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GreyFriars

3.5 star property
3.5-star hotel near University of Essex

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Photo gallery for GreyFriars

Duplex Suite | Courtyard view
Lobby sitting area
Free toiletries, hair dryer, bathrobes, slippers
Reception
Exterior

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
High Street, Colchester, England, CO1 1UG
  • Colchester Town Hall
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Colchester Castle Park
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • University of Essex
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • London (STN-Stansted)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Deluxe Suite

Deluxe Suite | Living area | Flat-screen TV

Deluxe Suite

  • 431 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Duplex Suite

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

Duplex Suite

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Room

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

Superior Room

  • 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

  • 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

  • 581 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Standard Room

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

Standard Room

  • 205 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the neighborhood

Colchester

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

What's nearby

  • Colchester Castle Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Colchester Town Hall - 7 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Colchester Castle Park - 10 min walk - 0.6 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 - ‬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

3.5-star hotel near University of Essex
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.

Languages

English

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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.

GreyFriars Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 453 out of 583 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 95 out of 583 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 24 out of 583 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 583 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 583 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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

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

10/10 Excellent

Ed

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a great stay even got up graded to a junior suite! Look forward for our next visit!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

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

8/10 Good

Daniel

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
I often found the bar un-manned. I either wanted a drink, to pay and leave, but often there wasn't someone there so I had to wait. My room didn't have a water container for the coffee machine and there's a very strange hallway connecting the building and the rooms which is COLD.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We enjoyed our stay once again. The hotel is old school but lovely and the staff are great. The breakfast is fantastic!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A beautiful hotel
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jayne

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
An excellent stay all round.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Grahame

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

A lovely characterful hotel.

This is a great hotel. Upgraded to a lovely small suite with an amazing bathroom. Very comfortable beds. Breakfasts were super quality and delicious, although the breakfast tables are not dressed with a cloth and the old sticky scarred leatherette tabletops were a surprising lapse. We pre-requested through the app ‘no feathers’ in the pillows - this was missed, but corrected next morning. Finally, parking is not well signposted (suggest put Foresters Arms in satnav)
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024