Greyfriars, Colchester ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Greyfriars Hotel Colchester Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

High Street, Colchester, United Kingdom

Close to the historic old town

Great

8.8

9.3

/10

4.5

Loved by Greyfriars Hotel guests

Helpful staff
Spacious room
Delicious breakfast
Excellent service

"The bathroom was one of the best I have ever seen including TWO showers in one cubicle!!!!"

Michael from United Kingdom

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"There is a nice touch of a complimentary mini bar with a couple of beers, water & soft drink."

arby27 from United Kingdom

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"Right in the centre of Colchester with its own car park!"

Michael

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Accommodations

Greyfriars offers 26 luxuriously appointed bedrooms including Grand Luxe Signature Suites, Deluxe Suites, and Junior Suites. Each room is fitted to 5-star standards, featuring beautiful marble bathrooms or shower rooms. The hotel also provides one fully accessible room designed for wheelchair users, offering a level-access shower and private courtyard.

Dining Options

The hotel presents a plethora of dining experiences catering to various palates, served throughout the day. The Rose Room allows for lunch and dinner, with menus that include a range from British classics to modern European dishes. For those desiring a lighter experience, the all-day dining option in the Baroque Bar includes various lighter snacks and Afternoon Tea options from Wednesday to Sunday.

Location

Situated at the top of East Hill, Greyfriars commands a prime spot at the Eastern end of Colchester's High Street. It is within a short walking distance from cultural landmarks including Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum, and FirstSite Art Gallery. The hotel also provides free secure parking for guests, accommodating vehicles and motorbikes.

Accessible Facilities

Greyfriars provides tailored amenities for guests with accessibility needs, including a fully accessible room with a private courtyard. The hotel also features a retracting staircase for wheelchair users, ensuring smooth access to all public areas. Numerous designated disabled parking bays are available close to the hotel entrance.

Event Spaces

The hotel offers versatile event spaces, including private dining in the Salon which can accommodate up to 18 guests. The Cigar Lounge provides an outdoor setting for relaxation and features a humidor stocked with Cuban cigars. For larger gatherings, the lounge and terrace areas serve as stunning backdrops for events and receptions.

Highlights

Location: Prime spot at the top of East Hill

Rooms: 26 luxuriously appointed bedrooms

Dining: Extensive dining options including Rose Room

Accessible Facilities: Fully accessible room with private courtyard

Event Spaces: Private dining and outdoor Cigar Lounge

“Greyfriars distinguishes itself in Colchester's Cultural Quarter with a blend of historic charm and contemporary luxury; its Michelin-recommended dining clearly signals a commitment to culinary excellence. I particularly note the hotel's thoughtful touches, like pet-friendly accommodations and secure parking, which elevate it above typical stays. For those seeking refined comfort and a true sense of place, Greyfriars delivers.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingParking Peace

I appreciated the free, secure parking. It's rare to find that right in the town centre.

Oliver from Australia

Review on

DiningBreakfast Bliss

The breakfast offered lovely vegetarian options. I especially enjoyed the freshly cooked food.

Priya from India

Review on

Room FeaturesSuite Surprise

I had a split-level suite, it was very interesting. I liked the staircase's integrated lighting.

Hans from Netherlands

Review on

BathroomBathroom Luxury

The bathroom was fantastic! It had a large, deep bath, a double shower, and a double sink.

Fatima from Canada

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Select your room type

Greyfriars Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Deluxe King Suite

2 persons

435 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Superior King Suite

2 persons

585 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Standard King Room

2 persons

205 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Junior Suite

2 persons

380 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Greyfriars Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Perfect

9.0/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Allergy-free rooms
Lift
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Soundproofed rooms
Sitting area
Dressing area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At Greyfriars, dining is a celebration of British cuisine that showcases local ingredients in a beautifully serene setting. Guests can indulge in the elegance of impeccable service paired with an exquisite menu at various venues that invite relaxation and flavor exploration.

Greyfriars Hotel Colchester Restaurant photo

Cloisters Restaurant

British

Ambiance

An elegant space adorned with tailored decor, perfect for intimate meals, featuring an inviting terrace with lush planting.

Key Offerings

Offers a delicious table d'hôte and à la carte menu, with starters around £10 and mains averaging at £20. Delight in fresh seasonal ingredients such as oysters from Mersea Island and locally sourced Dingley Dell pork.

Reservation

Recommended.

Lunch and Dinner; specific times vary.

Baroque Bar

British

Ambiance

Set in the original 18th-century core of Greyfriars, the Baroque Bar exudes historical charm and sophistication, with cozy seating areas ideal for casual gatherings.

Key Offerings

Enjoy a selection of craft cocktails and fine wines, perfect for evening relaxation. Features special afternoon tea experiences, including scones served with rich strawberry preserve.

Reservation

Not needed.

Hours vary; check locally.

Venetian Lounge

Casual Lounge Dining

Ambiance

A tranquil lounge area adorned with luxurious furnishings that provides a welcoming retreat for light bites and delightful beverages.

Key Offerings

Perfect for unwinding with cocktails or light afternoon tea amidst elegant surroundings, showcasing local fruits and artisanal preparations.

Reservation

Not needed.

Hours vary; primarily open in the afternoons and evenings.

Library Lounge

British

Ambiance

An intimate setting filled with books and soft lighting, ideal for quiet conversations over coffee or cocktails.

Key Offerings

Features a selection of light snacks and beverages, an inviting atmosphere for those looking to relax away from the hustle of daily life.

Reservation

Not needed.

Hours vary; typically open during the afternoon and evening.

Greyfriars Hotel Location

High Street, Colchester, United Kingdom

Map view

High Street, Colchester, United Kingdom

City landmarks

Landmark

Colchester Arts Centre

2700 ft

Landmark

Colchester Castle Park

1.2 mi

Landmark

Bourne Mill

1.2 mi

Museum

Roman Circus Centre

4700 ft

Castle

Colchester Castle

1.3 mi

Landmark

Jumbo Water Tower

2500 ft

Landmark

Colchester Roman Wall

2200 ft

Landmark

St. John Russian Orthodox Church

3400 ft

Spa Centre

Aqua Springs

1.0 mi

Landmark

National Trust

1.2 mi

Landmark

Bourne Pond

1.2 mi

Park

Highwoods Country Park

1.8 mi

Landmark

Abbots Activity Centre

1.4 mi

Nearby

Museum

Hollytrees Museum

1000 ft

Museum

The Castle Museum

1400 ft

High Street Cowdrey Crescent

Colchester War Memorial

200 ft

Gallery

firstsite

600 ft

One Castle Park Right in front of the Castle

The Claudius Gateway

600 ft

Church

St. Botolph's Priory

1100 ft

Church

St Helen's Chapel

900 ft

74 High Street

The Minories Galleries

100 ft

High Street

Colchester's Natural History Museum

400 ft

Town Hall High Street

Colchester Town Hall

1700 ft

Church

Lion Walk United Reformed Church

1200 ft

Dutch Quarter Apartments West Stockwell Street

Dutch Quarter

1500 ft

St. Johns Thorrington Road

St. John's Abbey Gate

1700 ft

63 High Street

Xtreme Gaming

500 ft

East Stockwell Street

Peake's House

1400 ft

4-11 Trinity Street

Holy Trinity Church

1400 ft

11A Eld Lane

The South Lanes

1500 ft

Restaurants

The Minories Garden Cafe

200 ft

74 High Street

The Batte-Lay Tea Room

200 ft

74 High Street The Minories

Prezzo

400 ft

1 Culver Street East

Mirra

500 ft

98 High Street

Kimchi House

500 ft

2A Queen Street

Maharani Restaurant

700 ft

102 High Street

Three Wise Monkeys Colchester

700 ft

60 High Street

Kaspas

600 ft

61-62 High Street

Mamma Mia Restaurant & Pizzeria

700 ft

5-7 Museum Street

Foresters Arms

900 ft

Castle Road

Explore Colchester

Explore Colchester: Activities and More

Hollytrees Museum

4 minutes' walk

Local history exhibits in a charming Georgian house, with a family-friendly atmosphere and interactive displays.

Colchester Castle

25 minutes' walk

Norman castle with a museum showcasing local archaeology; beautiful grounds and guided tours enhance the visit.

Colchester Zoo

12 minutes' drive

Home to over 220 species, with immersive animal experiences and a focus on conservation makes it great for families.

Colchester Arts Centre

10 minutes' walk

Vibrant arts venue featuring live music, theater productions, and local events in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Colchester Roman Wall Walk

9 minutes' walk

Scenic walking route along ancient Roman walls, combining history with outdoor leisure; ideal for architecture lovers.

Aqua Springs

20 minutes' walk

Indoor water park with slides and relaxation areas; a fun escape for families and thrill-seekers alike.

Highwoods Country Park

35 minutes' walk

Sprawling park with scenic trails for walking and cycling, offering a peaceful retreat from urban life.

Yoga at the Studio

10 minutes' drive

Yoga classes focused on relaxation and wellness; perfect for solo travelers or couples seeking calm.

The Minories Garden Cafe

1 minute' walk

Cozy spot with garden views serving fresh coffee, light bites, and homemade cakes; great for casual brunches.

Prezzo

2 minutes' walk

Italian cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere; famous for its pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas.

Kimchi House

2 minutes' walk

Korean flavors with a fast-casual twist; known for bibimbap and traditional barbecue options.

The Batte-Lay Tea Room

1 minute' walk

Charming tea room serving afternoon tea and light lunches; perfect for couples or a relaxing meal.

Colchester Arts Centre

10 minutes' walk

Regular live performances including music and comedy shows; an integral part of the local nightlife culture.

Firstsite

3 minutes' walk

Contemporary arts venue hosting exhibitions and film screenings; perfect for art enthusiasts and families.

The Mercury Theatre

15 minutes' walk

Local theater featuring a range of performances; ideal for families and couples for a cultural night out.

Jumbo Water Tower

10 minutes' walk

Iconic local landmark often used for community events; offers family-friendly activities and historical tours.

Getting around

City Centre

Colchester4 min · 1000 ft

Airports

London Stansted (STN)81 min · 33.5 mi

London Southend (SEN)100 min · 41.1 mi

Train

Colchester Town Railway Station5 min · 1400 ft

Colchester Railway Station18 min · 5000 ft

Bus

Bus stop2 min · 400 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP17.50 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 2.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Greyfriars Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Greyfriars Colchester offers a lovely and historic experience right in the town center, where many guests appreciate the convenience of free parking. The spacious rooms are a highlight, often featuring comfortable beds, coffee machines, and sometimes even complimentary mini-bar items; plus, some guests have enjoyed the private terraces. Breakfast is consistently rated as excellent, with vegetarian options available, though a few guests have mentioned that some rooms can be smaller than expected.

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Review score

Based on 897 verified reviews

8.8/10

Great

90%

Recommend

Location

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.3/10

Value for money

8.6/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.9/10

Pros

Attentive staff

Comfy bed

Individual rooms

Delicious breakfast

Cons

Awful smell

Wear and tear

No slippers

Emily from United Kingdom

Family with children

Superior King Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:November 29, 2025

6/10

an okay visit

comfy bedair conditioningdouble showervegetarian optionlong waitdining chair

The bed in the superior king room was very comfy. air conditioning worked very well. It was easy to control. the bathroom included a large, deep bath and a double shower.

the menus did not have a great vegetarian option. i had to wait a long time for my order to be taken at breakfast. the chairs in the dining room were also too low for comfort.

0 Helpful

Parker from United States

Couple

Superior King Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed:November 16, 2025

7/10

Acceptable stay with MINOR issues

large bathroomcomplimentary toiletriescomplimentary drinksshower drainageslippery floormissing carpet

The bathroom was large. I also appreciated the lovely complimentary toiletries. The mini fridge included some complimentary drinks. This was a nice touch.

The shower did NOT drain away. It practically flooded the room. I had to get the guy on reception to bring towels. I helped clean it up because the floors are not carpeted. I nearly fell several times because the floor was slippery.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Greyfriars

Are mini bars complimentary in every guest room or is there an additional fee?

01 March 2024

All rooms and suites at GreyFriars feature a complimentary minibar for guests to enjoy at no extra charge.

Is there on-site parking available for guests, and is it complimentary?

15 April 2024

GreyFriars offers complimentary on-site parking for all guests throughout their stay. It's best to contact the Reservations Team for guidance on finding the car park.

Does the room rate include breakfast?

22 May 2024

Unless otherwise indicated, all quoted rates at GreyFriars include breakfast for guests.

What are the check-in and check-out times for staying at the hotel?

09 June 2024

Check-in is available from 15:00, and check-out should be completed by midday (12:00) on your departure day.

Is there a specific honeymoon suite available for newlyweds?

30 June 2024

There isn't a dedicated honeymoon suite at GreyFriars, but the Deluxe and Signature Suites are popular choices among couples.

Can a Chihuahua accompany guests in their room, and are there specific dog-friendly rooms?

15 July 2024

Pets are permitted at GreyFriars, but only in designated dog-friendly rooms. It's advisable to contact the Reservations Team for details.

Are dogs allowed in the bar or dining area during breakfast and dinner?

02 August 2024

Dogs are welcome in the Reception area and on the outdoor Terrace, but it's best to inquire about specific dining arrangements when booking.

Are there gluten-free breakfast options available for guests?

20 August 2024

Yes, GreyFriars provides gluten-free breakfast options, and the dedicated team is happy to offer further details upon arrival.

Is room service available, and what are the hours?

10 September 2024

Room service is offered daily from 10:00 to 21:00, with a twilight menu available outside those hours. Guests can also request restaurant menus for in-room dining.

What is the maximum occupancy for rooms at GreyFriars?

25 September 2024

All rates are based on single or double occupancy; however, certain suites can accommodate additional beds or cots for young children at a nominal fee.

Is there a twin bed option available for guests who prefer this setup?

05 October 2024

Greyfriars can provide one Junior Suite as a twin bed room upon request; please contact the hotel reception for more information.

Is the breakfast included in the room rate continental, cooked, or both?

18 October 2024

Guests can enjoy a range of breakfast selections, including a continental option as well as one cooked breakfast per person, chosen from the menu.

Which train station is closest to GreyFriars for those arriving by rail?

30 October 2024

Colchester Town Station is approximately a 10-minute walk from the hotel, while Colchester North Station, served more frequently, is about a 10-minute taxi ride away.