Accor, a world leading hospitality group, today announces the signing of a franchised agreement with real‑estate developer TAG Chester Limited to open a 144-room ibis Styles hotel in Chester city centre. Expected to welcome guests from 2028, the new-build hotel will be known as ibis Styles Chester and will be located in the Chester City Gateway, a large urban regeneration project that connects the railway station with the nearby city centre.
With over 700+ hotels, the leading design-led economy brand has a network that spans 58 countries and over 76,000 rooms. Each hotel offers creative flexible hospitality, powered by excellent comfort and unique designs to inspire guests to express their own personality. Featuring stylish, design led guestrooms, a restaurant, bar and inspiring social spaces, ibis Styles Chester will bring the playful spirit of the brand to one of the UK’s most historic and vibrant cities.
Chester has a significant visitor economy with tourists from across the UK and overseas attracted by its Roman walls, cathedral, amphitheatre and modern attractions including the racecourse and Chester Zoo, the most visited paid attraction in the UK outside London according to 2025 survey by Visit Britain. Located on Union Terrace by the Shropshire Union Canal, the hotel will be designed to attract strong demand from both business and leisure travellers and visitors exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Graham Dodd, VP Development for UK & Ireland, Premium, Midscale & Economy brands at Accor, said: “Chester continues to be a strong market for both business and leisure travel, and ibis Styles – with its bold design and accessible price point – is the ideal brand to support the city’s growth. This signing reinforces our commitment to expanding our midscale and economy offering in strategically important locations.”
Luke Averill, founder of TAG Developments, added: “Hotels are critical elements of city centre regeneration projects. We know that in Accor we have found the right partner to drive and convert demand to this exciting new development. The hotel will be an important part of the Chester City Gateway and will help bring a new vibrancy to this important area of the city.”
