Travel: A Thelma & Louise adventure in the Granite City

We brought the sunshine and balmy weather up the east coast to The Granite City when we arrived on the pretty tree-lined Queens Road.

After what felt like weeks of summer rain, the skies cleared and sunlight shone down on the Chester Hotel, a lovely boutique hotel set over five gorgeous mansion-type buildings in the heart of Aberdeen’s fashionable West End.

The hotel has 64 luxurious bedrooms and suites. There is ample car parking over three car parks. Two at the front of the hotel and one behind. We parked up and walked into the lovely, all be it small but bustling reception area to be greeted by friendly reception staff.

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The hotel is quite popular with golfers, drawn to Aberdeenshire’s rich bounty of top courses. One such group – from the United States – were being checked in to the separate four-bedroomed house within the hotel grounds, which is ideal for golf groups or families looking for more privacy.

When we were all checked in, we were guided by the staff to our twin room. It was a bit of a quirky adventure to get there. The easiest way was to go outside and into the other building where our room was. We passed a smart terraced area, with gorgeous wicker chairs, tables, and parasols. Up and down some stairs (there is a lift available). A fashionable, standout copper walkway adjoins two of the buildings if the weather is proving inclement.

We passed modern artwork hanging on the walls and large displays of Glenfarclas whiskies in stunning glass cabinets. A grand staircase with bold, striped carpeting took us to our room, which was a spacious affair boasting tasteful decor, just the right amount of boutique styling with stunning tweed throws adorning the beds and crisp, white Egyptian cotton sheets and duvets. A fantastic wall-mounted tweed headboard stood out for us. A luxurious, spacious bathroom, again tastefully done, with a rainfall shower and a separate bath, greeted us. The complimentary Gordon Castle toiletries in refillable containers came in handy as it was a quick shower and change into party clothes for a night out.

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The reception staff kindly called us a taxi and after a short, inexpensive journey into the city centre, we arrived at the newly refurbished Paramount Bar on Bon Accord Street.

Described as “a glow-up like no other”, the dress code for the reopening was bold and colourful. All very Hollywood; a red carpet, security staff and a roped-off area greeted us on arrival.

We were ticked off the guest list and given some drinks tokens and led into the main bar. A glass of fizz in hand we were guided by staff into a bold and bright interior, which include a shark lunging out of a wall, strobe and neon lighting, animal print seating, double cubicle in the ladies and juicy lip urinals.

Entertainment included a make-up artist giving us glittery stickers, a 360-degree photo booth, mixology classes and resident DJs.

Delicious canopies were handed around and the music was lively. Partygoers were really enjoying themselves, a needed boost to Aberdeen’s nightlife. This is clearly a jumping place for locals and returning students or a super place to hold a hen or stag party.

After reliving our youth, a gin and tonic for myself and a rum and coke for my friend, we decided to leave the partying to the young ones.

After a light dinner we headed back to The Chester Hotel for a nightcap.

The bar was busy when we got there, but with ample seating, we plonked ourselves down onto the comfortable sofas. The friendly bar staff served us both Glava over ice, which just rounded off our evening perfectly. Back in the room, and being of a certain age, we decided to make ourselves a cuppa, with a delightful selection of teas we picked out an Earl Grey for my friend and a Camomile for me.

The hotel sits on a main road, but we were surprised at how little outside noise we could hear even with the window open. Heavy but smart curtains kept any light out and clearly helped with the noise. The room was a bit warm and there was no air conditioning, so I admit that I had to kick off the sheets during the night. Too hot in Aberdeen? Wonders never cease.

We had booked breakfast for 8.30am and turned up at the restaurant a tad early, which was not a problem. Shown to a table by attentive staff the choices of a hot or continental breakfast and a separate area for gluten-free options were explained.

We had a quick, efficient checkout and we were off back down the road, Thelma & Louise style with the roof of the car down. Not for long though as, you guessed it, the rain started.

P.S. Paramount Bar is owned and operated by Signature, a leading Scottish hospitality group made up of over 20 bars, restaurants, hotels, and a brewery, with venues located throughout Glasgow, Edinburgh, St Andrews, Bridge of Allan, and Edinburgh. For more info on Signature Group, go to https://signaturepubs.co.uk

Factfile

The Chester Hotel advanced purchase B&B rate starts from £123 per room. Flexible B&B rates start from £139. chester-hotel.com instagram.com/thechesterhotel facebook.com/thechesterhotel