we had one night here in an executive room the food in the bar was good, the staff were beyond helpful (particularly lorraine on reception who couldnt do enough) the room was clean, bright and just as it should be I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it, and the history of the place is fascinating (Did you know there was an... more

Had a one night stay as daughter had a university interview, looks very quaint from outside. Reception staff abrupt and unfriendly, we were right at the back of the hotel which is some walk, we had booked a twin room but found we were in a double when I queried this was told there was nothing they could do. Room... more

Checked in for one night on a business stay. Very pleasant reception and bar staff and a nice bar. My room was on the second floor, was larger than expected, clean and modern. Bathroom was big and hygenic. Bed was comfy. Thats all you need for a business stay really. One thing to remember it is an old building with... more

Nine of us got together for a 30 year reunion since our University days. We could walk to campus from here and a climb up the hill into Colchester. The rooms were mixed with some better than others. We stayed in the old part of the hotel which was comfortable and cosy. Other friends stayed at the rear of the... more

This pace should be good; a 14 Century old coach house in the Oldest recorded city in England..... But the hotel disappoints on every level, poor catering, cutting costs, noise, lack of comfort, poor attention to detail, unfriendlyness of staff, no outside facilities, poor parking, lack of hot water.... the list could go on. Probably the worst hotel I have... more

A very pretty hotel - all tudor beams etc as would be expected from a fourteenth century building, however this did mean that the floorboards outside of the rooms creak VERY loudly whenever anyone walks by. It is also very poorly soundproofed against the traffic which goes by on all sides. I accept that there is probably little that the... more

Extremely rude staff. We tried to cancel a night because of our car breaking down, and they basically said 'we don't care'. When I mentioned customer service, they also mentioned they didn't care. Having worked with the hotel industry, I've never spoken to such unfriendly and uncaring staff. I would not recomment if you are looking for good and kind... more

The Ale is excellent. The hand pumps are very popular. Try a Adnams Broadside. The Bar area has good vibes. Decent Manager. Does not rush you out the door. The Hotel is apparently Haunted. Used to be a Coach House transporting prisoners to the gallows in London. Has an old jail cell in the basement with some original graffiti. The... more

I would say that the hotel was between average and above average. The old part of the hotel is lovely, very welcoming and very attractive. The staff were polite and friendly and very helpful and could not be faulted, I would also reccommend the food (evening meals) which was really very good and was obviously popular with the numbers of... more