Dragonfly Hotel Colchester Exterior photoDragonfly Hotel Colchester Interior photoDragonfly Hotel Colchester Restaurant photo
Book on our site
Up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From67US$ /night
Check-in
20Apr2026Select date
Check-out
21Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

A12/A120 Ardleigh Junction, Colchester, United Kingdom, CO7 7QY
-
Near Highwoods Country Park
Very good
7.8
7.6
/10
3.6
3.1
/5

Location

Dragonfly Hotel Colchester stands just outside the historic town center, where the A12 and A120 converge. Guests benefit from quick access to Colchester's rich history and the scenic Essex countryside. This strategic location supports both business travelers and visitors looking to explore local attractions.

Accommodations

The hotel offers a selection of rooms including single, twin, and double options, all equipped with Hypnos beds for a restful night's sleep. Each room contains essential amenities such as 43' flat screen TVs and tea and coffee making facilities. Spacious accommodations provide a home-away-from-home feel for all guests.

Dining

On-site dining at Dragonfly Hotel includes a restaurant serving a variety of English and international dishes. The restaurant welcomes guests from 5 PM to 8:30 PM, allowing for relaxed meals either in the dining area or in the comfort of rooms. Culinary offerings emphasize freshly cooked meals that appeal to various tastes.

Business Facilities

The hotel accommodates business meetings and events with fully-equipped meeting rooms designed for efficiency. Each room includes IT and screen facilities compatible with various devices, ensuring smooth presentations and discussions. Guests attending meetings can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with draft beer on tap available.

Family-Friendly Environment

Dragonfly Hotel Colchester welcomes families with rooms that can accommodate varying needs, providing comfort for both parents and children. The friendly staff are dedicated to delivering a personalized experience that fosters a welcoming environment. Families can enjoy shared dining experiences, bringing a sense of togetherness during their stay.

Highlights

Location: Just outside Colchester city center

Accommodations: Hypnos beds in spacious rooms

Dining: On-site restaurant with international dishes

Business: Fully-equipped meeting rooms available

“This family-run hotel, situated just outside Colchester, strikes a balance with well-equipped meeting rooms and a welcoming bar, plus it is near Colchester Zoo and the coast; Hypnos beds and reliable WiFi add practical value. Though some aspects require attention, the personalized service stands out. I think it's a reasonable choice for business or leisure.”
Hotel logo
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
View all

Select your room type

Dragonfly Hotel Colchester offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Twin Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Executive Double Room
2 persons
260 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Double Room
2 persons
185 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

Dragonfly Hotel Colchester offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Very good
7.9/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Direct dial telephone

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

At Dragonfly Hotel Colchester, an inviting dining experience awaits guests, offering a delightful fusion of American, British, and International flavors. The modern and family-friendly ambiance of the onsite restaurant serves a variety of meal options tailored to diverse dietary preferences, ensuring every visitor can indulge in an authentic culinary experience.
Dragonfly Hotel Colchester Restaurant photo
Dragonfly Hotel Colchester Restaurant photo
Dragonfly Hotel Colchester Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

American, British, International
Ambiance
Family friendly, Modern setting perfect for all dining occasions
Key Offerings
A menu featuring vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, catering to various tastes and preferences. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner in a warm atmosphere.
Reservation
Not needed
Open daily from 12:00 to 21:00

Dragonfly Hotel Colchester Location

A12/A120 Ardleigh Junction, Colchester, United Kingdom, CO7 7QY
Map view
A12/A120 Ardleigh Junction, Colchester, United Kingdom, CO7 7QY
Nearby
Market
Ardleigh Car Boot Sale Site
3100 ft
Restaurants
Barley + Graze Restaurant
100 ft
A12 / A120 Ardleigh Junction Dragonfly Hotel
The Crown
1100 ft
Old Ipswich Road
Table Table Balkerne Gate
2400 ft
Ipswich Road
Mimosa Restaurant + Deli
4700 ft
The Crescent
Explore Colchester
Explore Colchester
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Ardleigh Car Boot Sale Site
10 minutes' walk
Vibrant market atmosphere offering a variety of goods. A great spot for local finds, open year-round on Sundays.
Gnome Magic Garden
Gnome Magic Garden
25 minutes' walk
Whimsical garden featuring hundreds of gnomes. Perfect for families; includes play areas and themed events.
Weston Homes Community Stadium
Weston Homes Community Stadium
10 minutes' drive
Home to Colchester United FC, this stadium hosts exciting matches and events throughout the year. Great for sports fans.
Highwoods Country Park
Highwoods Country Park
30 minutes' walk
Offers scenic walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and diverse wildlife. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Highwoods Country Park Hiking
30 minutes' walk
Enjoy miles of trails through nature. Perfect for families and solo travelers seeking fresh air and exercise.
Gnome Magic Garden Visit
25 minutes' walk
A delightful and quirky garden ideal for children and adults alike. Offers photo opportunities and fun landscaping.
Barley + Graze Restaurant
Barley + Graze Restaurant
1 minute' walk
Casual dining with a local twist. Enjoy hearty dishes made from fresh ingredients. Reservations recommended.
The Crown
The Crown
4 minutes' walk
Traditional British pub offering a warm atmosphere and classic pub food. Great for casual meals and drinks.
Table Table Balkerne Gate
Table Table Balkerne Gate
9 minutes' walk
Family-friendly restaurant with an extensive menu, including vegetarian options. Ideal for relaxed dining experiences.
Colchester Arts Centre
Colchester Arts Centre
10 minutes' drive
Local arts venue hosting live music, theater, and comedy shows. Check their calendar for exciting events.
Weston Homes Community Stadium Events
10 minutes' drive
Catch a football match or a local event at this energetic venue, perfect for sports enthusiasts.
Getting around
City Centre
Colchester7 min  ·  2.8 mi
Airports
London Stansted (STN)86 min  ·  35.6 mi
London Southend (SEN)105 min  ·  43.2 mi
Train
Colchester Railway Station6 min  ·  2.5 mi
Hythe (Essex) Railway Station7 min  ·  2.6 mi
Bus
Bus stop3 min  ·  700 ft
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Get exlusive rates right now!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
At the hotel Dragonfly Colchester guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
44
Former name
Quality Hotel / Ramada

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Dragonfly Hotel Colchester from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Dragonfly Hotel Colchester is generally considered a comfortable place to stay, with many guests appreciating the spacious and clean rooms. The location is convenient for visiting Colchester, just a short drive away, and provides easy access to major roads. The inclusive breakfast receives positive feedback for its variety and quality, with some comparing it favorably to other hotel chains; however, a few guests have mentioned issues with room service not being provided daily during shorter stays. The good value for money, especially when breakfast is included, also stands out as a recurring positive point.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 735 verified reviews
7.4/10
Very good
74%
Recommend
Staff
8.7/10
Location
8.3/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.0/10
Breakfast
6.5/10
Pros
Comfortable beds
Friendly staff
Good parking
Clean reception area
Good value breakfast
Cons
Broken lights
Tired looking hotel
Limited food choice
Guest reviews
based on 735 reviews
7.4/10
based on 370 reviews
3/5
based on 1630 reviews
7.8/10
Avery from Canada
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 01, 2025
8.6/10

Comfortable Stay

convenient parkingtasty foodfresh air
The parking was convenient and registering the car at the reception tablet was straightforward. Food from the bar on Friday night tasted great. Opening the windows in the room for fresh air was a bonus. I had a bath. a shower before my departure on sunday.
The breakfast options were somewhat limited. It was mostly cooked items, and staff struggled to keep up with the demand.
Service
9/10
Staff members were friendly. The receptionist provided good assistance. They maintained a cute atmosphere. I felt supported throughout my stay.
Location
8/10
The hotel is in a good location. An EV charger is available for electric vehicles. The setting offered a quiet environment. It was easy to find.
Dining
9/10
The dining room looked fantastic. The bar area was nice. I found the food to be good. It was a perfect experience.
Rooms
8/10
The room was basic but nice. The bed was comfortable. I had easy wheelchair access. I also found the room clean.
Facilities
9/10
Hallways felt spacious. The layout was quite nice. I was welcomed into the reception area. The breakfast area also felt cute.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Owen from United Kingdom
Business traveller
Double Room
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed:July 24, 2025
8.5/10

a satisfactory stay

convenient locationquiet roomon-site barinclusive breakfast
i found the location quite convenient on the outskirts. the rooms are away from the main road and i noticed they were quiet. the on-site bar and restaurant were a plus and provided basic food at fair pricing. i liked the outside terrace and the decent inclusive breakfast.
Dining
8/10
the hotel includes a restaurant which provides breakfast the buffet has a great option for different tastes and the products seemed fresh the on-site bar offers various drinks.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel includes parking it is necessary to input the car registration upon arrival to validate the parking the public areas were pleasant the reception staff helped me a lot .
Location
8/10
this location is near a major road and not far from local attractions getting to surrounding areas is simple from here it offers convenient access to various points of interest and nearby sites.
Rooms
9/10
the room was spacious and clean i found the bed comfortable the room included a tv with multiple channels the bathroom had fresh towels and basic toiletries for use .
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Questions of the users
About Dragonfly Hotel Colchester
Is it possible to check in earlier than the standard time?
14 February 2024
Early check-in is available depending on room availability. Check with the reception upon arrival.
What breakfast options are available at the hotel?
9 March 2024
A buffet breakfast featuring a variety of hot and cold selections is offered at a cost of £9.95 per person.
Can a deposit be made using a debit card instead of a credit card?
25 April 2024
Yes, debit cards can be used for the deposit without any issues.
Is it possible to arrange for a later check-out?
18 May 2024
Late check-out can be arranged for an additional fee, subject to availability.
What is the maximum occupancy for a double room?
30 June 2024
A double room can accommodate two guests. Interconnecting rooms are available for families or larger groups, accommodating up to four guests.
Are there rooms designed for guests with disabilities?
12 July 2024
There are accessible rooms designed for guests with disabilities. However, these rooms do not feature wet room bathrooms or hoist-compatible beds.
Are ironing facilities available in the rooms?
21 August 2024
Every room is equipped with an iron and ironing board for guests' convenience.
What time does check-in start?
5 September 2024
Check-in begins at 2 PM.
Are there electric vehicle charging points available on-site?
13 October 2024
Yes, there are electric vehicle charging points available in the car park.
Is parking available for guests staying at the hotel?
28 November 2024
Parking is available for guests; just ensure that you register your vehicle's details when you check in.
Is there an elevator available for accessing the rooms?
17 December 2024
The hotel has rooms located on the ground floor, while other rooms are accessible via stairs to the first floor.
What are the bar hours at the hotel?
20 January 2025
The bar is open until 11 PM, and on Sundays, it closes at 10:30 PM.
Are hairdryers provided in the hotel rooms?
15 February 2025
All rooms come equipped with hairdryers for guest convenience.
What is the recommended method to travel from the hotel to Stanway?
3 March 2025
The best option is to travel by car, which takes about 10 minutes, as public transport may not be as convenient.
How can I arrange a taxi to a nearby destination?
25 March 2025
Contacting a local taxi service is recommended to get an accurate quote for travel within the area.
What is the latest time I can check in?
1 April 2025
Self-service check-in is available 24/7. Just inform the hotel of your estimated arrival time in advance.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
20Apr2026Select date
Check-out
21Apr2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room