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5.0
#1 of 2 guest houses in Chelmsford
Location
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Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Channels Lodge is one of the finest Hotels in Chelmsford, this beautifully converted 15th Century Tudor house is an ideal place for a business traveller to stay or wedding hotel near Chelmsford city centre. The hotel has 21 spacious guest rooms which have been individually designed and equipped to the highest standards combining the finest of the old with the finest of the new. Each room is decorated stylishly, some in mind for business man and business women and others designed in consideration for romantic breaks. There are two restaurants within the grounds of Channels both are renowned for their excellent food and friendly service. Bar snacks can also be purchased from the onsite restaurant. The hotel is situated close to the A12 between Chelmsford (2 miles) and Colchester (25 miles) and with Stansted Airport only 20 minutes away, makes Channels Lodge in the heart of the Essex countryside, a perfect location for both business and pleasure. Free parking when travelling to and from Stansted.
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The Channels Lodge is set in a beautiful quiet semi rural location yet it was close enough to Chelmsford for my business meetings over the next two day. My overall impressions of the Channels was "That someone here cares" and have put their heart and soul into making your stay there as perfect as possible. There was plenty of parking spaces and parking was conveniently close to reception and my room. I noticed there was a disabled parking directly next to reception and the footpaths were all well maintained, flat and looked wheelchair friendly. Reception was well staffed I did not have to wait, my room was ready on arrival although I was a little early with light traffic from Manchester. Reception staff were friendly and I was offered a small bottle of fresh milk if I wished to use this for the tea and coffee making facilities in my room rather than use the peel back little cartoons in the room. The room had a wow factor with quality deco, bedding a very comfy bed and walk in wet room type shower. Sky TV fully stocked refrigerator which was very reasonably priced wine beers snacks etc. I had an evening meal sat outside the converted thatched barn which is used for wedding receptions. The choice of food was good, was served without any delays, quality was excellent, price good all covid-19 compliant with table service. I stayed two nights the location was quiet at night no traffic and the room was air conditioned with a veluk roof window which closed automatically either on a timer or if it rained. Breakfast was good on both morning and checking out even on an early start was not an issue. I will definitely stay again.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled on business
Room Tip:All rooms look good
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Simon Larner, Owner at Channels Lodge
Responded 10 Sept 2020
This comprehensive review of Channels Lodge was a joy to read and I look forward very much to welcoming our guest on any future visits to the area. Simon Larner
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Stayed here for one night, recommended by a friend who lives local. Accommodation, very welcoming, all covid measures in place, asked if preferred to take fresh milk to the room for tea/coffee which was nice, escorted to the room which was just of a external courtyard the room was really modern, nice and very clean. Food upon arrival was explained that due to covid/ refurbishment they could only offer a continental style breakfast which was fine fresh juice, toast, cereals, cereal bars and fruits available. Evening meal due to refurbishment again was in there wedding venue which was all covid safe, meal was beautiful. Would really recommend this as a place to stay and eat, service in the restaurant was first class and Sancerre wine highly recommended. Minor point to make postcode doesn’t get you to location it takes you into a new housing estate which is correct however we went round a couple of times before we had realised we had driven past the entrance due to arriving on a night the signage is very small and obscured and you don’t notice it on a nighttime also due to insufficient lighting. Thanks to all staff for making this a enjoyable overnight stay.
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Simon Larner, Owner at Channels Lodge
Responded 9 Nov 2020
Thank you for an excellent review and recommendation. I hope, when the present restrictions are lifted, that we may welcome you again to Channels Lodge. Meanwhile, your point about lighting is well taken. Simon Larner
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We only recently discovered Channels and are so glad that we have. We tend to visit the restaurant on quieter days which suits us, as we’re not fans of too much noise. The menu is small but very interesting, fabulous flavours and textures and beautifully presented. I particularly like the plant based menu as well as the fabulous fish. The staff are welcoming, professional and friendly. The restaurant has crisp, white table cloths, the cutlery is properly set (not tucked into napkins or a pot) and the tables are well spaced. The only slight issue is access to the Ladies cloakroom is tricky - it’s up some very narrow stairs and it does require concentration It’s a very relaxing venue, give it a try!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from 1245Chelmsford, General Manager at Channels Lodge
Responded 4 Feb 2020
Although this five-star review relates to the Bar & Brasserie rather than the Lodge it is nevertheless extremely welcome by all sectors of the Channels experience. Simon Larner
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I always try to stay at Channels when I am working in Chelmsford, without doubt it is the best hotel. The house is beautiful and the setting is so peaceful but it has easy access to the city. All the rooms are finished to a high standard and the staff are unfailingly helpful, they will always go the extra mile to ensure that your stay is comfortable and that you feel welcome.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from 1245Chelmsford, General Manager at Channels Lodge
Responded 12 Jan 2020
Such an accolade from a regular guest at Channels Lodge is very much appreciated. Simon Larner
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We just spent an incredible night at Channels Lodge, from the moment we checked-in to when we checked out the following morning we experienced nothing but “A class” service.
We were greeted with lots of enthusiasm and smiley faces and was most definitely felt welcomed and loved.
Our room (Birch) was wonderful and had everything you needed and more for a nights stay, the bed was very big and extremely comfortable, slept like a baby. We had a beautiful rolled top bath in the centre of the bathroom which really added to our stay. See our photos.
There is a bar on site which had everything we needed and the bar staff (Daniel) made sure we were well looked after, within minutes we felt like we had found our new local!
We had dinner In the on-site restaurant and the customer service continued, very well looked after. The food was of the highest standard and delicious, well done chef!
After a fantastic sleep we made tea in our room (great quality teas, coffees and hot chocolate etc) and were entertained by the finches sitting on the sash window before heading off for breakfast.
Breakfast was spot on, really prepared us for the rest of the day.
Check-out was easy and greeted with the same enthusiasm and smiles as when we arrived.
Overall The Channels Lodge is big enough to give you everything you need at the highest quality but small enough to make you feel special and that you are all that matters.
That Channels Lodge, can’t wait to come back and see you soon.
Additional in the room:
Mini bar, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, additional heater, large fan, tv with sky, dressing gowns, slippers, kettle, coffee maker, teas, coffees, hot chocolate etc, coat hangers, magazines, bible, throws, shower, arm chairs, suitcase stand.
Location:
Plenty of parking, situated close to a park and ride to Chelmsford which is a great bonus for travelling, wonderful grounds, bar and restaurant, a number of lounges if a number of you are staying in different rooms but need space tiger.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from 1245Chelmsford, General Manager at Channels Lodge
Responded 23 Mar 2020
I think this must be one of the best notices we have ever received. And if we were looking for a motto for Channels Lodge, we could do no better than to adopt the title of this review. Simon Larner
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Booked via Groupon for 1 night, emailed in advance requesting a ground floor room due to having reduced mobility and staff were very helpful in assisting me with booking the perfect room. When checking in we was offered fresh milk for the room which was a nice touch. Maple suite was lovely, clean with a comfortable bed and we enjoyed the mini bar. The food was amazing and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. Overall £119 for deluxe suite with dinner and breakfast is good value for money. Enjoyed our stay and will be back!x
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from 1245Chelmsford, General Manager at Channels Lodge
Responded 8 Mar 2020
It is evident from your very kind review that you enjoyed your stay with us and I am delighted that may look forward to seeing you again at some time in the future. Simon Larner
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We have been coming to channels every year for the last 8 years as we got married here. Every time we stay we are very impressed with the rooms and think it’s fantastic value for money. We highly recommend channels to all our family and friends and look forward to returning. The Rooms are always very clean and comfortable and the staff are very helpful. We highly recommend channels to anyone who likes to relax in comfort at a peaceful location.
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Simon Larner, Owner at Channels Lodge
Responded 6 Oct 2020
After eight years I guess that, in the case of Channels Lodge, familiarity could be said to 'breed content' and I am very grateful to our guests for such a splendid review and recommendation and I look forward to welcoming them again in 2021. Simon Larner
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We got married in July and stayed here for our ‘mini moon’, unfortunately we couldn’t book their bridal or superior suites as they were fully booked. We stayed in ‘walnut’, the room was lovely, & the bed was really comfy. All the staff were so friendly and welcoming, we couldn’t fault any of them. Food was very good, and the ‘Covid secure’ measures they have put in place we’re well organised & thought out & made us feel very safe. The waiting staff were so lovely and really made our stay enjoyable. The only thing I would say was that the menu is a little limited so not much choice. We have already booked to return for my birthday in October!
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loved this property, lovely well maintained surroundings, room was spotless, very comfortable and had everything you could need for your stay, including air conditioning and reasonably priced mini bar. The staff were so friendly and helpful, and we are the free continental breakfast outside at a little table everyday. Easy to get into Chelmsford and London too, would definitely return one day!
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Larner, Owner at Channels Lodge
Responded 23 Jul 2021
This five-star review following our guests' first visit to Channels Lodge and their promise to return is very much appreciated. Simon Larner
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We were very disappointed with this hotel, advertised as a 'luxury boutique hotel'. When we arrived we found a gentleman somewhat scruffily dressed in shorts and tee shirt outside a porta cabin which was serving as reception. We were hot and tired as the hotel is very difficult to find and were told cheerily to 'calm down!' Although we knew the rooms were situated in the grounds of the main hotel we had not expected rigid rows of terrace wooden cabins painted jet black.The rooms are fronted by large glass windows and guests wanting to reach their rooms further along the row pass very close to your room. Inside, the room was clean (also the bathroom) but for a luxury hotel there were too many things wrong. My bedside light did not work not did the switch for the main light. The coffee and chocolate cannisters were only one third full, also bath and shower gel. - surely these should be topped up for each new guest? The shower is an overhead rain water type needing a shower cap. However only one was provided and one hand towel. Four small tubs of milk were provided but when at 8pm we went to get replacements as stated on the fridge notice, the porta cabin was closed. A notice on the dressing table stated that for our safety there would be no housekeeping unless guests stayed for more than 7 days so no fresh towels or proper toilet cleaning - a transparent attempt to hide acute staff shortage. This is not mentioned on the online advertisements. The hotel is very difficult to find as there are no proper directions online. We asked for a town street map for an evening restaurant visit but the hotel did not have one. (we do not have a smart phone) Incidentally on one side the hotel is lapped by large housing estates There are considerable building and works on site,hence the porta cabin, albeit well camouflaged. To sum up this is a hotel advertising as luxury being run on a shoestring. We did approve the bed and the air condtioning but the whole is not good value for the price.
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Date of stay: September 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Simon Larner, Owner at Channels Lodge
Responded 27 Sept 2022
Our guest complains that we are difficult to find. Not difficult enough in this case as her review may best be judged by those which both follow and precede it.
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Kelvedon, United Kingdom13 contributions2 helpful votes
Customers of Channels Lodge can by arrangement use the pool and facilities at Nuffield Health in Chelmsford which is all very good and is 4.5 miles from the Lodge.
There are more places to choose from in the Chelmsford area.
PRICE RANGE
£120 - £147 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
channels hotel chelmsford
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandEssexChelmsford
NUMBER OF ROOMS
21
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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