Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel
Safe Hands For Cancer Accredited
The treat about this lovely hotel is that although it is only a short distance from Chester, its woodland location makes it feel beautifully secluded, gifting it an air of escape. Comfort and style are at the forefront of everything on offer and that extends to the spa – a renovated area that now boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a particularly luxurious thermal suite. As well as pampering treatments, more holistic therapies such as acupuncture and Chinese cupping are also on offer.
Spa and hotel facilities
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At a glance
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Safe Hands for Cancer
Accredited by the SATCC and part of the Spabreaks.com Safe Hands for Cancer Collection, this spa welcomes people living with or beyond cancer and offers a number of specialist trained therapists.
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Horse Racing
Craxton Wood Hotel is only a short drive from Chester racecourse.
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Local Attractions
Chester Cathedral, the Roman Amphitheatre, Chester Zoo, Ness Botanical Gardens, and the Blue Planet Aquarium are easily accessible from the venue.
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Restaurant
The Craxton Wood Grill serves British classics with a twist.
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Shopping
Chester itself is a picturesque destination brimming with boutiques.
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Family Friendly
The venue is welcoming to families, with the pool open to children from 9am-11am and 3pm-6pm, as well as the restaurant being flexible for little taste buds.
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Group Venue
With many triple bedrooms in the hotel, the venue is ideal for groups and hen parties, and the spa can accommodate groups as large as 28 people.
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Hotel Spa Venue
This venue offers a range of spa and leisure treatments in a separate building to the accommodation, but is not a specialised spa.
Spa & Leisure
Following a little pampering of their own, Vital Health and Wellbeing Club at Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel and Spa now combines both leisure and relaxation side by side. Their £1.4 million renovation has left the venue with a state of the art thermal suite which includes experience showers, a sauna, a steam room, 11 luxury treatment rooms and a gym.
In keeping with the Macdonald brand’s pampering leitmotif, the Elemis and Jessica product lines are put to optimum use in a range of therapies and beauty treatments. Following the refurbishment, holistic services are now also available, such as acupuncture, Chinese cupping, and sports physio massages.
Hotel & Accommodation
Close to the Roman town of Chester, Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel is ensconced in 27 acres of mature woodland and gardens, and within the construct of what remains a country house atmosphere, there are 72 rooms and suites including family rooms.
The hotel’s main restaurant is the Craxton Wood Grill, which serves British classics with a twist. For something a little lighter in a less formal atmosphere there is a cocktail bar and lounge complete with an outdoor terrace. Additionally, there is also the Vital Coffee Bar. Finally there is the Woodland Spa Café, allowing you to have your lunch in the comfort of your robe.
Location
Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel,
Parkgate Road,
Ledsham,
Cheshire,
CH66 9PB
Ledsham, Nr Chester.
Spa & Hotel Reviews
Condition of Spa
8.6 out of 10
Quality of Treatments
8.8 out of 10
Staff
8.4 out of 10
Quality of Food
7.8 out of 10
Quality of Facilities
8.4 out of 10
Value for money
8.4 out of 10
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I understand things are difficult at the moment because of covid but the customer service was shocking which made our already bad experience even worse.
We had massages booked on the first day which were lovely, the therapists were friendly and very professional.
However on the second day we had booked the pool for 11am for 3 people. There were only 2 beds available for us so we had to squeeze together, whilst waiting to get into the pool as both sections were occupied.
My friend was told off very quickly for taking her phone out of her pocket, which we didn't realize was a rule but would have stuck to if we had realized. If only the man on reception would have been as quick to say hello or get us enough seats as he was to tell us off!
5 minutes before our pool time was over we were shouted at by an elderly lady that aqua aerobics was starting and we had to leave.
We then went to wait for our treatments in the spa, multiple times therapists walked past us without saying hello. When I asked if I could have a glass of water I was rudely told no.
The facial itself was fine and the therapist doing it was friendly.
Overall it was just a disappointing experience and I wouldn't recommend or visit again based just on the customer service we received.
The facilities around the pool are starting to look a little tired. The treatment rooms and relaxation areas were very nice. I had a facial and my husband had a back massage with a separate therapist and we both felt that the treatments felt rushed. I wouldn't return and I wouldn't recommend it to anybody else. I'm just pleased that I booked it as a package through spa breaks.
Again a bit like the hotel experience, faulty towers springs to mind. Pool wasn't working both days we were there which was really disappointing - we have been offered to return for a free day pass to use facilities as compensation. One of the steam rooms wasn't working. One of our treatments was moved forward and I didn't feel the facial was a 25 mins treatment more like 15 mins. Facilities are nice but the layout is all over the place. No toilets in the changing room. The spa cafe is nice but again understaffed the poor guy in there was running around all over the place.
Unfortunately when we arrived we were told the pool was out of order .We could have rebooked but three of us had travelled from London. They did give us afternoon tea as compensation which was nice.One of the saunas was out of order but the other one was fine.There was a sink in the spa area with dried up tangerine peel and a sweet wrapper in that had been there more than a day!We all thought the spa treatments were very good and the places to relax were also plush and comfortable over all a very good experience
Mostly it was excellent but a few things were out of order (a shower around pool area was missing, both urinals were out of order too.) Nice relaxation room after treatment. Really enjoyed treatments but our friends had a problem as steam in rasul was not working properly. They were given a voucher to compensate.
The spa was fantastic, the staff really made our stay! The treatments where fantastic and I left feeling well and truly pampered and relaxed and I've not felt like that in a while! There was a few things in the spa that weren't working but it didn't impact our stay would definitely visit here again.
When we first arrived they told us our complimentary rasul experience hadn't been booked in. I explained that when booked, my treatments had been booked in and the lady on the phone informed myself that as it was booked in August we also had our complimentary rasul experience and glass of prosecco to look forward to. The spa said the complimentary treatment should have been booked in and due to it being fully booked we wouldn't be able to have it. I asked if we could be compensated in another way and they said due to it being bank holiday they couldn't.Another two parties were experiencing the same problems. We all asked to see the manager.We waited awhile for the manager(who we didn't see)and one of the girls from behind the desk came to tell us they could do our rasul experience for us at 5pm which we were over the moon about.I'm not fully sure where the lack of communication is from but it needs to be rectified. We were lucky that in the end it didn't affect out spa experience and I did feel for the poor girls behind the desk who were overwhelmed by it all. I think there needs to be some sort of policy in place that if problems occur in the future there needs to be something available that can compensate the customer. We would have been pleased with a complimentary afternoon tea for example. Luckily our problem was rectified and we had a wonderful spa experience.
Staff very professional and friendly. Clean and we'll presented. However, one foot spa was not working, the drinking water fountain was not working although iced water was provided.
The spa would benefit from a jacuzzi. The swimming pool was clean and a reasonable size. The changing rooms were also clean and ample lockers.
The treatments were excellent, Elemis products used.
The spa was lovely with lots of different areas although no hot tub. The communication with staff wasnt the best upon arrival as they had us down for treatments we hadn't even picked yet. Also, on the sunday/monday package although you can use facilities on the sunday, you don't get robe/slippers until the day of treatment on the monday. Nevertheless the spa was relaxing and the treatment was lovely, the products felt and smelt great.
My treat ment was amazing and I have no complaints however 2 of my friends where a bit disappointed because they felt the massage wasn't effective or deep enough .the facilities are adequate the only thing lacking is a hot tub ...there's a nice outside area and the hotube would be ideal ....the spa and changing rooms are lovely and clean the staff regularly check and keep on top of things
We recently had a one night spa break in a classic double room including a 25 minute treatment, 2 course meal and breakfast for £169.
When we arrived at the hotel we went straight to the spa. The spa has a lovely tranquil atmosphere, just what we expected. A robe, towel and slippers were provided. We both had a 25 minute deep tissue massage which was amazing! I’d go as far as saying the best ever. The spa thermal suite is lovely, clean and relaxing. The pool is also fab. The lockers in the changing room are a bit tricky. I’m all for modern technology but the ones where you just use a £1 coin are much easier!
Our room in the hotel was fab, although a little dated, it had everything we needed for an enjoyable relaxing night. It was clean and tidy.
As part of our package we had a 2 course evening meal but when we went to the restaurant the lovely waitress serving us gave us 3 course option for no extra charge. All our courses were delicious and thoroughly enjoyable. Staff were very friendly and attentive.
Breakfast was a similar good experience. It was buffet style and had everything you could ask for and more. You can order extras too. The waiting on staff were again very attentive making sure our tea pot was topped up and tables cleared.
We thoroughly enjoyed our spa break and cannot wait to book another soon.
When we arrived the woman said we would get a tour, we stood waiting and everyone seemed to ignore us like we weren’t there. Got told by someone else he would show us around and he never came back. Waited about 10 minutes to be served for a drink and when the man came out he was running around on his own doing everything whilst the woman from the spa just stood there. Also included in the package was a free gift which we never received
Arrived on a busy Sunday a couple of hours early so thought we’d have a coffee and cake before having a swim. Waited for ten minutes before someone arrived to take our order. Turns out it was the staff party that night so a lot of staff weren’t in work.
Cake was stale and had clearly been sat out for a couple of days.
Went for a swim and poolside was pretty grubby bits of cake and afternoon tea (and used plasters) on the floor.
At treatment time, despite giving very clear notes about my wife’s name and the fact she was pregnant they ‘couldn’t find’ my wife meaning her treatment started 15 mins late. Then the therapist said she hadn’t been told about the pregnancy meaning that an already short 25 min treatment got turned into a 15 min One as they were so busy.
Amazingly, the same name mix up happens again on the Monday when we went for another treatment even though we double checked they had all the details.
All in all, it’s clear that this place is all about volume and getting you in the door without any great care being taken to offer a great experience once you arrive.
Really disappointing
I’d visited the spa 18 months ago and so knew what to expect. The facilities are a little tired and not everything is working - for eg one of the foot spas was still broken when I visited again this time. It’s a shame there isn’t a jacuzzi, but none of that would be enough to put me off going. Our visit this time though was very disappointing. The spa had accepted far too many bookings for that day which ruined the experience - along with the aqua zumba class that started up whilst several people were trying to quietly read by the pool. It felt busy, overstretched and staff were stressed. People were arriving and being put on a waiting list for robes. A real shame because whilst hopefully it was a one off during the busy Christmas period I’m not sure I’ll take the risk again and will probably look elsewhere.
The spa is excellent.
I do think it is missing having a Jacuzzi
Staff are great.
Treatments was lovely though sadly staff shortages meant we were messed around a bit having some treatments at the end of the day and did cut into our time together. Although the staff did compensate us with tea and cake, so they did try to make amends which is appreciated. They can't help someone going off sick.
Think the explanation of Elemis couture touch technique needs to be explained in the advertising as it was hard to find out what this was...its a mini facial, head massage and back and shoulders. Nice spa, great staff, will use again
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Staff
8.6 out of 10
Room Comfort
8.0 out of 10
Quality of Bars & Restaurants
7.6 out of 10
Location
9.0 out of 10
Quality of Facilities
8.0 out of 10
Value for money
7.4 out of 10
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On arriving at the hotel they had staff off but was unavoidable so we had to wait a bit longer for room. However they made us feel so welcome and topped this up with tea and cake while we waited which was a really nice touch.
I would also like to mention that all the food of evening meals breakfasts and afternoon tea were all very enjoyable.
Room wasn't ready until 40 minutes after our check in time, half a roll of toilet paper was left for 3 guests. Phone in room didn't work which made it more difficult to get in touch with reception.
Long wait on food, my friend ordered lamb shoulder which when it came could only be described as dog food. Looked like it came straight from a can and wasn't hot.
The beds were uncomfortable as the mattress was so hard.
Well what can I say an amazing hotel, very clean, excellent staff who were very friendly the whole stay. The food was impeccable! I have been to some amazing restaurants in my time but this beats everywhere. The hotel room was fabulous also. It was my partners birthday and the hotel left a surprise in there for him. Overall by far the best hotel I've ever stayed in.
Booked for a Valentine's weekend. Upon arrival we visited the spa. We we're given robes only to be told there wasn't any belts with them. Had to wait over 40mins passed our check in times. Again evening meal table was booked for 830pm didn't get seated until 9pm. Menu was poor. Opted for chicken only to be told they'd ran out. Had lamb, surprisingly was beautiful but didn't come with any sides ie, no mash, potatoes just bits of chorizo. Pudding was a variety of small deserts which seemed like they'd been in the fridge all day. Most of the staff seemed stressed & not concerned about out issues. Breakfast was alot better. Staff more happy maybe everything had calmed down.
Disappointed overall. Would not return.
Nice hotel but unfortunately let down by the lack of staff. Not enough staff in all areas and we heard lots of complaints. Nice big room. Food was very good despite bad reviews I think they may have sorted this issue as both our lunches and evening meals were lovely. Breakfast was a bit of a disaster - not enough staff, food not being replenished and running out. Nice food just not enough staff manning it. It was a bit like faulty towers - lots of things broke, like the cold tap in our room we had to ask twice for it to be fixed as we couldn't turn it on! Lots of people complaining.
The room was spacious and clean.The bed was extremely comfortable fabulous sleep.We did order ice for the room and waited an hour!Dinner was very good but service was a little slow we were in the dining room two and a half hours.The bar I thought would benefit from some back ground music.We went back to our room as there was no atmosphere!After a good nights sleep we went for breakfast the food was very good quality but the plates were cold and the Bain-Marie was not keeping food hot enough either.Individual items running out people having to wait for eggs beans mushrooms also the toaster was not working properly we put toast through three times and still no colour. It was rather like faulty towers to be honest really needs a new manager it's a shame as the breakfast was tasty. These complaints are easily resolved it's a pity!
The hotel is a little tired and needs some basic maintenance carrying out but this did not spoil our visit. The bed was a bit too soft through wear but pillows were comfortable. The fan in the en-suite was best hotel fan ever. Every member of staff was helpful, pleasant and efficient. Faye pulled out all the stops to improve our breakfast experience. The cold buffet choice was very good (I rarely find granola and berries in hotels) however the hot buffet was not the best. This was fed back to chef and was improved on our second morning. The afternoon tea was very good and when we questioned the fact that there were on 3 of each sandwich but 4 of us, our waitress fixed it for us(cannot remember her name I'm afraid). The rooms were well soundproofed.
The staff were very welcoming the room was very spacious clean an every thing we needed, the only thing missing was a decent nights sleep unfortunately the was a large group of girls staying and we had some in the adjoining room they played very loud music before we went down to dinner, unfortunately we were woken at 1pm to the sound of singing which went on till about 2.30pm they then returned to the room and a lot of banging around and loud music again eventually called reception about three and did hear a man tell them to be quiet, the music stopped but still a lot of noise until 4am. Dinned in the restaurant food was ok very strange sticky toffee pudding looked and tasted like a very small slice of chocolate cake.
Overall it was a pleasant and relaxing stay, the only downside was staffing and their attentiveness during meal times and to few staff during busy periods, also corridors left for long periods with rubbish and leftovers outside rooms.
The spa was clean and served its purpose , but we were forgotten about for one treatment even though we'd discussed with staff earlier and our afternoon tea didn't arrive and when it did it wasn't the best quality.
The hotel room was like a room at a nursing home and smelt like it too. No air con in room or anywhere in hotel. Stained blanket on bed. The halls were filled with trays of food and drinks from people who had ordered room service, they were their for hours as staff didnt remove them. Afternoon tea was horrible, soggy butties! The only good part of the hotel was the spa, their facilities were brilliant would 100% go back for a spa day but would not stay at hotel again especially for the price we paid. Food in the restaurant was tasteless and expensive. Breakfast was good though. Staff were nice.
We had a two night stay at this Hotel and the first night was splendid and we both slept very well there was even a bottle of Prosecco chilled waiting for us on arrival as we were celebrating a 21 year anniversary
Unfortunately on the second night there was a large wedding taking place which was a Gypsy wedding and they took over the place kids running riot shouting and giving the staff a total runaround .We decided at 9pm to go upto our room but the noise continued throughout the night .
After a frustrating nights sleep we left soon after breakfast deciding not to use the spa again or book any more treatments even on checkout the reception was full of travellers and felt we never had the opportunity to express our disappointment
Majority of staff in hotel very nice, particularly woman on desk at check in and check out, manager on for the restaurant in the evening (dealt with food complaint very well) and gentleman for breakfast (very cheerful) Young girl behind bar and young lad serving food (evening) need advice on smiling/customer service. Chef needs advice on how to cook burger and chips! Room - was lovely but staff need to check; the tv remote works, the hairdryer works, (saves customer finding out and having to ask) cleanliness of glass in bathroom and mend the annoying dripping tap!
Breakfast fab. Seating areas lovely.
I booked this for my Daughters hen party as an overnight stay. The spa was excellent, all the bookings went smoothly, it was well organised.
The food in the restaurant was excellent, brilliant service from our server Lee, pleasant and very helpful.
The reception staff( especially Laura ) were wonderful.
My only criticism is the standard of the room, I think housekeeping could be a bit more attentive, I found it was quite dusty in places and a bit dated.
Overall, we had an excellent time and the location was perfect.
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay from start to finish and will definately be back.
There was a mix up with the evening meal but the restaurant manager offered us a couple of free drinks as we had to have a later booking. There was no strawberries and cream in the room as promised when we booked. I did mention this to the receptionist who was really polite and helpful and apparently we were suppose to have these in the spa.
The drinks were quite expensive but overall a fantastic place with lovely staff.
It was a treat for my son who is getting married. He went with my husband.The room was an accessible one with plenty of space.Good facilities ie sauna swimming pool. They had 2 treatments each in the wellness centre.The downside apparently was the evening meal portions were quite small for a bloke.Only 3 small new potatoes, not enough. Breakfast was brilliant.
For a first time spa break i was thoroughly impressed with this venue and the package as a whole. The value for money is fantastic in consideration of what is included. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, the food was lovely and filling and the staff were very welcoming. The only thing i would say could be better was the fact you only getba robe and slippers on the day of your treatment. So when we arrived on the sunday, although we could use the spa we didnt get a robe and slippers until the monday. I would highly recommend this venue and the sunday/monday package.
Lovely venue and very nice hotel ...no complaints but only one gripe ...the room felt miles away from reception down mikes of corridors could easily get lost...service a little slow at dinner but that's because there was a wedding on also ...the staff are lovely and really do try their best to offer a good service
Hotel room booked for a 50th birthday gift
Room nice and complimentary tray was good.
Sleep unfortunately disturbed by false alarm fire alarm at 5am just when a total relax was needed!!
Early breakfast due to waking and staff all doing their best but overhearing senior member chastising and belittling a young woman was most distressing and unprofessional
Food good wine a bit pricey
On arrival to the hotel first views of the Craxton Wood Hotel was beautiful, the staff was very friendly. Our room was ready to go into as soon as we got there. As lunch wasn’t included in the package we had lunch from the cocktail bar. We did feel for what we had was slightly over priced. Dinner was beautiful and reasonable. Breakfast was a buffet breakfast so had a lovely variety of cereals, pastries, fruit and toast. But we was disappointed in the main breakfast because this was a buffet and you could help yourself the bacon, sausage, mushrooms, beans and eggs were kept in metal tins to keep warm and didn’t look or taste very nice, as we felt it was left over a period of time. When we sat down we was advised if we wanted to have scrambled egg, or poached egg we had to order but when we was ready to eat the main breakfast we had to wait, so it was cold before the egg was ready which was a real shame. I think if they had timed when you wanted your main breakfast to what egg you ordered, and maybe cooked all of this from fresh and not left in the mental tins would be much more inviting. As breakfast in the most important meal of day it would make you feel a lot better.
Booked for my wife’s 40th birthday as a ‘treat’ however unfortunately this trip just never became that.
The hotel itself is nice enough and in a good location. We arrived on a Sunday to immediately be informed that the lady on the reception didn’t normally work there and was just standing in for the regulars as it was the staff party that night.
We were early so we went around to the spa before our treatment which was fine although it was very busy. We had to wait almost half an hour before we finally got our robes and towels as again there was only one member of staff around.
When we checked in the process went smoothly until we actually got into the room. I had booked a ‘feature’ room through spa breaks which of course cost extra but it was meant to be a treat so I didn’t mind. I was told the feature room has a separate sitting area and is bigger than the usual rooms. All I can say if that if this is true, then the other rooms must be tiny. The reality was that is was two, albeit comfy chairs, crammed into a room that wasn’t that big in the first place.
Once actually getting into the room it then became clear that this place is very much style Over substance and they rely on people not looking that hard at everything. There were HUGE cracks in the ceiling above the window and it was clear that it had been crumbling into the window frame as there was plaster on the window sill itself. Not great as it clearly hadn’t been cleaned.
Next and it was the small details that aren’t that important really but add up. A nice coffee machine with a box for the capsules that was empty and despite for me requesting some coffee pods they never arrived as the temp staff ‘wouldn’t have a clue where to look’.
Next, despite clearly being clean, the white sheets had some pretty large stains on them that looked like mould. Again not good.
Then we went down for dinner only to find that half the things on the menu weren’t available because they had a busy night the day before and suppliers don’t deliver on a Sunday. Now I know we were there on a Sunday and it was their party but this just isn’t good enough. We ordered two mains which took 45 mins to come despite there only being one other party in the restaurant when we ordered. The food was actually pretty good in All fairness.
The bed was comfy and the room was quiet and the breakfast was decent enough but overall this was a disappointing stay
Staff very friendly, hotel clean and tidy, rooms comfy and spacious.
Bar good variety.
Food terrible, meant to be crispy lamb belly, come soggy fat that was inedible, bubble and squeak come with one strand of bacon and cabbage and pure unseasoned mash potato, salad with just lettuce leaves, no dressing, tomato, cucumber or onion.
We paid £114 for the overnight stay with a 25 minute treatment, access to the spa and evening meal plus breakfast. Having been advised to book in at 3 we arrived at 3 for our treatments at 3.30. We were directed to the spa with our luggage where we filled in a form. I was originally going to have a facial but was told an additional mini facial was available at a cost of £15 so decided to get my nails done instead plus pay for the facial. The therapist spent all of 10 minutes painting my nails, my friend had her toes done. We then we're told to wait until they dried before going into the spa. This wasn't relaxing at all waiting for them to dry. We finally made it into the spa but wasn't allowed into the mud room. We paid for a glass of prosecco at £15 for two glasses and then headed to the hotel to check in.on arrival in our room there was a bottle of wine I had pre ordered. It was red instead of the white. Before going into dinner we advised reception we also didn't have a TV remote. They brought one that didn't work. This was never fixed so later that night we had to manually change the settings on the TV at the side. We also didn't have any heating so was provided with a small electric heater to plug in. My friend said we should be compensated to which we were then offered a bottle of wine. The meal was okay but as my friend didn't like the set menu she ordered off the main menu. At the end her meal was £7 more than the £25 allocation. The waitress tried to charge us £25! It took some exchanges before this was resolved. The next morning we went for breakfast at 9.30 and was surprised to see 8 couples of people waiting to go inside the dining area. We were told to give our room number and also wait. At 10.10 am after 40 minutes we were called through to a table. I was given a English breakfast that was okat but the condiments were minimal and I had to ask for butter and sauces. The sausage was pink and cold inside too. Overall it wasn't the relaxing weekend I had hoped it would be for my friend who had lost her partner recently. I was very disappointed.
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