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GreyFriars

3.5 star property
Hotel in Colchester with 2 restaurants and bars/lounges

Photo gallery for GreyFriars

Relax in style with a round table and wicker chairs under a shaded umbrella.
Cozy room with a wooden staircase, comfortable seating area, and a wooden desk.
Enjoy a classic dining experience with a selection of beverages and fine table settings.
Step into a serene courtyard, surrounded by lush trees and a charming entrance.
Enjoy a luxurious bathroom experience with a vanity, dual sinks, and a large mirror.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Room service

Explore the area

View map
High Street, Colchester, England, CO1 1UG
  • Colchester Castle Park
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Colchester Town Hall
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • University of Essex
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • London (STN-Stansted)
    ‪42 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Suite

Relax in comfort with a seating area, flat-screen TV, and plush armchairs.

Deluxe Suite

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(6 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free minibar items
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
  • 40 sq m
  • 5 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Duplex Suite

Enjoy a comfortable stay in this well-appointed room with a desk, chair, and large flat-screen TV.

Duplex Suite

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free minibar items
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room

Relax in a spacious room with a large bed, nightstand, chair, and bench, surrounded by a beautiful floral design.

Superior Room

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(12 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free minibar items
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 21 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite

Relax in comfort with a large bed, flat-screen TV, and cozy reading nook.

Junior Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free minibar items
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Signature Suite

Classic hotel room with a large bed, wooden bench, and elegant chandelier.

Signature Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free minibar items
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
4 bedrooms
  • 54 sq m
  • 4 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room

Relax in comfort with a large bed, bedside tables, and a framed artwork.

Standard Room

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(24 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free minibar items
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
  • 19 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Colchester

At GreyFriars you'll be within steps of Colchester Visitor Information Centre and Hollytrees Museum. Highlights at this hotel include 2 restaurants, 3 bars/lounges and free self-parking. .This business-friendly hotel offers free WiFi in public areas, a business centre and concierge services. Added amenities include a coffee shop/cafe, a snack bar/deli and laundry facilities. Buffet breakfast is available on weekdays between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM and on weekends between 7:30 AM and 11:00 AM. .Places within a 5-minute walk of this 3.5-property class Colchester hotel include The Minories Galleries and Colchester Natural History Museum.

What's nearby

  • Colchester Castle Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Colchester Castle Museum - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Colchester Town Hall - 7 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Mercury Theatre - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • University of Essex - 4 min drive - 3.0 km

Getting around

  • Colchester Town Station - 7 min walk
  • London (SEN-Southend) - 45 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Three Wise Monkeys - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Slug & Lettuce - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Goat & Boot - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Other Monkey Brewing - the Taproom - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪The Foresters Arms - ‬3 min walk

About this property

GreyFriars

Hotel in Colchester with 2 restaurants and bars/lounges
There are 2 restaurants on site, as well as a coffee shop/cafΘ and a nearby snack bar/deli. You can unwind with a drink at one of the 3 bars/lounges. Business amenities include a business centre and a meeting room.

Public spaces have free WiFi and wired Internet. A terrace, tour/ticket assistance, and a garden are also featured at the business-friendly GreyFriars. Free self parking is available.

This 3.5-star Colchester hotel is smoke free.

  • 26 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • 2 buildings
  • 2 dining venues
  • 3 bars or lounges
  • Deli
  • Business facilities
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Newspapers for purchase
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Coffee shop
  • 1 conference room
GreyFriars offers 26 air-conditioned accommodations with free minibar items and minibars. Beds feature premium bedding. Flat-screen televisions are featured in guestrooms. Bathrooms include bathrobes, slippers, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

This Colchester hotel provides complimentary wired and wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and safes. Additionally, rooms include espresso makers and complimentary bottles of water. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis. Amenities available on request include hypo-allergenic bedding.

Languages

English

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet

Parking and transport

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Buffet breakfast available for a fee 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM on weekdays and 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM on weekends; GBP 17.50 per person
  • 2 restaurants
  • 3 bars/lounges
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • Snack bar/deli

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Soundproofed rooms

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Newspapers in lobby
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Business services

  • Business centre
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Bathroom emergency pull cord
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • 2 buildings
  • 3 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Espresso maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Free stocked minibar

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Safe
  • Soundproofed rooms

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: midnight
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for GBP 25.0 per night.
  • Cots (infant beds) are available for GBP 15.0 per night.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: from approximately GBP 17.50 per person
  • Crib (infant bed) fee: GBP 15.0 per night
  • Rollaway bed fee: GBP 25.0 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Cash is not accepted. 

Property is also known as

GreyFriars Hotel Colchester
GreyFriars Colchester
GreyFriars Hotel
GreyFriars Colchester
GreyFriars Hotel Colchester

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at GreyFriars?

GreyFriars offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

Is parking available at GreyFriars?

Yep, GreyFriars has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to GreyFriars?

The closest beach to GreyFriars is St. Osyth Beach (17.2 km).

What makes GreyFriars a romantic place to stay?

24-hour room service, plus premium bedding in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at GreyFriars.

Does GreyFriars serve breakfast?

You bet, buffet brekkie is available on weekdays between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM and on weekends from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at GreyFriars?

No, GreyFriars does not offer an airport shuttle service.

Is there a bar or restaurant at GreyFriars?

Yep, you can grab a meal at GreyFriars's onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at GreyFriars?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at GreyFriars?

No, only service animals are allowed.

GreyFriars Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 465 out of 599 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 97 out of 599 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 25 out of 599 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 599 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 599 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
From the time we checked in to when we left, the service was first class....can we call out Katein the dining room for special mention. She was a brilliant server and an asset to the Hotel
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

6/10 Okay

Rachel, Philadelphia

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This was my third time back at this hotel and unfortunately it feels like things are not moving in the right direction. We stayed in one of the largest suites and found hairs in the bathroom, the sink tap leaked, we didn’t have enough towels and the shower heads were positioned in a way that soaked us upon turning on and the rest of the bathroom (it’s the small things but I expect better). My husband and I were staying with our two year old and even though our room was over £300 a night they still required an additional £15 crib rental charge which is terrible service. Check in took around 15 minutes (again for a 4* hotel I’d expect it to be more efficient) and there was no one to help us with bags (again family with 2 year old and I was 7 months pregnant). Breakfast (included) was really good & location is super easy to walk into town or spend some time relaxing in the nearby castle park. Overall this stay was a disappointment for the price paid.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicola

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful hotel, calm and relaxing stay

As usual the stay was lovely. I wish they had usb ports in the rooms though. Dressing gowns need to be bigger sizes too
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

4/10 Poor

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service

Very disappointing

We did not think this Hotel warrented 4 stars. We were required to make a £50 credit card provisional deposit to cover any possible damage to room but no documents with terms or conditions, or indication of how any claim against our deposit could be verified. No evidence of condition was agreed at outset. Breakfast arrangements were farcical. Usually certain foods are laid out for guests to take such as fruit juice cereals etc and tea and coffee is ordered so guests can eat whist waiting for the cooked breakfast. Here, one day there was no juice out. Coffee was provided but only enough for one small cup. One morning tea leaves emerged from the teapot which held teabags, possibley because it had not been cleaned properly from an earlier use. Staff seem have had no training. They did not take notes and on an adjoining table they forgot what had been ordered. I asked for toast, one day one I had two slices which was fine, the next day one slice of barely toasted, which was sent back and 2 the next day. The waiters were alway polite and friendy but it seemed there was no system or training. Complimentry water was provided on day 1 only . A half used bottle was left the next morning and glasses of tap water were left so the glasses had not been cleaned.Tea and coffee was in the room but in multiples of 3 ie 3 milks and 3 coffee pods. The set dinner menu was limited for a three night stay, so we went elsewhere. Red wine served cold. Most disapointing stay
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jon

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jon

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely stay
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

David

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was excellent in many ways , the highlight was the young lady receptionist whom we think was quite new , went put of her way to accommodate our needs as im partially disabled with mobility after a stroke , this is our 2nd /3rd time of staying here , The downside was the breakfast, not sure were to start the waitress never took correct details & it meant my wife & I ate at different intervals , etc etc , & We all know what makes a great breakfast yip you got it , nope not here , Bland , tight ( not succulent Sausages !!!!! Along with dried burnt bacon , Apart from that it was ok
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dennis

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Staff were excellent. Very attentive & helpful. Hotel was very comfortable & well maintained. Finding hitel car oark was a little difficult so a sign at the front of the hotel on main road would be really helpful
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Traffic kept us awake
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Caroline

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fabulous hotel great staff, loved the bar and a fire in the evening
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

An enjoyable one night stay.

A lovely one night stay. Friendly staff. A complimentary room upgrade was given. We enjoyed our evening here.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Patricia

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great stay. Quiet end of the high street and short walk to the shopping and restaurant. Really smart hotel with a 5 star feel. Nice, Small and intimate. Private parking to the rear of the hotel. Would highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jonathan, Guildford

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Bland, dated and massively overpriced. We checked out early with a sigh of relief. It was meant to be a treat. I booked the best suite at Greyfriars for a weekend away with my wife. It was a Christmas present and we paid £720 for two nights. For £720, I could've bought her a Hermes scarf and had change. We could've gone to somewhere sunny for a week, but no, I booked us into Greyfriars in Colchester. I don't think my relationship will ever recover. When you pay £720 you do expect a certain standard, a level of luxury. You don't expect to have to pay a security deposit of £50 as you check in, but that's the "welcome" that we got on arrival. The decor was dated, stuck in the 1970s, all swirly carpets and peacock curtains. The furniture felt like it been bulk bought from Beefeater Inns. There was no hint of luxury. The first suite (Suite 1) to which we were shown was unheated (and the heating couldn't be made to work), a higgledy-piggledy mess spread out over three floors. We got switched to Suite 17. It was at least heated (for now), but still a random collection of rooms and bathrooms dysfunctionally organised. The meals were fodder rather than a pleasure. The staff were pleasant enough, but I think that they would be happier if they could work in a place of which they could be proud
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

DAVID

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Meaghan

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff make this such a great place to staff; always well taken care of!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Daniel

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My recent stay at Greyfriars Hotel in Colchester was a disaster, and I must warn others about their incompetence, lack of accountability, and disregard for guests. If you value your time, money, and sanity, avoid this establishment at all costs. The Car Park Fiasco – A Catastrophe of Incompetence The hotel’s car park gate failed on the morning of my departure, trapping me inside. I had an important appointment that could not be rescheduled, yet I was left stranded. Their excuse? “Extreme weather conditions.” A bit of cold rendered their car park unusable—an unacceptable failure in the UK, where freezing temperatures are hardly rare. Preventative measures like de-icing or proper maintenance would have avoided this, yet they had no plan. Management’s Response – Deflection and Excuses After complaining, I received a response full of corporate gaslighting. Instead of taking responsibility, they claimed this had “never happened before.” That does not excuse the lack of contingency planning. Even worse, they refused any form of compensation, despite my significant inconvenience. A Complete Failure in Hospitality No emergency support, no effective solution, and no accountability. Their refusal to acknowledge their failure proves guest satisfaction is not a priority. Avoid Greyfriars at all costs.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

George

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Outstanding accommodation

Outstanding accommodation. Great central location, luxurious, clean, plenty of free parking, great breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Derek

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Lovely hotel.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2025

4/10 Poor

Matt

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service

Disapointing

Room was amazing, staff friendly but checkin took too long & breakfast poor in a side room very tired furniture, poor choice as no self serve buffett and food was bland
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Marie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Hotel stay

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Danielle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Alison

This was a great place we were very well looked after the only thing was that there was no electric charger for our car.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Hotel in the heart of Colchester

I was really & positively surprised of this classic British hotel! I had a great stay
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Oliver

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025