Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester

4.0 star property
Hotel in Ellesmere Port with full-service spa and health club

Photo gallery for Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester

Couples treatment room(s), sauna, body treatments, aromatherapy
Property video
Couples treatment room(s), sauna, body treatments, aromatherapy
Food and drink
Couples treatment room(s), sauna, body treatments, aromatherapy

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
The current price is AU$166
includes taxes & fees
12 Feb - 13 Feb

Explore the area

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

Room options

Deluxe Room, 1 Double Bed (Deluxe King)

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(9 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Connecting rooms available
HDTV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed (Standard King)

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(16 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Connecting rooms available
HDTV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 King Bed (Super Deluxe King)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Connecting rooms available
HDTV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 Single Bed (Standard Single)

Highlights

Heating
Connecting rooms available
HDTV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Single Bed

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

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(5 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Connecting rooms available
HDTV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed

Room, 2 Single Beds, Accessible (Accessible Twin)

Highlights

Heating
Connecting rooms available
HDTV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

Standard Room, 1 Double Bed (Standard Double)

7.2 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Connecting rooms available
HDTV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Deluxe Room, 1 Double Bed (Super Deluxe Double)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Heating
Connecting rooms available
HDTV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
  • 18 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Superior Suite, 1 Double Bed (Super Deluxe Suite)

Highlights

Heating
Connecting rooms available
HDTV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Down duvet
Blackout curtains
Private bathroom
  • 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

About the area

Ellesmere Port

At Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester you'll be within a 20-minute walk of Burton Mere Wetlands and 4.1 km (2.6 mi) from The Wirral Country Park. Highlights at this hotel include a full-service spa, a restaurant and an indoor swimming pool. .A day of pampering can include body wraps and body scrubs along with aromatherapy and mani/pedis. The restaurant, Craxton Wood Grill, serves British cuisine and is open for breakfast and dinner. The Cocktail Bar & Lounge is the hotel's own bar, serving drinks along with lunch and dinner. Enjoy the gym and sauna as well as access to mini golf and aerobics classes. Business amenities include meeting rooms, conference space, and a business centre. Plus you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a coffee shop/cafe and a snack bar/deli. Full breakfast is available on weekdays between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM and on weekends between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. There's also the convenience of free self parking. .Attractions within a 10-minute drive of this 4-property class Ellesmere Port hotel include Chester Zoo and Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.

What's nearby

  • Burton Mere Wetlands - 2 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Chester Zoo - 9 min drive - 11.4 km
  • Chester City Walls - 12 min drive - 12.0 km
  • Chester Cathedral - 13 min drive - 12.4 km
  • Chester Racecourse - 14 min drive - 12.7 km

Getting around

  • Little Sutton Station - 5 min drive
  • Manchester Airport (MAN) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Crafty Tavern Limited - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Purple Olive - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Cheshire Yeoman - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Old Wirral Hundred - ‬6 min drive

About this property

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester

Hotel in Ellesmere Port with full-service spa and health club
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.

  • 1 building
  • 72 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Conference rooms
  • Built in 1999
  • Deli
  • Charging station for electric cars
  • Business facilities
  • Conference space
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Wedding services available
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Television in lobby
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
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.

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.

Similar properties

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
  • Limited on-site self parking

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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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

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

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Barclaycard. Cash is not accepted. 
    For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester?

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester?

As of 8 Feb 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester on 12 Feb 2026 start from AU$166.22, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester?

Yep, Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester?

The closest beach to Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester is Tranmere Beach (12.9 km).

Is there a spa on site at Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester. You'll enjoy heaps of services like body wraps, body scrubs and facials.

Does Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester have a pool?

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester has an indoor pool.

What luxury perks are available at Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester?

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester features a full-service spa, a health club and an indoor pool.

What makes Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester a romantic place to stay?

Couples spa treatments and garden-view dining, as well as premium bedding in the guestrooms, all help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester.

Does Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester serve breakfast?

You bet, full breakfast is on offer on weekdays between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM and weekends from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester?

No, Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves British cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 307 out of 938 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 330 out of 938 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 170 out of 938 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 92 out of 938 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 39 out of 938 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

7.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Jess

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We couldn't even stay. The leather headboard was ripped and dirty, the radiators were off but the room was about 40 degrees because the large cast iron pipes ran through the room. They had put a fan in the room so knew. You couldn't have stayed in the room due to the intense heat. It felt dirty and run down. Avoid.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

4/10 Poor

Daniel

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The breakfast menu was fresh however my breakfast was overcooked to which they apologised and made again. However when paying a supplement for certain items when breakfast was shown as included is a little disapointing.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

8/10 Good

Alison

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
This good, dog-friendly hotel is in need of tightening its maintenance and operations schedules … We spent 2 nights here. We were very comfortable in clean and well-designed room, and ate in the bar both nights. Food very good on Friday but by Saturday evening various beers and menu options had run out, so weren’t available. Bar staff were friendly but acted as if this was quite predictable. Room was comfortable but we didn’t spot the kettle, cups and teabags (which were in wardrobe!) until we were leaving. Fizzy water station in hallway is a great idea but wasn’t working. And a water leak in shower seal has obviously been a problem for a while, as bath panel is now really damaged. Apparently no option to take an early breakfast by prior arrangement (as is common in m as by other countries). Dog poo bin in garden was overflowing with beer cans. All are small problems but collectively they project a “don’t care” attitude. I would give the hotel a higher rating if these kind of minor issues were addressed. Beautiful woodland garden …
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Our room was lovely and spacious with a comfortable bed and clean bathroom. The hotel was clean throughout and sat in pleasant grounds. We found the staff were welcoming on arrival and polite friendly and professional throughout our stay. We enjoyed using the pool, and restaurant.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Simon

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Amy

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Clean and tidy, fresh towels every day, staff were friendly...most of the time
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Stephen

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

Andrea, St Helens

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
There was a mistake with the room twice, they upgraded us but the room needed an upgrade. I did pass this on departure. This hasn’t happened before at this hotel but I will never pay for an upgraded room.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

6/10 Okay

mark

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Amenities
hotel look tired and car park requires attention
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

COLIN

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
couple of Problems with the room that could be improved very few plug sockets and in poor locations sink very slow to drain - probably beginning to block up Elizabeth at breakfast stood out as an excellent example of customer service and a bright lovely welcome in the mornings, she should be rewarded for such good service levels
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Charles

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Another great stay, wonderful breakfast and staff
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Ruth

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly, clean and peaceful. The breakfast was a bit disappointing as very weak coffee and cheap sliced bread, spoiled an otherwise excellent breakfast. The black pudding was exceptional.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Getting a bit dated

We had a nice stay, hotel was clean and we had good service. Hotel rooms are a bit dated now. Cooked breakfast food was overdone. Spa was nice, wife had a good massage, we were disappointed there was no jacuzzi. Overall needs a little TLC.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Stephen

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gareth

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Great hotel booked at short notice !

Lovely location, nice and quiet and good food / breakfast, all the staff were really friendly and couldn’t do enough for me! The hotel itself could do with an upgrade as it doesn’t do the location and staff justice! That said don’t let my comment put you off I will definitely stay here again when working in the area
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anne

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful grounds. Swimming pool Water jug and glasses in room. Nice breakfast Nice pillows, bed a little firm for my liking but you will never please everyone with beds
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

6/10 Okay

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Property is dated. But the bedrooms were large and bed was comfortable. The deco throughout is old fashioned and dark. Corridors are dark and dingy. I can not comment about the communal areas as i didnt really use them. The staff were pleasant polite and very helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kirti

Business traveller, Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely stay would come again

We had a fantastic stay. Staff super friendly too
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Geraldine

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wedding reception and evening do excellent and relaxing from start to finish
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

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