On the surface the hotel looks classy and elegant. What a disappointment when you get to the annexe and the bedrooms. Double glazing units misted, dead flies behind grubby nets, mildew around bath & sink sealant, dirty radiator in bathroom, wallpaper peeling on bedroom wall. The bed needs new mattress and pillows, they are very old and unsupportive. Loved the... more

Me and my partner arrived here for a friends wedding on a Saturday - plenty of parking spaces - was a little difficult to find as it is right in the middle of the Campus for the University of Essex (I think they may own the hotel) - anyway no probs at reception, though I must admit the decor was... more

Stayed at this hotel for a two day conference recently, the hotel itself looks really grand, big fireplaces, cornicing everywhere, but the back of the hotel is a much later addition and more like student accomodation/ a study centre(hardly suprising as it is set in the grounds of Essex University) than hotel bedrooms. The main building is really nice though... more

We stayed here the last night of our week in England. This place is more suitable for confences or groups. The receptionist gave us a very warm welcome but for the rest the hotel was cold. We had a dinner in a very cold empty restaurant, luckily they served us the fasted dinner we have ever had. The bar was... more

The best thing was the food which was excellent. The vegetables were cooked to perfection. The room was warm and comfortable but the shower needed more pressure. The staff were on the whole really good, one a bit grumpy but the rest really, very helpful,they really tried hard. It is a bit out of Colchester but the bus service is... more

It is not the best hotel in the world. As everything in Colchester, it is very old. BUT I have not seen anything better in Colchester. Yes, it is more expensive than other hotels, and perhaps it is overpriced (what is "overpriced" in the market with only few hotels?), but it is clean and quiet and close to the University... more

Stayed here for one night to visit the university. 82.80 for one night with student discount and for what the hotel and rooms are i think thats ridiculously overpriced, ive stayed in better for less more

I stayed here for 2 nights as part of a group at a training course. From the outside the hotel looks like a late Victorian or Edwardian house, but it's actually older and inside the public rooms feature beautiful Georgian plasterwork and fireplaces. The staff are rather low key - not unfriendly but there's not a great deal of life... more

A civilised hotel. No ostentation - quietly efficient reception, service and payout. My bedroom and bathroom were immaculate. Dinner and breakfast were of good standard (I'm a chef). The opening hours of the bar should be extended, however - they are a little bit truncated if one likes a beer in the afternoon. The excellence comes from the total lack... more