My new go-to hotel in Colchester and the surrounding area. My husband and I stayed for a work party nearby and were struck by the helpfulness and kindness of staff from the start. From the reception to the security in the evening, the chef and the ladies serving breakfast, everyone was so kind and went the extra mile. Really next level. The breakfast was incredible (best eggs we’ve had in a hotel) and the room was decadent and cosy. The devil is in the details and even having eco friendly products including makeup remover and a comb (which was a lifesaver as I forgot mine). Fantastic coffee in the rooms as well with a proper coffee machine rather than just a kettle. Also love how all the rooms have historical names rather than just numbers. The perfect stay - we will be back! Please personally thank all the staff from us (especially the kind reception lady who gave us the option to choose our room and the evening staff who took photos of us at midnight as I forgot to at the party!)

Great location. Tranquil setting for a stylish hotel. Spotlessly clean and very nicely designed interiors. The food was fantastic and coupled with excellent service.

A lovely hotel and staff very friendly and helpful

An oasis Loveliest staff Great food Historical place

Fantastic stay for our 1 year together! Gabrielle on the front desk was really helpful, allowing me to pull the wool over my other halfs eyes; I turned up early, set the room up (despite the fact the hotel had already put a swan made towel on the bed plus rose petals) and then went back downstairs, where when I turned up the second time., we "checked in again" without my other half knowing. Really magical moments made. Really grateful to Gabrielle. Lovely stay, nice atmosphere and breakfast was tasty, warm and filling!

Excellent all round

Friendly staff, comfortable hotel, delicious breakfasts

Lovely property on lovely estate grounds. There is some bus service into Colchester, but a car is pretty much required for anything beyond walking to the U Essex campus.

Room warranted a comfy sofa - wonderful view of the garden and surrounding countryside !

Great breakfast

Fabulous attention to detail , comfortable and staff very friendly

Loved this property we had my sons wedding there on march 29/30th the room was clean and very big with a balcony was really nice The staff were amazing couldn’t do enough for you 5* highly recommend

We stayed in a double room. It was clean, comfortable, and lovely. The toiletries and breakfast hot drinks options were varied and of very good quality. The staff were also very helpful. We are definitely staying here again.

Excellent

Lovely classic building with traditional high level service rarely seen outside the very top establishments.

Great stay with friendly staff

We only spent one night, but would happily have stayed for more! The reception in the hotel smelt lovely and we were greeted by friendly reception staff. The room felt luxurious and it was very spacious. The bed was a good size too. The setting was quite unique - as you drive pretty much onto the university of Essex campus, but you’re far enough away from everything for it to be quiet. We enjoyed a little winter walk around the lake before we left…I’m sure it’d be lovely to go further in summer, but it was a bit muddy! Overall, we had a great stay & will keep it on our list to return again.

Staff were lovely, friendly and super helpful

Beautiful hotel. Incredible greenery surroundings, one of the main highlights. Big spacious room. Great staff.

Very nice property, quite,very lean and nice rooms! Good brekkie too :)

I really enjoyed my stay.Nothing was too much trouble.

Only stayed for one night, however the hotel and room was clean. Limited transport options so unless you're driving be sure to book your cab in advance. Hotel doesn't have any additional sports facilities however when asked, they did say I could use the university facilities although I didn't persue. Good dining options.

A well run grand property

We had the best time ! Everything was as expected.

Peaceful and quiet yet only a mile or two from the city centre. Great food, friendly service. Big room with a lovely bath and shower. Loved the balcony too.

Enjoyed my stay, room was clean, staff were friendly etc.

Beautiful house. Brasserie service poor. Very tired furnishings. Bathroom sink inadequate. Pillows terrible.

The estate setting. Quiet, historic but yet modern. Very friendly and helpful staff.

Having checked in and headed to the bar. We were sat in the beautiful gardens enjoying our drink, only to be told the gardens would now be closed to the public due to a high school prom. We were moved round to the restaurant patio in the shade, within 20 mins we were then told that no members of the public were allowed outside at all during the prom. And promptly moved indoors. Feel we should of been made aware at booking or at least check in that the facilities would not be available to us. Given a free drink for the inconvenience but staff very uninterested and blamed last minute risk assessments. Laughable considering when we left the restaurant we had to walk through the prom to our room. Dodging all the students having photo shoots in various parts of the hotel. Very disappointing.

The Hotel-hospitality-Food-staff were amazing’ so friendly definitely would go back there’

A great three days spent here. Dined there each night - good menu and excellent service. A great experience

Nice hotel, lovely setting. The rooms were spacious and comfortable but too warm, it needs air conditioning not just a fan which didn’t do much. The breakfast was ok, the cold part of the buffet breakfast was fine but the hot wasn’t good enough, it was cold !!