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GreyFriars

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

Photo gallery for GreyFriars

Duplex Suite | Courtyard view
Daily buffet breakfast (GBP 17.50 per person)
Free toiletries, hair dryer, bathrobes, slippers
Duplex Suite
Exterior

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Room service

Explore the area

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

Room options

View all photos for Superior Room

Superior Room

Superior Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(15 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free minibar items
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Bathrobes
Soundproofed rooms
Air-conditioning
Crib/infant bed
Hypo-allergenic bedding available
Bathrobes
Hair dryer
  • 21 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room

Standard Room

Standard Room

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(25 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free minibar items
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Private bathroom
Bathrobes
Soundproofed rooms
Air-conditioning
Crib/infant bed
Hypo-allergenic bedding available
Bathrobes
Hair dryer
  • 19 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite

Junior Suite

Junior Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Furnished patio
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free minibar items
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
Furnished patio
Soundproofed rooms
Air-conditioning
Crib/infant bed
Hypo-allergenic bedding available
Bathrobes
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Duplex Suite

Duplex Suite

Duplex Suite

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free minibar items
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Premium bedding
Separate bath and shower
Bathrobes
Soundproofed rooms
Air-conditioning
Crib/infant bed
Hypo-allergenic bedding available
Bathrobes
Hair dryer
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Suite

Deluxe Suite | Living area

Deluxe Suite

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)

Highlights

Separate sitting area
Soundproofed
Air conditioning
Free minibar items
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
5 bedrooms
Premium bedding
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed rooms
Air-conditioning
Crib/infant bed
Hypo-allergenic bedding available
Bathrobes
  • 40 sq m
  • 5 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Signature Suite

Signature Suite

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
Furnished patio
Separate sitting area
Soundproofed rooms
Air-conditioning
Crib/infant bed
Hypo-allergenic bedding available
  • 54 sq m
  • 4 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 3
  • 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
  • ‪Other Monkey Tap Room - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Curzon Colchester - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Slug & Lettuce - Colchester - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Roots & Grooves - ‬4 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.

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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.

Reviews

GreyFriars Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.8/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 485 out of 629 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 106 out of 629 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 26 out of 629 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 629 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 629 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Joyce

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

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Luxurious bedroom

The room was extremely spacious, with an enormous, comfortable bed and luxurious bathroom. I would have liked a coffee but couldn't find instructions for the machine and a pack of biscuits would have gone down well. Breakfast was delicious.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alan

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

10/10 Excellent

Merril

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We have stayed at the Greyfriars 4 times now and the hotel does not waver from excellence
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Vari

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

8/10 Good

Gwendoline

Travelled with family
It was very enjoyable, staff very helpful and friendly.will certainly come again. Thankyou very much. Gwendoline Adams
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda J

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful stay Hotel was lovely Staff great Fabulous location Need windows that open.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Alyson

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

2/10 Terrible

Irene

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

ANTHONY KEVIN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A highly professional attitude from the staff on the front desk…
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Diana, Washington

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Liked large quiet room, outside seating area, lift, soft carpet, comfortable bed, nice shower. Didn't like poor lighting in bathroom by washbasin and toilet.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tao

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My parents stayed here for a night. Everything was great.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

Nicola

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carol

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

Greyfriers

GreyFriars is probably the best hotel in Colchester I believe it was once a public school and has retained the character of the building The staff although somewhat distant are really good at there jobs The upgrade that was given to us was really appreciated Thank you
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

6/10 Okay

David

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Second stay here so can’t be that bad I guess. The hotel lacks atmosphere and the staff are efficient but lack warmth. Room was great and clean. Ate out in the evening as restaraunt lacks any atmosphere with very strange seating arrangement. Similar at breakfast and just one lady to serve every table so pretty slow affair though food was great.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jenny

Liked: Cleanliness
A feeling of luxury, well located, beautiful decor
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason

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

2/10 Terrible

Ramazan

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

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