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Belsteads Farm Lane Little Waltham, Chelmsford CM3 3PT England
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Traveller (299)
Room & Suite (108)
Dining (25)
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About

#1 of 2 guest houses in Chelmsford
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
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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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Bar / lounge
Golf course
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Non-smoking hotel
Wifi
Coffee shop
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Special diet menus
Meeting rooms
Outdoor furniture
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Room features
Air conditioning
Iron
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Minibar
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
840Reviews6Q+A100Room tips

Reviews
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pantonm wrote a review 3 Dec
Royal Tunbridge Wells, United Kingdom148 contributions120 helpful votes
The room we stayed in was ok, nothing amazing. The bed was very comfortable but the room was in the small size. It has all the facilities you require in a room. The ceiling light was absolutely massive, very odd in such a small room. Ok for a nights stay but no more. The most strange thing was the member of staff guarding the breakfast buffet and making sure everyone only took 1 sausage! She was most insistent., even when my husband said can he have another one as he doesn’t like bacon. Her answer was a firm no.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip 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.
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Kieran64 wrote a review Nov 2023
Hitchin, United Kingdom18 contributions43 helpful votes
My office booked myself and a colleague here for a business overnight stay. The rooms /suites were impressive with a bathroom to take photos of and send to wife 😃 Everything was well thought out, great attention to detail, modern but in keeping with the rustic surroundings. The staff were very welcoming, friendly and the service was exemplary. Would I come back again, heck yes!!
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip 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.
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wanderer wrote a review Nov 2023
Essex, United Kingdom7 contributions1 helpful vote
I was wanting to stay for a while but never got the chance? But was lucky enough to get the chance! Firstly the booking,spoke to Tom first who was just lovely on email,you can tell when someone is genuinely nice?he gave me all the information I needed about my stay! So thank you Tom! When booking I emailed again and it was James? Whom also was a lovely young man! How you get such great staff I've no idea! Anyway I digress! I emailed James today about a room for tonight and he held the room provisionally until 3pm? How amazing is that! And when i rang my card didn't go through he was so patient with me and made me feel a valued guest?we got it sorted but it meant a lot to me! James took me to the room and explained everything to me and he did genuinely care! The room,well! It's lovely! So clean and well thought out?had filter coffee! And hot chocolate in a sealed container! The bed is amazing! And it's so cosy! Called an executive room but I think it's beyond that! I haven't eaten as yet as I'm staying another night? Whoever designed the rooms must have stayed away in hotels as every detail has been thoroughly organised and know what we need! So in summary! The price is so worth every penny! The guys who work here are just amazing so please praise them all for me from reception to bar to housekeeping you all take pride and it shows so much! Can't praise Enough! And if I can say,for the bad reviews I have seen I know we all have different opinions but your so wrong! My opinion I know but blown away by everything! Went to reception to extend my stay? All done in seconds by a lovely lady sorry didn't get your name but was at 5.30 today (16th Nov) In all AMAZING!! And you actually care!! Means so much! Love Craig and god yes be back!! Xx
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip 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.
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Stephanie Moore wrote a review Nov 2023
23 contributions
+1
We stayed here for a wedding, everything was perfect, the staff, the service, the food was amazing, we had a 3 course lunch and every course was delightful, as was the breakfast the next morning, all very good quality fare. The room was great, large with a good bathroom and a 6ft. bed, I couldn't fault anything, would highly recommend this venue
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip 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.
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Response from Simon Larner, Owner at Channels Lodge
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Stephanie Thank you for the review, it was lovely to hear such kind comments about our hotel and the service that you were provided with. We were delighted to hear that you had a great day at the wedding. We look forward to seeing you very soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Alan S wrote a review Oct 2023
3 contributions
+1
The standard rooms are on the small side but have everything you need to be comfortable. The Cafe, restaurant and bar are very nice. This is an excellent place to have a business meeting and would also be a nice weekend getaway for couples.
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Date of stay: October 2023
Value
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.
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Response from Simon Larner, Owner at Channels Lodge
Responded 2 weeks ago
Alan, thankyou for the review and the recommendations of Belsteads and to hold a business meeting with us. It is vital that anyone we have staying with us for business is comfortable and can feel refreshed for the following day.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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CinnamonSnow wrote a review Sept 2023
Brighton, United Kingdom10 contributions9 helpful votes
I have stayed in this hotel many times, but this was the first time I stayed in the Channels Retreat. What a great space - high vaulted central living room, two kitchens, an amazing 'salon' area - perfect for a bride or groom party to get ready in. Large comfortable rooms and great styling. The little courtyard garden has lovely planting with rosemary and mint scents adding to the relaxing sunny space. A really perfect stay! Enjoyed scrambled eggs and a slice of homemade carrot cake in the morning - all excellent and served with a smile. Keep up the excellent work Channels Team!
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
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.
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Response from Simon Larner, Owner at Channels Lodge
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Cinammonsnow It's great to hear that you were able to come and enjoy the retreat and everything that it has to offer. In addition to this it is great that you manged to taste the delights of Belsteads. We are lucky to have such happy and friendly staff, who love what they do.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Chris wrote a review Sept 2023
3 contributions
I couldn’t recommend this place more! I booked, for my girlfriend’s 30th as a surprise. We had a fantastic meal at Channels Brasserie, after booking in. Tom on the front desk couldn’t have helped more, helping us with our bags and they’d set up a bottle of Champagne and Chocolates for my girlfriend’s birthday! (Which I only asked for an hour before we arrived, because I’d planned on doing something myself) We are both into golf, so we played 9 holes at Little Channels, in the morning before heading home! Everything we needed was provided, and we will definitely be back again, when we’re next in Essex! Thank you to Simon and the Team! Kind Regards Chris & Zoe
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip 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.
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Response from Simon Larner, Owner at Channels Lodge
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Chris and Zoe Thank you for the glowing review. We also happy to go that extra mile for any special occasions. Great to hear that you played 9 holes at Little Channels and you will back again. We look forward to seeing you on your return.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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harvey1959 wrote a review Sept 2023
Parkgate, United Kingdom11 contributions7 helpful votes
On arrival the young man on reception was brilliant , shown us our room which was excellent . Modern , bright and lovey situation ..well done .. The only problem we had really was breakfast .. And before the reply comes back saying did you speak to the staff about it ..we did on two day running … Both mornings was buffet style breakfast but to be told three times that we could only have one sausage , 2 pieces of bacon , one spoon of scrambled egg ..same on tomatoes etc .. Which was all not particularly hot but of good quality … The point really isn’t that I wanted 10 sausages …but that I was told by three staff the same statements and then a printed sheet telling me the same …it was like the breakfast police … I have never been checked before what’s on my plate …there was some very cold toast on offer too …I did say you have taken The H out of hospitality …never seen breakfast handled quite so badly which is such a shame when everything else was perfect … It’s not a cheap budget hotel and was quite shocked ! It’s a pity the staff that I confronted with it just said that’s the rules !
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip 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.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Simon Larner, Owner at Channels Lodge
Responded 2 weeks ago
Thank you for the review, especially the positive experience in regard to the room that you stayed in. It was a shame that you did not feel that the breakfast was of an equal experience to your dwelling. I am pleased to read that you did enjoy the quality of the food but disappointed in your review of the service.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Louise MacIntyre-Wickes wrote a review Sept 2023
Chelmsford, United Kingdom4 contributions
We held a large wedding at the neighbouring Channels Estate and therefore had booked out almost all the rooms at Channels Lodge for the occasion. James at Channel Lodge went way over and above in helping allocate rooms for family and friends depending on their needs and where we wanted them located. He was so patient with all our requests and meticulous in ensuring everyone had the appropriate room allocated which made what could have been quite stressful very easy. Thank you so much to James for all your help! The beauty of channels lodge is all the rooms are unique and they have really made the most of the beautiful barns they have converted. We had breakfast with our guests the next day in Belsteds coffee shop on the grounds which was included in the room rate. The new outdoor seating area there is a really lovely area to meet up with all your guests the next morning. There is a choice of bridal suites and the Rosewood did not disappoint! All our guests were raving about the hotel and the beautiful rooms. We didn’t use the 3 bed cottage for bridal party to get ready in but it is an amazing facility for the bride and bridesmaids to enjoy the night before the wedding and to get ready on the morning, Thank you channels lodge for giving us and our guests such a great stay. Looking forward to coming back to celebrate our wedding anniversary next year.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: All the rooms are really unique so best to look on the website as all the rooms are detailed on...
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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.
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Roy E wrote a review Aug 2023
Hill Ridware, United Kingdom2 contributions
We only stayed for one night but have to say, this is a great find Everything is top notch and the beds are soo comfortable. Everything is very clean and tidy and there are lovely outside spaced. The family also said the breakfast was a buffet but very good. We had three rooms - just superb
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip 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.
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PRICE RANGE
US$145 - US$180 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
channels hotel chelmsford
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandEssexChelmsford
NUMBER OF ROOMS
21
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CHANNELS LODGE - Updated 2023 Reviews (Chelmsford)

Frequently Asked Questions about Channels Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Channels Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Chelmsford Escape Rooms (3.2 miles), Escape Live Chelmsford (2.9 miles), and Be At One Chelmsford (3.1 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Channels Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at Channels Lodge?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Channels Lodge?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Channels Lodge?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Channels Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Hub Farm Shop & Light Bites, The Rayleigh Arms, and Taste of Italy Pizza Bar.
Are pets allowed at Channels Lodge?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does Channels Lodge offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers meeting rooms, a banquet room, and conference facilities.
Are there any historical sites close to Channels Lodge?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Ingatestone Hall (9.0 miles), Cressing Temple (6.6 miles), and Hylands Estate (5.0 miles).
Is Channels Lodge accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access and reduced mobility rooms. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.