A RIBBON cutting ceremony marked the launch of a new 94-bed hotel within Chester's Grosvenor Shopping Centre.

Leonardo Hotel, along with an Italian-inspired café and restaurant, opened its doors on Pepper Street for the first time today (November 4).

The ribbon cutting ceremony included a floral arch installation from Wild Floral Design and cakes from Cake Chester.

Jason Carruthers, managing director for Jurys Inn and Leonardo Hotels UK, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have opened our first Leonardo Hotel in Chester.

"We’re also excited to be opening Corvo on the ground floor, which is open to members of the public and hotel guests, offering a tasty all-day food and drink menu, perfect for those looking for a quick bite between activities!

"There’s always a lovely atmosphere in the run-up to Christmas and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to the city coming to experience all the city has to offer."

Planning permission for a hotel development was granted back in 2018 and the vacant retail and office space at the centre was originally set to be occupied by Premier Inn, along with a Bar + Block restaurant.

However, as The Standard revealed back in April this year, the hotel chain decided against taking on the lease after "the developer went into administration during construction" resulting in "long delays".

Leonardo Hotels, Europe’s largest and fastest growing hotel chain, confirmed in the summer that it had signed an agreement to occupy the vacant site.

  • To celebrate the opening, there is a special rate available until the end of January. Guests can enjoy rates from £59 B&B when booking online at https://bit.ly/3je70ca and using the promo code OPEOFF.