Name: Bowman Lodge - B&B
Address: Hoole Rd, 52, Chester, CH2 3NL, GB

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2026

Ian

Checked in early very easily. The hotel is in a great location close to the centre.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Oct 2025

hilary

Really helpful, clean and tidy room. Lounge available with fridge and microwave. Shops and pubs nearby

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

28 Aug 2025

Daniel

Not so bad. For the price it's worth it.

To be honest i found this not so bad. Yes it's old decor and in dire need of some tlc but for the price (if ave £60 a night or less) its worth it. Not worth more than that though. Its central to a good selection of shops and eat outs. I was contracting in the area so was a handy base. The owner Mike is fantastic. Incredibly helpful and always on hand if need anything. There is a small fridge and a microwave in a commin room lounge which i found helpful as i like proper milk with my tea and coffee. Dont get that in most local hotels. Comparing to local hotels, of which the standards in the area are absolutely shocking, i actually found here fairly comfortable. Would i stay here again contracting, yes.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2025

rprend**

Owner was brilliant and welcoming, the cleaning service was unintrusive, located in a great area a walkable distance from the town centre.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Sep 2024

Lourdes

I was able to experience staying in a typical Victorian house. The owner made sure I had all I needed; he was prompt, cheerful, and polite. Groceries, fine dining, take-out, etc. are all nearby. I especially liked the charity shops where I was able to buy old books.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

26 Aug 2024

Sarah

Kind and friendly team.

8/10

Excellent

01 Aug 2024

Clinton

Clean tidy and comfortable. Located in a very good area with lots of access and amenities nearby. Only 25 mins walk from the centre of town.

Business_and_leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2024

Christine

Convenient for our visit to the hospital
Excellent room for 3 adults and one 2 year old

Leisure Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

23 Oct 2023

LEE

Shower went through cold and hot randomly, heating was cold through the day and nice in the evening. Limited TV options in the night, resident owner was nice and welcoming.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

13 Oct 2023

Frances

Basic but good

We had a great time

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Sep 2023

Michael

Nice stay

Nice stay at the Bowman lodge.
Management very helpful. Definitely would stop again.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

27 Feb 2023

Tina

I booked my stay because I had stayed here before. But - I was making a long journey and there was no breakfast which wasn’t made clear until after the booking was made. Also despite selecting the pay at hotel option payment was taken straight away. If it hadn’t been I would have cancelled my booking.

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

24 Aug 2022

N

The room I was in had a faulty water system. the bathroom & bed sinks only had cold water and the shower blasted out cold or very hot water intermittently. I had to boil the kettle to use it for a hot water wash.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

21 Jun 2022

Verified traveler

Convenient Chester Guest House

I booked Bowman Lodge for its fair price and location for a working weekend. It's not a far trek from the railway station or the city centre. I'd not been to Chester before and from what I saw of the area, it was incredibly beautiful, with lots of conveniences available. The Guest House was nice and the owner very hospitable, giving us directions to find food after a long journey. The room itself was a comfortable size for a small double. I think it was a bit worn down in places, but it was okay; the facilities were just what we needed. Slept comfortably enough both nights there, even though the springs in the middle of the bed were a little too firm. I was happy we were given a ground floor room as we had heavy luggage we had to move around across the weekend, which saved a whole lot of struggling. As they no longer do breakfast, their dining hall is now a communal room with couches, a dining table and a microwave, with cutlery available. We did make use of the space, so we're weren't couped up in the room all the time during the evening. A couple of niggles to point out - the locking mechanism on the room door was stiff and temperamental, which could be hard to lock/unlock, probably due to age and wear. Also, on my last night, the shower flow started to play up halfway through, so had to finish up with it spluttering, might be something to look into. Overall, it was a nice experience here and recommendable for its prime location.

Business

8/10

Excellent

31 May 2022

Clive

It was ok but a little bit far out from Liverpool , couldn’t find any where to stay in liverpool for that weekend unless you wanted to pay extortionate prices

Partner

8/10

Excellent

16 May 2022

Verified traveler

Bowden lodge

Owner was very welcoming & helpful, it could do with an upgrade but it was a big victorian house so the rooms reflected that, the room was very spacious & clean & it was nice & quiet so had a good nights sleep

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

01 Mar 2022

Sharon

Perfect location

The lodge is in the perfect location on one of the main roads to Chester, only a short walk or bus ride into the city. Two minutes down the road at Faulkner Street is a little suburb called Hoole with some great bars and restaurants, perfect if you didn't want to go into town in the evening. Our room was clean and had everything we needed for a short stay. Mike was a hospitable and helpful host. The bed was a bit lumpy but it didn't matter too much as we were so tired after walking all day! Chester is a beautiful place, with a buzz about it, and lots of history to explore. Go there, you won't be disappointed!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 Feb 2022

Graham

Good B&B

Went to Chester to help move our daughter, so just wanted b&b for the night. Clean & friendly only slight negative was there was no breakfast available but with plenty of choice nearby.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Feb 2022

Vicky

A great host and location.

Travelled as a family of 3 in February for a long weekend. We arrived after 9pm and Mike the owner told us where he had left the key with a handwritten note in an envelope - lovely personal touch. The room was on the ground floor, and was quite spacious. Mike was on hand to answer any questions and advice on places to eat and what to do in Chester. There is limited car parking on the forecourt but ample free parking on the street. Recommend breakfast at the Hungry Horse pub on the other side of the street. The lodge is within 6 minutes of Chester City by car and approx 25 minutes if walking. Would stay here again.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Dec 2020

Liza

Great stay!

Close to the town centre. Lovely lodge. Very friendly.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Aug 2020

Martin

Review

Stayed here for a month or so was a good clean tidy owner is nice and friendly.
Great prices good location all round left happy.

Business

8/10

Excellent

07 Mar 2020

Verified traveler

Everything you need

Single room was only one available, I normally use double rooms. So it was small room, had everything I needed. Private bathroom and close to my work

Business

10/10

Exceptional

11 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Great value for money and mike was really helpful.

Business_and_leisure Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

02 Sep 2019

Lee

Not what i was expecting and the mattress was very hard to sleep on.
The good thing about the hotel was there was a pub across the road what did brilliant food.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2019

Verified traveler

Excellent service

Friendly, knowledgable of local area and a pleasant stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Nov 2018

Andrew

Great location, great service, great value

If you want a B&B in a great location (5 mins from the centre and 10mins to the zoo) with a good breakfast, comfy bed and friendly service this is he place for you! Stayed here twice now on our visits to Chester and Mike who owns the BnB is great, both times we arrived after 9pm and he let us know how to self check in and that it was no problem either. Very friendly and welcoming and the English breakfast in the morning is tasty. Rooms are very clean and tidy and you got free tea and coffee :) got the impression nothing Ian too much trouble for him. Parking is available outside for free with no restrictions. Easy access to city centre and places in and around Chester. Places to eat within walking distance as well

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Nov 2018

Verified traveler

A very warm welcome

Stayed in Chester for a couple of nights as a weekend break for myself, my Mum and my toddler and wanted reasonably cheap accommodation so we chose Bowman Lodge.
The building is a little tired however that is more than made up for by the size of the room and the service you get here. Whilst this hotel is nothing like the large chains of hotels, I have never felt more welcome or comfortable staying away from home. My Mum actually said she has never felt more at home in any hotel we have ever stayed in. A really nice breakfast for only a fiver, too.
Thank you for making our weekend special

Family

8/10

Excellent

25 Oct 2018

phillip

Location 👍

Host was very welcoming ... very good local amenities... pubs , shops restaurants all within 5 minutes walk ... all explained with great detail in the welcome pack in your room

2/10

Poor

29 Sep 2018

Elena

B & B disaster

We didn't expect much as it was a weekend away. Our first clue should have been the handwritten note on the front door with a mobile number so they could tell us where to find the key and check ourselves in. We went all the way upstairs and found our room. It was sweltering, the heating was on. The block screwed or nailed into the floor behind the room door, the reused plastic tumbler at the sink which was right inside the door, the old smoke smell and tatty towels weren't the worse part. The door to the bathroom doesn't fully open, there were no toiletries and an empty wire stand that was just sat in a corner. The toilet paper holder was missing, there were no towel racks. The bed was so uncomfortable and the pillows were the thinnest things. It was a horrible nights sleep. The shower was so mouldy (pics below) and it cut out on me. However when speaking with Mike at breakfast he seemed to be shocked that we were unhappy. He said the water has never cut out on anyone and he's only ever had positive reviews. He was not in the least helpful or apologetic and over charged us. It was £80 a night and he charged us £135. He was very defensive and tried his best to be intimidating. His wife/partner was there and was very polite. When I asked for a hair dryer I was told \"It's naff but gets the job done.\" I'm all for supporting small businesses but not at the expense of our comfort and health. Went to Holiday Inn, was fantastic!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

24 Sep 2018

Verified traveler

Very old and needs maintenance, very cold temperature in room, i made a mistake booking here.

8/10

Excellent

20 Sep 2018

Darren

Nice place at a low cost

I've had two stays here, and found it friendly, clean, and good value on both occasions. The place could use a refurbishment, but easily overlooked given the price. Will book again next time I'm working in the area.

8/10

Excellent

10 Sep 2018

Verified traveler

Good value for money and helpful owner.

Mike was very welcoming and helpful and went out of his way to cater to my dietary requirements. Would have given it a 5/5 but unfortunately the room I booked was unavailable meaning that I had to leave my room to access the toilet.

10/10

Exceptional

07 Sep 2018

Deane

Ideal stop for my 2 day visit to Chester.

Everything was clean and comfortable. The room was facing the main road so there was some traffic noise but nothing disturbing. I liked the option of having no breakfast as I am not really a big breakfast person. (Breakfast is available as a paid option). Although the car park isn't massive there is free street parking just outside. The landlord was kind and courteous. The place is walking distance from the rail station.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

Very good, nice location, made very welcome.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Aug 2018

becky

Nice hotel, close to everything you need.

4 of us stayed at this hotel for my long birthday weekend and we had a fab time. Staff and room were great and would definitely stay here again. Thanks guys!

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2018

graham

Comfortable and well run B+B

Thoroughly enjoyable stay.
The owner, Mike, was very helpful and the operation of the B+B very efficient.
Large, comfortable room for our party of 2 adults and an 8 yr old.
This included a very welcome full size TV, which in my experience is a bit unusual.
Interiors a bit tired (no more than usual at this price point) but cleanliness and housekeeping first class, shower about the best I’ve found in any B+B.
Tasty, substantial breakfast (£5 per adult, 8 yr old free), promptly served.
A bit of a hike into the town centre but on the plus side easy parking and quiet in the evenings. Taxi and bus an easy option if you don’t want to walk.
I would definitely recommend this establishment and would certainly stay here again if we were to plan another trip to Chester.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 May 2018

Mark

Great place to stay!

the room was small but it was clean and had everything we required the proprietors where very helpful and couldn't do enough for you the breakfast was extra but well worth it fantastic value would stay there again it all added to a great weekend in Chester

Partner

8/10

Excellent

02 May 2018

Verified traveler

Convenient location

Comfortable place great location reasonable price enjoyed our stay

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2018

steve

A night in Chester

Warm, comfortable and friendly. Reasonable facilities at a reasonable price. Lovely breakfast with fried bread to die for. Suited our retirements. All in all very enjoyable.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 Oct 2012

Verified traveler

A good place to stay.

Stopped here for just one night so we didn't have to drive home after a family party. We found it friendly, warm and comfortable with a good breakfast.

We would heartily recommend it as a place to stay. The only minor complaint would be the instant coffee at breakfast - please buy a filter coffee maker!

8/10

Excellent

17 Oct 2012

Verified traveler

On the basic side of nice

The couple who run the Lodge are extremely helpful and friendly. Their advice was very useful for choosing a good place to eat dinner, and they were both happy to chat and be asked questions. The rooms themselves are nothing special - they are clean and have a tv, tea/coffee, shower/toilet etc, but no bath. There are no shower items supplied, so you need to bring your own. But there are a decent number of towels, and the Lodge is within easy reach of Chester for bus or walking. There are some decent resturants nearby, on the edge of Hoole itself.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Sep 2012

Verified traveler

I couldn't fault this place at all

The BnB was excellent. We arrived at an awkward hour but everything was arranged before hand with no fuss. it was easy to get to and both close to the centre of town and very close to surrounding attractions. For the rate per night I couldn't fault the service at all. The staff were friendly, helpful, and the room was immaculate. If there was one thing i had to pick on, and i stress this is a very minor point, it would be that the shower in my room didn't seem very powerful. But it didn't mean that you couldn't shower at all. I would definitely recommend this BnB and would be looking to book in myself should i be visiting Chester again

6/10

Pleasant

21 Jun 2012

Mandy

comfortable place

Being an old victorian house, i don't think you can expect a lot. The place was alright, the owner is really friendly and do cook pretty good english breakfast. location wise was alright. its located at a safe neighborhood and with shops just down a few road. train station was fairly near as well.

8/10

Excellent

08 Jun 2012

M

Nothing to complain about, nothing to rave about

I can't really fault our stay here much. We had the room downstairs, it was a simple room with a small tv and an ensuite bathroom. I think it was a good value for the stay but the street is covered with other B&Bs so I'm not sure. The owner was nice and let us keep our bags there the next day after we checked out and went exploring and to pick up a car. The breakfast was fine. The room seemed clean and my only two criticisms would be that the bathroom was a bit dated and worn down and the inn isn't super close to the city center (but we don't mind walking). Also, there was no shampoo or body wash, just a large thing of hand soap, so we had to go out quite late and pick some up to shower in the morning.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 May 2012

D&P

Good location for Chester

We received a warm welcome from the owner, who was helpful throughout our stay. Very good and generous breakfast. Our room was comfortable and spacious, the Hotel decor is a bit 'tired' however small hotel is very good value for money. It is located about 15mins walk from Chester City centre, the walk to town is pleasant and a chance to see the surrounding area. Car parking plentiful and free close to the Hotel. Happy to recommend we enjoyed. Thank you

10/10

Exceptional

19 Mar 2012

joe

1 night stay, a very reasonable price

I stayed on my own for 1 night.
Decent service at a reasonable price, that's all I ask for.
The guy was friendly and helpful and the breakfast was spot on.

8/10

Excellent

01 Mar 2012

A

Bowman lodge - clean & good service

The service was good with the owner happy to assist and offer ideas of what to do during my visit. Breakfast was very nice and room was clean. Location wasn't too far from town centre and the hungry horse pub opposite the b&b came in handy for cheap eats.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jan 2012

R. J.

Bowman Lodge, Chester

Very clean and comfortable. Excellent food.
Proprietors very friendly and helpful.

8/10

Excellent

07 Dec 2011

Verified traveler

Bowmans lodge B&B

The owner is very welcoming and friendly. The property is not the most glamorous, set in an old building with character, decor is not very modern etc, but the staff, location and price more than make up for this. I guess it depends on your criteria. The cooked breakfast in the morning was just what was needed too - top marks for effort! I would stay here again if on a budget.

4/10

Poor

10 Nov 2011

Johnathan

Thoroughly Disappointing

After reading such good reviews we were actually excited about staying at Bowman lodge. Upon arrival at 11:30am we were advised that our room wasn't ready - not an issue as we wanted to get straight into town. When we returned later that evening we were shocked at the room, we where put in the downstairs room next to private quarters. The smell of grease from that mornings breakfast had coated the whole room and was a smell that stayed the whole weekend. Parts of walls (next to radiators) had no wallpaper and looked a right mess, there was a thick layer of dust above the door frames, the battery fell out the back of the TV remote where the case was missing. If you used the en-suite you could have done with a pair of mole grips to get the handle to turn where it was obviously broken. Last but not least, there was actually holes in the bed sheet! Breakfast was small but nice, the coffee I was served was horrendous and smelt like gravy! Overall a complete let down (and not a cheap one) We felt we where chucked in the back room out the way, I really hope all the rooms are not the same - poor effort