The Essex - Colchester

Keith B.

Nice room and cleanliness was good. For some reason the TV did not work as a Smart TV on the first night and we could not get BBC channels nor ITV. The next day a new hand controller was supplied and it worked OK. The shower gel was empty when taking the first shower which was awkward. The bar/lounge area was cold because the exterior downstairs door kept opening - it was -2 deg outside though. Staff were receptive and helpful.

Arthur B.

Stayed here for 8 nights and on the fourth day we asked that our room be made up.
We returned the following evening after traveling to the seaside, to visit friends, leaving the cleaning staff 2 days to make up our room.
Upon our return we came into our room to discover that all they accomplished was that they brought fresh towels and replaced the hand soap.
Bathroom counter and sink had not been cleaned, table top where tea pot was had not been wiped down, cups and drinking glasses were not washed or replaced with fresh, bed had not been made up, bathroom trash was not emptied and floor had not been vacuumed.

Perhaps training housekeeping on how to clean a hotel room properly would be advised.

Front desk and restaurant staff, however are friendly and cheerful and the food is actually very good.

Unfortunately, it was Impossible to reach any staff by phone, day or night, so any questions needed to be addressed in person at the front desk.

The hotel recommends booking with them directly, but after numerous attempts I chose to reserve through Booking.com.

Peter F.

We stayed in one of the Lodges which are located just before the main building ,off the roundabout up a track. No details given where to book in. The location feels a bit strange and did not have a holiday feel to it, although it could be described as reasonably peaceful. |The Lodges look nice but the one we were in badly needed some TLC. Bedroom blinds broken and not working, sliding doors that didn't slide (bedroom to bathroom)|stains and water damage in the bathroom ,small broken fridge ( to small for 4 people) ,all the shelves broken away from the door . We left a list of faults at reception ,hopefully the required works have now been completed.||I would not return and thought it was poor value.

Nichola C.

This is a poor review but the staff were helpful and friendly and food ok too.||I was initially put into Room 1 - which was so dusty I had to ask for it to be cleaned. I travel a lot and I have never asked for a room to be cleaned before. Even the cups were dirty. Wallpaper ripped, stains on curtains, the list goes on. Probably one of the worst rooms I have ever stayed in.| |Room 1 had an adjoining door which was so thin I felt like I was sharing the room with the man next door. He snored so loud (no ones fault) but I could hear everything through the door, I had no sleep. The staff tried to help but had no other rooms and they did move me the next day to room 6. Rooms 1-10 are very dated, I believe the nicer rooms are upstairs.||The Spa - it is NOT a spa it is a beauty salon with rooms. They could really make this a destination place with the spa but it is just a salon. I think the website is VERY misleading.||Food I had was nice. ||My real disappointment was that based on the website I booked an extra night so I could have a relaxing spa on Friday but it was a disaster.||Saturday morning I had enough and left, which meant I didn't attend the event I had paid to be at Saturday and Sunday which was the reason I had booked to go there.||If you read any of my other reviews I think they are fair. But I think the website for the hotel and spa is misleading. It looks like all the money has been spent on the golf side.

Sian P.

Myself and fiance visited your hotel this weekend, customer service was great! Cute little room, comfy bed, we made use of all facility’s which were extremely relaxing.
Only thing we was disappointed with was the cleanliness of the rooms, I have a cleaning company myself so I understand what the cleaning standards need to be, there was old milk spillage on our bin, dust throughout, smears all over the mirrors, limescale on the bathroom glass, dust and water marks on handles and heat railing and soap still on all walls.
There was also someone else’s hairs on the side of the bath, I just think you need new or fully trained cleaners.
But based on everything else we had a lovely stay!

Leon P.

Had a three night stay here in a pet friendly lodge with my partner.The lodge was lovely and had everything we needed for our stay the the double bed was so comfortable with lovely bedding and a great hot tub on the decking which is enclosed and gated so perfect if you are taking a dog.
We found the reception staff very friendly and helpful as well as the bar staff in the restaurant which we ate in twice during our stay and had a very nice meal on both occasions and the bar had lovely atmosphere.
Can't wait to go back in the new year can highly recommend 😁

Tony M.

Shocking, lack of communication from the hotel completely.

Turn up early for check in so we could use the pool only to be told no children after 2pm (despite phoning in advance to enquire)

Then to be told that the bar and restaurant closes at 4 pm. None of which was mentioned in any booking emails.

Staff and so called "Duty Manager - Verity" couldn't of been any less helpful if they tried.

Looking at previous reviews, looks like we had a lucky escape and won't be returning.

jay C.

Near on perfect just 1 member of staff is the reason for it not so rude and just wanted to be on her phone instead of serving customers. Apart from that the room the swimming pool jacuzzi and steam room were great and clean