ABode Chooses Chester for New Home

Online, February 15, 2010 (Newswire.com) - ABode, the four star boutique hotel group has chosen Chester as the site for its latest venture.

The 85-room ABode Chester will create around 120 jobs in the city when it opens its doors to the public in April and becomes the sixth ABode hotel in the group owned by greetings card entrepreneur Andrew Brownsword, owner of The Bath Priory, Baby ABode Chelsea and Gidleigh Park.

The multi-million pound development is located in Chester's new HQ complex overlooking the River Dee which is conveniently situated adjacent to Chester's popular 'Roodee' racecourse and offers a stylish and contemporary base for visitors to explore the city's unique mix of Roman ruins, gothic grandeur of Chester Cathedral as well as fabulous boutiques nested amongst The Rows, the historic two-tier shopping galleries. Located in the centre of the city, ABode Chester also makes an ideal location for trips venturing into the Welsh countryside or nearby cities, Liverpool and Manchester.

ABode Chester reflects the group's mission to offer its guests the most memorable city locations and hopes to attract even more tourists to Chester's booming visitor economy which is estimated at stand at about £1.8bn (2008 data STEAM Tourism Model).

"Chester is brimming over with tourist offerings and ABode Chester will allow visitors from all over the world to enjoy the city while making their base at a hotel which suits their lifestyle. The hotel's fine food offerings will also make a great addition to the culinary landscape of the city and our restaurant and Champagne bar will provide some of the best views in the city, overlooking the racecourse and Cathedral," said Nick Halliday, Managing Director, ABode.

ABode Chester will become a valuable addition to Chester's leisure market and will provide visitors and residents of the city with not only an exceptional dining offering, but a unique boutique hotel experience with luxurious interiors designed by Plumtree Mee and bespoke art collections created by celebrity photographer, Brian Aris.

ABode Chester will boast floor to ceiling windows, the fifth floor Michael Caines Champagne Bar and Restaurant capture breathtaking views from the city as far as the Welsh Hills. The 76 seat restaurant offers private dining facilities as well as the opportunity to dine an al fresco on the outside terrace. With a commitment to sourcing local produce guests can choose from a la carte, tasting and 'grazing' menus to sample Michael's award winning British cuisine.

Chef Michael Caines, who will mentor in BBC2's Great British Menu this year, says: "We are delighted to open ABode's doors to Chester. The city has something for everyone in terms of historical and cultural interest as well as a thriving business community. We hope that ABode's offering of contemporary accommodation and fine food venues will give visitors luxury that every budget can afford without compromise on quality."

The hotel is ABode's first new build yet fuses the unique heritage of the Chester site within a modern setting. Three sixth floor 'Fabulous suites' are spaciously fitted to offer exceptional comfort with state of the art hand-built beds and oversized baths along with private balconies to give views of the racecourse, piazza and Chester city.

The Chester hotel is ABode's first new build and forms part of an expansion plan aimed at the development of 15 luxury hotels in strategic locations, with the company's sights set on an operation in Salisbury beyond Chester's launch.

ABode Chester opens April 2010. For advance reservations call 01244 347000 or visit www.ABodehotels.co.uk/chester

ENDS
For further information, images and interviews with ABode Managing Director, Nick Halliday:
[email protected], [email protected], Tel: 0151 239 5050

About ABode
ABode hotels are located in Exeter, Canterbury, Glasgow, Manchester and Chester; a baby ABode is situated in Chelsea, London. Each destination offers guests contemporary accommodation with rooms, suites and dining facilities to suit all budgets.

The ABode hotel group is the result of a collaboration between Michael Caines MBE, one of Britain's most acclaimed chefs and Andrew Brownsword, owner of The Bath Priory, Sydney House, Chelsea and Gidleigh Park.

About ABode Chester
ABode Chester room rates start at £99 per night as an opening offer throughout May and June . The hotel offers 30 Comfortable, 44 Desirable, 8 Enviable and three fabulous class rooms. In addition to a fifth floor Michael Caines Champagne Bar and Restaurant, the MC Cafe Bar and Grill offers informal dining and the ABarMC offers a late night lounge.