The Boathouse Inn & Riverside Rooms Chester Exterior photoThe Boathouse Inn & Riverside Rooms Chester Exterior photoThe Boathouse Inn & Riverside Rooms Chester Exterior photo
Reserve directly with us
up to 10% cheaper
than with Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From142US$ /night
Check-in
10Jun2026Select date
Check-out
11Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

21 The Groves, Chester, Cheshire, Chester, United Kingdom, CH1 1SD
-
Close to Grosvenor Park
Great
8.8
9.1
/10
4.7
4.2
/5

4-star riverside accommodation with Chester's Only Floating Beer Garden

Dining

The Boathouse Inn & Riverside Rooms offers seasonal menus that highlight the freshest ingredients. The dining experience features specialties like Pan fried fillet of seabass and Slow braised pork belly, alongside traditional home-cooked meals. Guests may enjoy not only culinary delights but also an award-winning selection of cask ales and wines from around the world.

Unique Feature

The standout attraction at The Boathouse is Chester's only floating beer garden, which is located on the banks of the River Dee. This outdoor setting provides a relaxed atmosphere for enjoying drinks and meals while taking in scenic views. The floating beer garden invites guests to unwind with a cold pint and good company in the fresh air.

Rooms

The accommodation at The Boathouse consists of recently refurbished rooms, each thoughtfully designed with a nautical theme. Guests can find comfort in rooms that feature cozy beds and modern decor. All rooms provide essential amenities such as free parking for staying guests.

Special Offers

The Boathouse provides a Prix Fixe set menu, allowing guests to enjoy two courses for £16.95 per person or three courses for £19.95 per person. This offer is available from Monday to Thursday, making it a budget-friendly dining option during the week. Guests can gather for midweek catch-ups while sampling delicious seasonal dishes.

Location

The Boathouse is conveniently located just a short walk from Chester city center, offering easy access to local attractions. Situated beside the River Dee, guests can embrace a peaceful atmosphere while enjoying close proximity to the bustling town. The site's position enhances the relax-and-unwind experience guests seek during their stay.

Highlights

Dining: Seasonal dishes with award-winning cask ales

Unique: Chester's only floating beer garden

Rooms: Riverside rooms with nautical themes

Specials: Prix Fixe set menu for midweek dining

Must-do experiences

  • Visit Chester's Roman Amphitheatre for a taste of history.
  • Savor local cheeses at the Chester Market every Saturday.
  • Stroll along the historic Chester Rows for shopping and cafes.
  • Explore the captivating exhibits at the Grosvenor Museum.
  • Take a boat trip on the River Dee for scenic views of the city.
View all

Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.
Double Room
2 persons
260 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Double or Twin Room
2 persons
260 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Cosy Double Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Cosy Double Room Wet Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay
Facilities: Great
8.9/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Canoeing
  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Sun terrace

Room features

  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Sink

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

At The Boathouse Inn & Riverside Rooms, the dining experience is a heartwarming journey into traditional British pub culture. Enjoy honest, home-cooked food in a family-friendly atmosphere that captures the essence of seasonal flavors-a place where comfort food meets delightful refreshment.
The Boathouse Inn & Riverside Rooms Chester Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

British pub fare
Ambiance
A cozy setting that embodies traditional values with family-friendly seating
Key Offerings
Signature dishes include hearty Sunday roasts and braised & glazed lamb shank, complemented by Cask Marque beers on tap. Treat yourself to dessert options like Limoncello with lemon sorbet or Amaretto with pistachio ice cream, alongside fresh coffee or tea and bite-sized sweets.
Reservation
Not needed.
Hours vary.

The Boathouse Inn & Riverside Rooms Location

21 The Groves, Chester, Cheshire, Chester, United Kingdom, CH1 1SD
Map view
21 The Groves, Chester, Cheshire, Chester, United Kingdom, CH1 1SD
Nearby
Park
Grosvenor Park
1000 ft
Church
St John the Baptist's Church
900 ft
Church
Wesley Church Centre
1500 ft
8 The Groves
River Dee
1900 ft
Bridge
Suspension Bridge
500 ft
27 Grosvenor Street The Grosvenor Museum
Chester History & Heritage
2000 ft
Garden
Chester Roman Gardens
1900 ft
Roman Amphitheatre
Chester Roman Amphitheatre
1700 ft
Shopping Area
Grosvenor Shopping Centre
1800 ft
Park
Grosvenor Park Miniature Railway
900 ft
Earl's Eye of the River Dee
The Meadows
2700 ft
Restaurants
The Boathouse
100 ft
21 The Groves
Hickory's Smokehouse Chester
1300 ft
The Groves Souters Lane
Snugburys On The River
800 ft
4-6 The Groves
Brewhouse & Kitchen
1400 ft
1 Love Street
Revolution Chester
1500 ft
106-110 Foregate Street
Upper Crust Pizzeria
1400 ft
128 Foregate Street
The Old Queens Head
3900 ft
97 Foregate Street
Explore Chester
Explore Chester
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Walls of Chester
Walls of Chester
16 minutes' walk
Historic Roman walls offering stunning views of Chester and its surroundings, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Chester Cathedral
Chester Cathedral
16 minutes' walk
An architectural masterpiece with beautiful gardens and free entry, notable for its serene ambiance and guided tours.
Chester Castle
Chester Castle
16 minutes' walk
A medieval castle featuring exhibitions on Chester's history and great photo opportunities from its towers.
Grosvenor Museum
11 minutes' walk
Home to impressive collections reflecting Chester's history, with themed exhibitions and a lovely cafe.
River Dee Kayaking
7 minutes' walk
Thrilling kayaking on the scenic River Dee, with rental services nearby. Great for adventure lovers.
Grosvenor Park
Grosvenor Park
4 minutes' walk
Picturesque park ideal for a relaxing stroll or picnic, featuring lovely gardens and views of the River Dee.
The Boathouse
The Boathouse
1 minute' walk
Riverside dining with a relaxed vibe, known for its delicious British dishes and scenic views.
Hickory's Smokehouse Chester
Hickory's Smokehouse Chester
5 minutes' walk
Casual American restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere, famous for barbecue dishes and a variety of craft beers.
The Storyhouse
15 minutes' walk
Artistic space featuring theater, cinema, and a library. Hosts various performances, including family-friendly events.
Chester Racecourse
Chester Racecourse
25 minutes' walk
One of England's oldest racecourses, offering thrilling horse races and events throughout the racing season.
Getting around
City Centre
Chester12 min  ·  3300 ft
Airports
Chester Hawarden (CEG)19 min  ·  7.7 mi
Liverpool John Lennon (LPL)60 min  ·  24.7 mi
Train
Chester Train Station12 min  ·  3300 ft
Bus
Bus stop4 min  ·  1000 ft
Unlock Early-Bird Deals
Grab Exclusive Rates Instantly
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP15.95 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
26

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Boathouse Inn & Riverside Rooms is often praised for its excellent location on the River Dee, offering guests scenic strolls and convenient access to Chester's attractions. Guests appreciate the hotel's free parking and the easy walk to the city center and Grosvenor Park. Many enjoyed modern, clean rooms, some with riverside views, and while a few guests have noted occasional cleanliness issues, the value for money, especially concerning the on-site restaurant with its quality English cuisine, is generally considered very satisfactory.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 1315 verified reviews
8.8/10
Great
91%
Recommend
Location
9.6/10
Staff
9.4/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.6/10
Value for money
8.6/10
Pros
Comfortable bed
Excellent breakfast
Great location
Friendly staff
Cons
Slippery walkway
Tired accommodation
Overpriced meals
Guest reviews
based on 1315 reviews
8.8/10
based on 1939 reviews
8.8/10
hudson from canada
Single
cosy double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 06, 2026
6/10

uneven experience

convenient parkinginconvenient late checkout
the location was alright and it had parking, which i needed.
I found the room wasn't ready when i arrived around 3:30 pm. I was told the previous guests had a late checkout, i found this pretty inconvenient, i was not feeling my best.
0 Helpful
steve from united kingdom
Business traveller
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 10, 2026
9.0/10

riverside retreat

convenient locationattentive stafftop notch breakfastminor inconvenience
the location is very convenient. the staff were attentive and helpful . i found the breakfast to be top notch with a good selection of items. the free parking was a definite bonus , simplifying my travel arrangements.
the room lacked a mini fridge , something i believe would enhance the guest experience. the absence was a minor inconvenience , especially for storing drinks and snacks.
Rooms
9/10
my room featured wooden floors with a partial carpet, a design i found quite unique for accommodations in the uk. the bathroom offered ample space with a large shower.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel includes a floating bar on the river dee, a unique feature i enjoyed. there is outside decking , i imagine it is perfect. the car park is free .
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Luke from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 08, 2025
9.0/10

Riverside Stay

river locationonsite parkinghelpful staffpoor cleanliness
I found the location perfect, right on the river. I could easily walk to various attractions, including gardens and the ancient wall. The onsite parking was a huge plus, especially since I had a car. The staff were pleasant (genuinely) and helpful .
The bathroom cleanliness needs serious improvement. There was dust present, and it seemed like the cleaning had been neglected for some time. This issue should be addressed promptly to maintain guest satisfaction.
Service
9/10
The staff proved very helpful and friendly. They offered assistance with directions and recommendations. The service enhanced the overall experience (especially during breakfast).
Rooms
8/10
The double room included a comfortable bed. It also had a spacious, clean bathroom. The room provided warm and cozy accommodation.
Dining
9/10
Breakfast offered a good selection of options. I found the choices tasty. Dinner at the restaurant was convenient and well-prepared.
Facilities
10/10
The hotel has onsite parking near the rooms. A riverside location provides nice views. There is also an outdoor seating area.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
jane from united kingdom
Couple
cosy double room
2 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 30, 2025
9.0/10

lovely riverside stay

free parkingcity centergreat location
i found free parking very convenient. i also walked easily into the city center. the hotel location is great on the river dee. i appreciated the easy access to nearby attractions.
the television did not have many channels.
Dining
9/10
the breakfast includes fresh fruit and yogurt available for self-service, which i found very enjoyable. the breakfast menu is available a la carte. i did note a lovely view of the river from the restaurant.
Location
9/10
the inn sits comfortably by the river and i noticed a 5-minute walk to the city walls. access to the hop on and hop off bus is very close, ensuring convenience. the location made exploring the city very accessible.
Service
9/10
the staff answered questions promptly and were helpful. i noticed they maintained a very friendly attitude. they seemed very customer focused. i appreciated their professionalism.
Rooms
9/10
the room had tea and coffee making facilities for convenience. the bathroom was spacious, and i liked the decor. the bed was comfy, which i valued after a long day. the room included complimentary toiletries.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Amelia from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: November 29, 2025
9.4/10

wonderful riverside stay

spacious roomavailable parkingexcellent breakfast
the room was spacious with good lighting and a selection of teas and coffees it also had nice toiletries i appreciated the good location near the river and town with available parking the staff were lovely and the restaurant served beautiful food. i found the breakfast excellent with good choices the location next to the river was great. i especially liked that our large ground floor room was well equipped with a large fan a percolator with delicious coffee tea hot chocolate sachets milk sweeteners sugar and biscuits.
Rooms
9/10
the room had a large tv two comfortable chairs a coffee table and plenty of storage the bed was large and comfortable ensuring a good night's sleep for all guests.
Dining
9/10
the food was delicious with a good choice and quality a reasonably priced set menu was available monday through thursday i really enjoyed sitting outside in the sunshine near river dee.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel featured free car parking with charging points a bar and restaurant building sat on the riverside with an outdoor area extending into the river near the city centre.
Service
10/10
all the staff were very helpful and cheerful they seemed happy to assist guests the team provided prompt and courteous attention making for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Location
10/10
the hotel's location was ideal with an easy walk to the city centre the position by the river provided opportunities for boat trips and nice walks into grosvenor park.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
juliet from united kingdom
Couple
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 23, 2025
8.5/10

riverside serenity

river proximitypeaceful momentsincluded parkingpolite demeanor
the hotel's location near the river dee made for wonderful strolls! the proximity to grosvenor park allowed for peaceful moments in nature. the included parking was convenient, a relief in the city. the staff's polite demeanor enhanced our experience.
i noticed some slight dust accumulation in the room, though it did not detract significantly from our stay.
Location
9/10
The location offers convenient access to the river and nearby parkland. Grosvenor park is at the rear. riverside walks are accessible directly from the hotel, complementing the scenic setting.
Rooms
8/10
our double room included a comfortable bed and a hot shower. the room provided necessary amenities within a simple layout, complemented with effective air conditioning ensuring comfort.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Dorothy from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: July 16, 2025
7/10
fantastic locationgreat selectionfriendly staffmildew groutingdusty ornamentsdusty holder
The location was fantastic. I could easily walk to the city center from the hotel. The breakfast was amazing with a great selection and friendly staff. The room was comfortable and the boating theme was charming.
The shower had mildew on the grouting at the lower level. There was dust on the wall seat ornaments over the bed. I found dust on the toilet roll holder as well.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About The Boathouse Inn & Riverside Rooms
What is the distance from the accommodation to the city center?
20 November 2024
The city center is approximately a 10 to 15 minute walk away, offering a variety of bars, restaurants, and attractions.
Are there options for rooms with a river view?
15 January 2025
While river view rooms cannot be guaranteed due to availability, requests can be made, and efforts will be made to accommodate them.
Is there a pet-friendly policy for dogs at this venue?
28 March 2025
Yes, dogs are welcome at the property for an additional charge of £15 per night.
Can I expect walk-in showers in the guest rooms?
5 February 2025
Yes, all rooms are equipped with walk-in showers for convenience.
Is a cooked breakfast available for guests?
18 April 2025
Yes, there is an option for a cooked breakfast available for guests.
Is there on-site parking available for guests?
9 May 2024
Free parking is provided for hotel residents during their stay.
Can arrangements be made for early check-in?
12 February 2025
Early check-in is subject to availability; it's advisable to contact the property on the day of arrival for confirmation.
Are there accommodations designed for wheelchair users?
14 June 2025
There is one room with disabled access, and several ground floor rooms are accessible for wheelchair users.
What special services are offered for celebrating birthdays?
7 October 2024
The venue provides a range of celebration amenities, including balloons, banners, cakes, and flowers for special occasions.
Do guest rooms come equipped with hair dryers?
3 September 2025
Yes, all rooms include hair dryers for guest convenience.
Are there electric vehicle charging stations available on-site?
1 April 2025
Yes, there are free electric vehicle charging points available in the parking area.
How long does it take to walk to the racecourse from the property?
22 March 2025
The racecourse is about a 20-minute walk along the scenic river.
Is a gluten-free menu offered at the restaurant?
18 January 2025
A gluten-free menu is available upon request, and allergen information can be accessed via a QR code on the menu.
What are the check-in and check-out times for guests?
10 August 2024
Check-in is at 15:00, and check-out is at 11:00.
Is there a floating beer garden at this establishment?
26 November 2024
Yes, there is a unique floating beer garden where guests can enjoy drinks and meals while taking in beautiful river views.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
10Jun2026Select date
Check-out
11Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room