Five star hopeful

May 30 2008 by Barry Ellams, Chester Chronicle

Five star hopeful

HOOLE Hall Hotel is undergoing a mammoth £21m transformation to convert the gateway establishment into Chester’s second Five Star Hotel.

The three star hotel which used to employ 23 people is bidding to become a five star establishment with multi rossette winning fine dining employing 150 staff.

Hoole Hall Hotel and its 17 acre premises bought by Sanguine Hospitality in February 2007 will draw on America’s iconic havens of comfort and sporting leisure – the country hotel – epitomised by the world class Pinehurst Country Club.

With a state of the art spa, swimming pools, gym, grade II listed conservatory, walled garden and landscaped area, Hoole Hall Country Hall Hotel aims to earn equal international renown as the city’s only five star establishment in Chester – The Grosvenor Hotel on Eastgate Street.

Managing Director John Allanson said: “Our positioning is the gateway to Chester. There is no reason why we can’t be one of the premium sites. The Grosvenor is a fabulous property and we want to be rubbing shoulders with this illustrious, outstanding, world class hotel.

“The preconception in Chester is that this was just a lick of paint. I don’t think people in the city really understand what is happening here – this is a total rebuild, a new concept which is costing a huge amount of money. We want the best, to deliver exceptional value and we have not been cost conscious because we want to be very much a sort after destination.”

Mr Allanson, a former executive manager at Manchester’s five star Lowry Hotel believes the refurbishment brings Hoole Hall into the 21st century.

He said: “This is a truly unique property. I would describe the style as ‘timeless elegance’. We have brought back the classic feel of the old building but introduced very sophisticated and modern touches to give our guests absolute unrivalled luxury.

“Hoole Hall was a tired old lady waiting for a much-needed facelift.”

Phase 1 of the 21m refurbishment has been completed. Luxury restaurant The Orchid Room which seats 71 also has private dining booths and white leather furnishings lit by crystal chandeliers.

Mr Allanson added: “The Orchid Room is alongside the executive floor within the Manor House where guests have a choice of four private dining rooms.”

The country hotel and spa will capture two growth markets in Cheshire weddings and business tourism.

A grade II listed conservatory will be complete by August 2009 and can be used as a wedding venue/ballroom for 250 guests.

John Allanson has played very much a hands on role with the new design down to selecting individual art items for each bedroom.

The new look hotel has 105 bedrooms, including a presidential suite, executive and deluxe rooms named after former owners Bunbury, Holmes and Baldwin.

The 25,000 sq ft Spa, based on Bulgari in Milan with 12 treatment rooms an open air swimming pool, is expected to be a five star attraction in its own right described by John Allanson as a “big piece of the puzzle of the luxury end of the market.”

No expense is to be spared at lavishing guests with the five star treatment including complimentary drinks, phone calls and Wi Fi access.

Mr Allanson explained: “We are talking about well travelled people who have experienced world class hotels and we have to surpass that.

“We have to be on the tick list and help Chester secure its standing in the hospitality industry.”