The hotel is an ancient building partly 14thC, with lots of charm. Consequently the facilities do not include a lift. If it was not a hotel i would pay just to have atour inside.
Upon arrival all seemed ok. Was given the key and told was in the annex . Was a little disappointed but thought benefit of the doubt. Alas ( If you are giving someone an Annexe would be nice to be informed upon booking) . It was very tired looking and had an awful musty smell. We opened the windows for a while but had to close as was going to a concert that night. After a good evening we returned. Unfortunately the smell had not dissipated at all. Opened the window again which stayed open all night. But didnât make a difference.
The bed was awful it was lumpy and every time you moved made a very loud creaking noise. We didnât have a good nights sleep at all. Because of this it spoilt the second part of our evening.
Couldnât under why the bar was shut at 10.30 as we were told it would still be open,
All in all not a good experience and will not visit this hotel again or recommend to anyone.
Lovely hotel, very friendly and helpful reception staff.Good location, free parking, attractive building. However, in my opinion the bed and pillows were very hard and uncomfortable. I did not sleep at all well.
We used this hotel as we were seeing Tom Jones at Colchester castle. So location was fab, beautiful old building and the manager had a wealth of knowledge about the property.
Downside. Both our room and our friends room smelt of damp when we arrived and therefore we had to keep the windows open. Our room had a lot of damp and the drain on the shower was very mouldy. And sadly the bar closes at 10.30pm which is a shame as the concert finishes at 10.15 so by the time we walked back we couldnât have a night cap.. so ended up going to a bar further up the road, shame as it would have been nice to sit in the bar..
It was a nice and convenient place to stay for the night. Some of the other guests were decidedly noisy in the early hours but that is sometimes the case.
This historic property is interesting - but donât have a lot of luggage like we did! However, if you love character and unique accommodations, this is for you.
I have been in better places for less. The breakfast was ok, over priced for what it was. The room itself was ok but definitely needs a makeover, very outdated. Cracks in walls, paint peeling off. Bathroom was not fully cleaned. Biggest issue was just how hot the room was. Incredibly stuffy, fan was provided but needs ac or something better. Even with windows left open all night. Bathroom floor felt.like it was heated? But no way to turn off. Again very very warm. Also ceiling light over the dresser/mirror was out making it hard to get ready for wedding.
Located behind "Kind of Spice" so type that in when looking for this place. No lift in the annex building, which is where our room was (2nd flr). Otherwise, kind staff and clean rooms. Complimentary bottles of water at the FD, just ask. Breakfast selection was fantastic; you can pay the night before and save 4bucks compared to the day of. No dinner service, but the bar is open in the evening from 5:30- 10:15pm. "King of Spice" (curry) is right around the corner, so we had dinner there instead. NO a/c. -JB from Cali