The accommodation consists of 85 rooms and 6 executive suites, all thoughtfully equipped for a comfortable stay. Every room comes with a minibar, internet access, tea and coffee facilities, an en suite bathroom, satellite TV and a proper work area if you need it. The executive suites take things up a notch with private balconies that look out over the beautiful estate, perfect for a morning coffee before your round or an evening drink after you've come off the course.
The £11 million investment touched every corner of the property, so the public areas feel just as polished as the bedrooms. From the moment you arrive to the moment you check out, you're in a space that's been designed with comfort and quality in mind, the sort of place where you can settle in properly rather than just passing through. The rooms are spacious enough to spread out your kit, the beds are comfortable, and the bathrooms are modern and well appointed. If you're staying for a few nights and playing multiple rounds, that level of comfort makes a real difference.
The suites are worth the upgrade if you're celebrating something or just want a bit more space and a view to go with it. Waking up to a view over the estate, especially in summer when the course is at its best, sets the tone for a good day's golf. The standard rooms are more than adequate for most trips, but the suites add a touch of luxury that rounds out the experience nicely.
Food & Drink
The Salt Brasserie is a genuine highlight, serving some of the best food in the region. The menu focuses on quality Scottish-bred beef and lamb, alongside fish sourced from the renowned Loch Fyne Oyster Company. It's proper dining without being stuffy, the kind of meal that rounds off a day on the course perfectly. The kitchen takes the estate-to-table approach seriously, and you can taste the difference in the ingredients. If you're after something more relaxed, the Lounge Bar overlooks the Cheshire Plains and is ideal for a drink or a lighter bite in more casual surroundings.
Leisure Facilities
The spa is where you'll want to spend any time you're not on the golf course. The facilities are impressive, built around a philosophy of proper relaxation and recovery. You've got a sauna, rock sauna, aroma steam bath, salt infusion suite and ice bath, all designed to soothe tired muscles after 36 holes. The 18-metre swimming pool is perfect for a few gentle laps, and the beauty treatment menu covers everything from sports massage to full spa days. It's the sort of setup that makes Portal feel less like a golf hotel and more like a full resort experience, particularly useful if you're travelling with non-golfers or just want to balance serious golf with proper downtime.
Macdonald Portal Hotel and Golf Club sits in Tarporley, 11 miles east of Chester. You're looking at roughly 27 miles from both Manchester Airport and Liverpool Airport, and about 20 miles from Winsford train station, so access is straightforward whether you're driving or flying in.
Address: Cobblers Cross Lane, Tarporley, Cheshire, England, CW6 0DJ