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GreyFriars

3.5 star property
Enjoy 2 restaurants at this 3.5-star Colchester hotel

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for GreyFriars

Duplex Suite | Courtyard view
Duplex Suite | Premium bedding, free minibar, in-room safe, desk
Free toiletries, hair dryer, bathrobes, slippers
Exterior
Daily buffet breakfast (GBP 17.50 per person)

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Room service

Explore the area

View in a 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 Deluxe Suite

Deluxe Suite | Living area | Flat-screen TV

Deluxe Suite

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • 431 sq ft
  • 5 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Duplex Suite

Duplex Suite | Premium bedding, free minibar, in-room safe, desk

Duplex Suite

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room

Superior Room | Premium bedding, free minibar, in-room safe, desk

Superior Room

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)
  • 226 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Junior Suite

Junior Suite | Premium bedding, free minibar, in-room safe, desk

Junior Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)
  • 377 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Signature Suite

Signature Suite | Premium bedding, free minibar, in-room safe, desk

Signature Suite

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 581 sq ft
  • 4 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room

Standard Room | Premium bedding, free minibar, in-room safe, desk

Standard Room

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(24 reviews)
  • 205 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Colchester

In Colchester .Steps from the hotel, you'll find Colchester Visitor Information Centre and Hollytrees Museum. The Minories Galleries and Colchester Natural History Museum are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Colchester Castle Park - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Colchester Castle Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Colchester Town Hall - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Mercury Theatre - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles
  • University of Essex - 4 min drive - 1.9 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Three Wise Monkeys - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Slug & Lettuce - Colchester - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Other Monkey Tap Room - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Curzon Colchester - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Romano Lounge - ‬5 min walk

About this property

GreyFriars

Enjoy 2 restaurants at this 3.5-star Colchester hotel
There are 2 restaurants on site, as well as a coffee shop/café and a snack bar/deli. You can unwind with a drink at one of the 3 bars/lounges. Business amenities include a business center 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
  • Elevator
  • 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 hair dryers.

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

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Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Soundproofed rooms

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

  • 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

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
  • Elevator
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

Bedroom

  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

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.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are available for GBP 15.0 per night.

Property 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: 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

How close is GreyFriars to the airport?

GreyFriars is 40.9 mi (45-min drive) away from the London (SEN-Southend) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does GreyFriars have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at GreyFriars.

How close is GreyFriars to the beach?

This hotel is 13.2 mi (19-min drive) from St. Osyth Beach and 15.2 mi (22-min drive) from Jaywick Sands. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does GreyFriars offer free breakfast?

Free breakfast isn’t provided at GreyFriars, but buffet breakfast is offered for a fee of GBP 17.50 per person. It's available on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and weekends from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

Is there a casino at GreyFriars?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at GreyFriars?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: midnight.

Is there free parking at GreyFriars?

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does GreyFriars have a pool?

GreyFriars does not have a pool.

Does GreyFriars have a restaurant?

There are 2 onsite restaurants, offering options like brunch and light fare.

Does GreyFriars have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is GreyFriars to downtown Colchester?

GreyFriars is 0.3 mi away from Colchester.

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. 480 out of 618 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 101 out of 618 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 25 out of 618 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 618 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 618 reviews

Reviews

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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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 traveler
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

Traveled 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

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

8/10 Good

David

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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 traveler
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