Room

  • Sleeps 2

Standard Room, 1 Double Bed (Standard Double Family)

  • Sleeps 2

Accessible Twin Room

  • Sleeps 2

Super Deluxe Suite

  • Sleeps 2

Deluxe King Room

  • Sleeps 2

Super Deluxe King Room

  • Sleeps 2

Super Deluxe Double Room

  • Sleeps 2

Standard Single

  • Sleeps 1

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About this property

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester

Hotel in Ellesmere Port with full-service spa and health club
This smoke-free hotel features a full-service spa, an indoor pool and a restaurant. Free WiFi in public areas and free self parking are also provided. Additionally, a health club, a bar/lounge and a snack bar/deli are on-site.
Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester offers 72 accommodations with coffee/tea makers and a hairdryer. Beds feature down duvets and premium bedding. Flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Bathrooms include a combined bath/shower unit and complimentary toiletries.

This Ellesmere Port hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Additionally, rooms include an iron/ironing board and blackout curtains. Housekeeping is offered on a daily basis and hypo-allergenic bedding can be requested.

Recreational amenities at the hotel include an indoor pool, a health club and a sauna.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on-site or nearby; fees may apply.

The on-site spa has 6 treatment rooms, including rooms for couples. Services include facials, body wraps, body scrubs and body treatments. The spa is equipped with a sauna. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. The spa is open daily.
Our customers tell us that they can't get enough of the helpful staff at Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester. During your stay, you'll be close to Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. Free WiFi in public areas, free self-parking and a full-service spa are available.
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self-parking
  • Enjoy British cuisine while dining at Craxton Wood Grill
  • Full breakfast served daily for a fee
  • Take a swim in the indoor pool
  • Indulge with body treatments, body wraps or aromatherapy at the spa
  • Services include dry cleaning/laundry, tour or ticket assistance and luggage storage
  • On-site recreation includes a gym, a steam room and a sauna
  • 8 minutes by car from Chester Zoo and 9 minutes from Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet
  • Dogs welcome for a fee (restrictions apply)
Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester offers its guests a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and a health club. Along with a restaurant and a coffee shop/cafe, there's a snack bar/deli on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces.

A business centre and meeting rooms are available. A sauna, a terrace, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at the business-friendly Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester. Self parking is free.

This 4-star Ellesmere Port hotel is smoke free.

For a fee, guests can enjoy full breakfast on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and at the weekend from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.
Craxton Wood Grill – This restaurant specialises in British cuisine and serves breakfast and dinner.
The Cocktail Bar & Lounge – Overlooking the garden, this bar serves lunch, dinner and light fare.
On-site venue No. 3 – This coffee shop only serves light fare. Open daily.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.

Awards and affiliations

Eco-certified property
This property participates in Green Tourism Programme – a programme that measures the property's impact on one or more of the following: environment, community, cultural heritage and the local economy.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Full breakfast available for a fee 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekends; GBP 24 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Craxton Wood Grill
  • The Cocktail Bar & Lounge

Things to do

  • Fitness classes
  • Full-service spa
  • Health club
  • Indoor pool
  • Mini golf
  • Pilates classes
  • Sauna
  • Steam room
  • TV in common areas
  • Yoga classes

Family friendly

  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Mini golf
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Business centre
  • Conference space
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • 6 treatment rooms
  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Facials
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Sauna
  • Spa open daily

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1999
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Limited room service

More

  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets: GBP 15 per pet, per day
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Pets cannot be left unattended
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
    • Service animals are exempt from fees.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for full breakfast: from approximately GBP 24 per person
  • Pet fee: GBP 15 per pet, per day
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property.
Children are allowed in the pool 9-11 AM and 3-6 PM.

We should mention

  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).

Property is also known as

Craxton
Craxton Wood
Macdonald Craxton
Macdonald Craxton Wood
Macdonald Craxton Wood Ellesmere Port
Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel
Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel Ellesmere Port
Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel Spa
Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester Hotel
Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester Ellesmere Port

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 298 out of 916 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 324 out of 916 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 166 out of 916 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 90 out of 916 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 38 out of 916 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

7.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Chris

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Lorna

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The family room was large and comfortable (if a bit tired), however lack of air conditioning was a bit of an issue as it was 30 degrees. However a fan was provided on request. Breakfast was great with a lot of choice and there were good options for other meals. It was great for kids due to the large grassy area just outside the restaurant, meaning they could go and play while we finished our food and drinks. The pool is a good size and is sectioned off for adults and families/ children. There was also a decent amount of time allocated for children to swim. Location was good for us, being handy for Chester zoo, Chester itself and not too far from the coast. All in all, we had an enjoyable and comfortable stay and would definitely come back.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Paul

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Don’t be fooled by the pretty location

Don’t be fooled by the pretty location or the glossy photos. The hotel is tired and run-down, with dated rooms and a kitchen that didn’t look clean. The restaurant served the worst food we’ve ever had (even the chips were bad) and breakfast was a sad buffet with a latte so watered down it was undrinkable. They charged £4 for a cappuccino at an “included” breakfast without warning, and when I complained, there was no attempt to make it right. Staff seemed overstretched and uninterested. To top it off, we even overheard staff in the kitchen complaining about customers with allergies. Save your money, this is not a 4 star stay, it’s a disappointment.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Myles

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were great, room was lovely and big and the bed was comfy. Good breakfast included and all for a very good price.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Sandra

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Neeta

Business traveller
Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
This hotel is ok, just needs updating and a little care. There was a distinct smell of cigarette smoke in the reception area and down the corridors. The wardrobe door was off its hinges in our room and the shelves all scratched and tatty. The beds were comfortable and the room was clean.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Iain

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kirti

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

lovely stay as a group of 16

this was a wonderful saty. We were a family of 16. Occupying 5 rooms. Service was great. Staff were great. Pool steam and sauana super clean. Hotel rooms a little dated but did the job. We had a blast
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Mairwen

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Lovely attentive staff. Good food. The property is very tired.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Hotel stay after spa day

Had a lovely day at the Spa with lovely with treatment and afternoon tea. We booked to stay at the hotel overnight. The staff were helpful and professional behind the reception and in the restaurant. We had afternoon tea which was okay, went again for tea, very overpriced and the food wasnt great for the value. Breakfast was excellent lots of choice to chose from and cooked breakfast was good. Hotel room was very dated. Had booked room with king size bed, but was two single beds pushed together. The beds were okay but didnt find the mattresses the comfiest. The area was quiet which was good, no noise compaints. The room only had one working UK plug socket, one did not work and the rest were EU plugs so not able to use. Decent shower and bathroom. Overall excellent spa day and breakfast at the hotel, Tea time food overpriced and the rooms are very dated.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vicki

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Andrew

Disliked: Cleanliness
Only half way through stay but arrived and found a very dirty toilet with matter dripping from underneath of toilet seat. Rest of room cleaned perfectly fine so just an unfortunate oversight but Went to reception to ask someone to come help and an hour later no one arrived. We went out for dinner (couldn’t get a table in hotel) and when came back someone had been on and put some bleach down but underneath of seat still dirty !
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Keith

Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities
It was very quiet and in very nice grounds. There was black mold on the silicone sea to the bath and wash basin.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service

Generally good but needs updating

Staff friendly and excellent. Food generally good but breakfast on Tuesday not up to Monday’s standard. Hotel clean but in need of refurbishment.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Nadine

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Robert

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

No great in anyway

On arrival I was allocated my room tv would not work and room had not been cleaned, the manager came and within seconds agreed to move me . My next room was clean but had a big fan in it and I was told the room gets very warm. Out of all the windows only one opened about two inches. The fan was needed but the main issue was the fan in the toilet was noisy and never went off and at 10.50 that night my door was banged heavily and by another guest shouting for me to turn off the fan . I had no option but to take my card out which in turn turned all the room power off , it was a very uncomfortable unpleasant night . Following day the cleaner had said the issue with the fan only started yesterday and she had reported the issue . On top of all of this I ordered a meal of steak chips and salad , the salad was an embarrassment even the employee serving said he was embarrassed . Worst of all the managers never seemed to do much to rectify I was still expected to pay for both days stays and my meal .
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

ghaith

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Business traveller
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

DEAN

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Nice comfy beds. Hotel in need of facelift and at £24 for breakfast it looks like this is how they plant to fund it !!. Mouldy ceiling in bathroom ☹️
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice tranquil modern hotel

Lovely hotel in the middle of the countryside, very tranquil, nice modern clean room, quiet at night. Enjoyed the leisure centre, good facilities apart from lack of hot tub.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lydia

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The domestic staff are wonderfu, very helpful, lovely people and so very kind. All the staff we were in contact with could not of been nicer. My wife had her 21st some 51 years ago at this hotel! We were both originally from Heswall. Our trip was one to help my brother in law who lives in New Brighton who has had a nasty fall booth breaks in his ankle. Thank you for your help.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025