5 Best Hotels in Colchester, UK’s City of Oysters

Looking for the best hotels in Colchester?

Colchester is a small town in Essex, in the east of England.

Colchester is recognized for its rich historic architecture, and you may expect to witness buildings created in the Victorian style.

It was originally Britain’s first city and the former capital of Roman Britain, which explains its strong cultural character, which includes a plethora of galleries, theaters, and arts institutions.

Also, did you know that Colchester is also famous for its oysters?

Their oysters are considered by many to be the finest in the world. Remember to get yourself to eat their oysters.

If you are visiting around September, don’t miss out on the experience of Colne Oyster Fisheries; it’s one of the oldest and most celebrated traditions in Colchester.

Colne Oyster Fisheries dates back to 1540, and this ceremony starts the oyster harvest season in Colchester.

So, if you are coming to this beautiful town, we provide some of the best recommendations for a place to stay in Colchester while you may enjoy their famous oysters!

List of Best Hotels In Colchester

Table of Contents

• Best Hotels In Colchester
• • Wivenhoe House Hotel
• • The George Hotel
• • Colchester Boutique Hotel
• • The North Hill Hotel
• • GreyFriars
• Top Activities To Do In Colchester
• • The Colchester Castle
• • Mercury Theatre
• • Hollytrees Museum
• • Colchester Arts Centre
• • St. Botolph Priory

 

1. Wivenhoe House Hotel

If you want to feel the historical atmosphere of a hotel in Colchester, stay at the Wivenhoe House Hotel, a mansion and pavilion from the 18th century.

Photo Source Wivenhoe House Hotel

This hotel offers a unique brasserie restaurant and luxurious accommodations.

Many claim that the restaurant offers a taste of France in this part of town.

You can walk in their beautifully manicured garden, which can also be overlooked from the window of your room, along with the view of Essex Parkland.

They also have an old, classic fireplace and a 200+-year-old oak tree.

Photo Source Wivenhoe House Hotel

Each room has a HD TV with Sky Channels, designer toiletries, tea and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi access.

And if you bring your vehicle, no worries, as you will be provided with decent and free parking on site.

However, expect to experience warmness during your stay, as there is no air conditioning in the room.

No worries, though, as there are fans in each room.

The location is a bit far from the center of town (about 2.3 miles), but if you are looking for a quiet and peaceful place to stay, this is your best choice to enjoy the beautiful historical scenery and fantastic breakfast!

This hotel is also close to the Hythe train station, which is only 1.3 miles from the Castle Museum and 2.66 miles away.

Wivenhoe House Hotels Cholchester

Address: Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom

Rate starts from $122 (breakfast included). Book Here!

 

2. The George Hotel

Located in the heart of Colchester city, this 500-year-old Colchester hotel features an a-la-carte restaurant and bar, 24-hour front desk service, and Wi-Fi access.

It might be one of the oldest hotels in Colchester, but you will be surprised on the inside.

Photo Source The George Hotel

This hotel also has spacious meeting facilities that will accommodate you if you have a business meeting in town with your colleague!

This historical building, decorated in warm tones, provides an authentic experience.

The room included standard amenities provided for free, and an air conditioner is available.

Breakfast is served in the dining room every morning, or, upon your request, it can be served in your room.

Some customers also mentioned thin walls and noise you can hear from your room.

Photo Source The George Hotel

And there are no lifts on this property. Also, please be aware that bringing your own vehicle will incur an additional $10 fee, but you are welcome to use an electric car.

This gorgeous hotel is located only 100 meters away and within walking distance of Colchester’s Town Hall, surrounded by shops, bars, and restaurants.

As a result, you can easily find a wide variety of food within walking distance.

The hotel is near the Castle Museum and Holytrees Museum, just 2 minutes away, and St Botolph’s Priory is 6 minutes away!

And if you are commuting, it’s just 7 minutes away, walking distance from Colchester Town train station.

The George Hotel

Address: 116 High St, Colchester CO1 1TD, United Kingdom

Rate starts from $255 (breakfast not included, but only add $15),  Book Here!
 

3. Colchester Boutique Hotel

Are you just looking for a simple yet elegant hotels in Colchester? Then, the Colchester Boutique Hotel is the best choice!

Each of their rooms is different, and no two are alike.

Photo Source Colchester Boutique Hotel

It is just 0.3 miles from the heart of Colchester’s city, within walking distance of the central High Street and Colchester Castle.

You can find shops, restaurants, and cafes within 5 minutes of walking.

With the warm vibes, the staffs are super friendly, and some say it creates a “like-home” feeling when you stay in this hotel.

Photo Source Colchester Boutique Hotel

The rooms are available for early check-in. This hotel also has some meeting rooms if you desire to conduct a meeting.

Don’t worry about the breakfast. They serve an intercontinental breakfast with various choices, even for the vegetarian guest.

Also, if you are driving your vehicle, no worries.

They have provided the parking space with no additional charges. It is the ideal hotel for you, who would be working there.

Colchester Boutique Hotel

Address: 4-6 North Hill, Colchester, CO1 1DZ, United Kingdom

Rate starts from $285 (breakfast included), Book Here!

 

4. The North Hill Hotel

Among the list of best hotels in Colchester, there is a more budget-friendly hotel right at the heart of Colchester.

It is The North Hill hotel!

Photo Source The North Hill Hotel

If you are traveling alone, the room size is appropriate, and there are no concerns about cleanliness.

The room is similarly large and charming, with exposed beams.

The accommodation is nice, and a drinks tray with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and bottled water is provided.

However, as the hotel faces the main street, please expect noise from the road, but no worries, as earplugs are provided in the room.

You can, however, request that the room not face the main street.

There are no lifts because this is part of a historic building where some hotel parts have been around since the 15th century.

This hotel is a hidden gem in the middle of Colchester, with a very fair price.

Photo Source The North Hill Hotel

The staffs are great and would love to show you the activities around the hotel.

Breakfast is also included in the price and has an intriguing menu.

Located in the middle of the High Street, it has an easy walk to the nearest train station.

You can also reach Colchester Castle in 9 minutes by foot.

The North Hill Hotel

51 North Hill, Colchester CO1 1PY, United Kingdom

The rate starts at $130, Book Here!
 

5. GreyFriars

GreyFriars Hotel is a four-star establishment and one of the best hotels in Colchester.

This hotel was built in the 18th century in a very strategic place.

Photo Source GreyFriars

GreyFriars is one of the best places to go if you want to treat yourself or a colleague to a bit of luxury for a business meeting or a casual get-together.

The restaurant and the food itself are outstanding, as their restaurants are Michelin-recommended!

It is situated at the top of East Hill, at the Eastern End of Colchester’s High Street.

GreyFriars is in the heart of Colchester’s Cultural Quarter, just a few minutes’ walk from the Town Centre.

If you are traveling with a car, this hotel also has a safe place for you to park it.

Photo Source GreyFriars

The room is very comfortable, elegant, and luxurious, and the staff makes sure that every detail is taken care of.

The room itself will give you a little surprise, as it is distinguished from other hotels!

You will find lots of free goodies, such as tea and coffee facilities, fresh milk in the fridge, and even a Nespresso coffee maker!

The other free-bar stuff, such as beer, soft drinks, and bottled water, is provided at no extra cost.

Even when it is located in the middle of the busy town of Colchester, you can’t hear any noise from the street.

So if you are visiting during the summer, don’t worry. Each room has been equipped with a well-functioning air conditioner.

It is a very strategic hotel and fits you if you want a luxurious experience during your stay!

You can walk to The famous Colchester Castle, Holytrees Museum, and Firstsite in less than 10 minutes!

Greyfriars Hotel

Address: High Street, Colchester, CO1 1UG, United Kingdom

Rate starts from $192 (breakfast included), Book Here!

That conclude our list of hotels in Colchester.

 

Top Activities To Do In Colchester

Now, if you have chosen your favorite hotels in Colchester, the next is to find what fun activities while you are there!

Here are the recommendations for your activities and historic locations worth-visited!

1. The Colchester Castle

Photo Source The Colchester Castle

The first stop to be visited shall be the famous Colchester Castle. It is a very must-visit destination.

Like many other historical buildings, this castle kept so much important history.

The Colchester Castle was built in 1076 and is built on the foundations of the Roman Temple.

It is made upon the order from King William I for a royal fortress in the Colchester.

Colchester Castle is the largest Norman castle in Britain.

During the 45 minutes guided tour of this historic castle, the guide will take you to the Roman Vaults, the foundations of The Temple of Claudius.

The remarkable thing about the vaults is that they are hidden, and you can’t see from above.

 

The tour guide next will bring you to The Great Stairs, and the next stop is the view of Colchester city from the Colchester roof.

Spoiler: The tour will cost you £11.95, but it is worth it!

Click here to book your tour!

 

2. Mercury Theatre

Photo Source Mercury Theatre

Desire to see some different art by Colchester?

Then, the Mercury Theatre is a must-visit place for you!

The Mercury Theatre is an active and leading theater venue, presenting national and international musicals and performances.

The Mercury Theatre itself has its own productions, named Mercury Productions.

This site is best visited at night and is a great way to end a day of sightseeing or shopping in Colchester’s city center.

Pro tip: pick row G if you can, as it is the best position to see the show!

Check our Mercury Theatre here!

 

3. Hollytrees Museum

Photo Source Hollytrees Museum

The next stop is the Hollytrees Museum!

This 300-year-old museum is built upon a beautiful Georgian building.

In this museum, you would be amazed by the sensation of the time capsule.

This museum will showcase the human history of Colchester.
You can see their lives over the past 300 years and live their lives at that time.

You will discover what family life was like for the rich and the poor, and even be transported back to the days of the early Colchester civilization.

It will give you a beautiful insight into how people lived in the past!

Pro tip: It’s a free attraction!

More about Hollytrees Museum, click here!

 

4. Colchester Arts Centre

Photo Source Colchester Arts Centre

If you would like to check out another art museum in Colchester, you can check out the Colchester Arts Centre!

Colchester Arts Centre was formerly known as Church of England Parish, Saint Mary at the Walls.

The building itself has the atmosphere of 15th-century and Victorian architecture.

The church was converted to an arts center in 1980.

The Colchester Arts Centre is home to various arts, including jazz music shows, live art, comedy, open theater, beer festivals, the farmer’s market, and the folks’ clubs.

You can find anything and everything here, not just for adults, but lots of activities for kids too!

There are also no boundaries with the performer, so you can just be as close as you want to with them!

Pro tip: you may want to try their best veggie chilli, and don’t try to park near the venue because it can be a little crowded!

Check out Colchester Arts Centre here!

 

5. St. Botolph Priory

Photo Source St. Botolph Priory

If you walk around Colchester’s main street, remember to visit St. Botolph Priory.

It is only a 7-minute walk from Castle Park.

Its church ruins are well-known as a great place to take great photos! or even a peaceful spot to spend a short time and escape the busyness of the city.

The priory itself has been built since 1100 and represents early Norman architecture.

This area has plenty of green space along with benches and information boards about the history of the monastery.

No entry ticket fee is required.

Also, there are plenty of shops, pubs, and places to drink tea in this area.

Pro tip: best visited during the day!

Click here to find out more about St. Botolph Priory.