Golf365’s Portal Hotel, Golf & Spa review

Later this month the European Tour will visit the north of England for the first time since 2005 – and Golf365 celebrated with a visit of our own.
Of course The Open has been played in England’s North during the last 15 years, but you have to go all the way back to the 2005 Seve Trophy for the most recent visits by a regular European Tour event.
Which is why there is high excitement about the British Masters being hosted by Lee Westwood at Close House in late September.
Whilst that takes place in the North-East, we headed North-West, to the MacDonald Portal Hotel, Golf & Spa, a few miles outside Chester and an ideal location for weekend and group golf, being within 70 miles of Birmingham, Leeds and all of the North-West – perfect for friends getting together from all parts of the country.
Location is not the only advantage of Portal because it also features two superb 18-hole courses, an academy with a 9-hole course, full spa, plus great dining and bar facilities – all bases covered for a complete stay with zero travel once your arrive.
The Championship Course winds around the hotel on undulating ground that throws up nice contrasts.
It opens with two enticing short par-4s which allows you to hit the third tee with either boosted confidence or with a foolish sense of false pride. That third tee box sits amongst a beautiful corner of trees and plants, offering a wonderful view of a par-5 that ends with a green protected by an attractive pond.
The course then climbs back towards the hotel and skirts the higher levels of the land. The challenge is ideal for groups: it’s wide from the tee so won’t hurt low handicappers or leave groups searching for lost balls, but at the same time good players have a challenge, gleaned from attacking doglegs, taking on water hazards and firing at par-5 greens in two.
On the back nine the signature holes are the par-3 15th, protected by a pond with a stunning backdrop of mature woodland, and the 16th, a par-4 with a similar challenge for the approach.
After golf it’s time to hit the pool and spa, maybe the gym if you’ve got the energy. The pool is big enough and long enough to get plenty of laps under your belt, but the real highlight comes from the sauna, steam room, scented steam room and ice room – the perfect wind down before dinner or pick me up before the second round.
The Scottish Steakhouse enjoys wide panoramic views over the property and serves excellent food – classic dishes with a modern twist – whilst the lounge bar is the perfect place to close out the evening.
The Premier Course is just up the road and offers a smart challenge: the front nine sucks you in, with five shortish par-4s in the first eight holes, then the 441-yard ninth hints at what is to come – long par-4s on the back nine, plus a long and tough par-3 17th which sits between par-5s at 16 and 18.
Both courses have great views of the Cheshire countryside and sweeps across the contours of the land, testing approach play with up and downhill shots.
All in all Portal is a great venue for a trip: a fun and attractive golf test, good food, an excellent spa and big bedrooms too.
To visit the website, click here.
Latest
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
News
Rory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.
-
News
Rory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor Mcgregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
-
News
Rory McIlroy backs Tiger Woods to make quick recovery from latest back surgery
McIlroy expects the American to be fit for the Masters in April.
-
News
Tiger Woods focusing on return to PGA Tour after undergoing fifth back operation
The 45-year-old will miss the Farmers Insurance Open and the Genesis Invitational.
-
News
Lee Westwood resumes bid for record-equalling 11th Ryder Cup appearance
The 47-year-old occupied one of the automatic places in the team before the golf was stopped due to Covid-19.
-
News
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew turns to Golfer’s CBD in pursuit of further success
Solheim Cup captain Catriona Matthew believes Golfer’s CBD could play a vital role in her future success.
-
News
Sponsor Ralph Lauren drops Justin Thomas following homophobic slur in Hawaii
The world number three uttered the derogatory word towards himself after missing a putt at Kapalua last weekend.
-
News
Bryson DeChambeau keeping brain relaxed to avoid repeat of Masters misery
DeChambeau said his brain went into overdrive at Augusta National.