GreyFriars
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Summary of reviewsGreyFriars, located in the heart of historic Colchester, offers an ideal venue for visitors wishing to explore the town's rich culture and landmarks. The hotel is just steps away from key attractions like Colchester Castle and its picturesque gardens. Guests particularly appreciate the secure and complimentary parking facilities, a rare convenience in a bustling city center. Despite its central location, GreyFriars maintains a tranquil atmosphere, balancing accessibility with relaxation. The beautifully designed property, attentive staff, comfortable rooms and quality amenities make it a top choice for travelers.
Breakfast at GreyFriars is highly commended, characterized by its variety, freshness and exceptional service. Whether enjoying a well-cooked Full English breakfast or other made-to-order options, guests often describe the experience as fantastic with top-notch coffee adding to the enjoyment. Although there are occasional mentions of the high cost and limited allergy-friendly options, most reviews highlight a memorable and high-quality breakfast experience.
Dinner at GreyFriars similarly receives accolades for its diverse, high-quality menu. Guests enjoy imaginative and well-presented dishes with special favorites such as French onion soup and Beef Wellington. The elegant belle-epoque setting of the restaurant, along with the relaxing bar and garden areas, enhances the dining experience. Despite some instances of slow service or perceived pretentiousness, the overwhelming sentiment reflects a sophisticated dining experience that often exceeds expectations.
Rooms at GreyFriars are celebrated for their spaciousness, comfort and cleanliness. Guests frequently describe them as luxurious, well-appointed and beautifully decorated with notable features such as heated bathroom floors and copper bathtubs. Comfortable beds, courtesy minibars and coffee machines add to the appeal. Although there are rare mentions of minor issues like outdated carpets, the overall impression is one of elegance and modern comfort.
Cleanliness throughout the hotel is consistently praised with rooms and public areas described as spotless and well-maintained. Housekeeping services receive commendation for their thoroughness and attention to detail, contributing to a clean and welcoming environment.
The staff at GreyFriars stand out for their warmth, professionalism and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend the team for their friendliness and readiness to assist, making everyone feel well-cared for. The overall service quality is considered excellent with staff going above and beyond to accommodate guests' needs, ensuring a pleasant stay.
WiFi at GreyFriars is generally reliable and praised by many guests for its stability, allowing for convenient remote work. However, some inconsistency is noted in specific areas or times, but these do not significantly detract from the overall positive feedback.
GreyFriars' parking facilities are highly appreciated for being ample, secure and free. Guests note the convenience and peace of mind provided by the gated car park, despite minor initial challenges with locating it.
For families, GreyFriars offers a relaxing environment, spacious suites and a welcoming staff who engage warmly with children. The charm of the property, the quality of the breakfast and the family-friendly facilities make it a preferred choice for family stays.
Nightlife enthusiasts will find GreyFriars' location ideal with easy access to various pubs, bars and restaurants. The hotel's own bar and roof terrace also provide options for a relaxing evening without leaving the premises. Despite the proximity to vibrant nightlife, the hotel maintains a quiet atmosphere suitable for a good night’s rest.
Beds at GreyFriars are frequently noted for their comfort and cleanliness, contributing to a restful stay. Although preferences for bed firmness vary, most guests find the beds highly comfortable and conducive to relaxation.
Overall, GreyFriars successfully combines a prime location, notable dining experiences, exceptional guest service and comfortable, clean accommodations. Whether staying for historical exploration, family vacations or enjoying the local nightlife, guests generally leave with positive and memorable impressions.
Categories
Breakfast at GreyFriars is highly commended, characterized by its variety, freshness and exceptional service. Whether enjoying a well-cooked Full English breakfast or other made-to-order options, guests often describe the experience as fantastic with top-notch coffee adding to the enjoyment. Although there are occasional mentions of the high cost and limited allergy-friendly options, most reviews highlight a memorable and high-quality breakfast experience.
Dinner at GreyFriars similarly receives accolades for its diverse, high-quality menu. Guests enjoy imaginative and well-presented dishes with special favorites such as French onion soup and Beef Wellington. The elegant belle-epoque setting of the restaurant, along with the relaxing bar and garden areas, enhances the dining experience. Despite some instances of slow service or perceived pretentiousness, the overwhelming sentiment reflects a sophisticated dining experience that often exceeds expectations.
Rooms at GreyFriars are celebrated for their spaciousness, comfort and cleanliness. Guests frequently describe them as luxurious, well-appointed and beautifully decorated with notable features such as heated bathroom floors and copper bathtubs. Comfortable beds, courtesy minibars and coffee machines add to the appeal. Although there are rare mentions of minor issues like outdated carpets, the overall impression is one of elegance and modern comfort.
Cleanliness throughout the hotel is consistently praised with rooms and public areas described as spotless and well-maintained. Housekeeping services receive commendation for their thoroughness and attention to detail, contributing to a clean and welcoming environment.
The staff at GreyFriars stand out for their warmth, professionalism and attentiveness. Guests frequently commend the team for their friendliness and readiness to assist, making everyone feel well-cared for. The overall service quality is considered excellent with staff going above and beyond to accommodate guests' needs, ensuring a pleasant stay.
WiFi at GreyFriars is generally reliable and praised by many guests for its stability, allowing for convenient remote work. However, some inconsistency is noted in specific areas or times, but these do not significantly detract from the overall positive feedback.
GreyFriars' parking facilities are highly appreciated for being ample, secure and free. Guests note the convenience and peace of mind provided by the gated car park, despite minor initial challenges with locating it.
For families, GreyFriars offers a relaxing environment, spacious suites and a welcoming staff who engage warmly with children. The charm of the property, the quality of the breakfast and the family-friendly facilities make it a preferred choice for family stays.
Nightlife enthusiasts will find GreyFriars' location ideal with easy access to various pubs, bars and restaurants. The hotel's own bar and roof terrace also provide options for a relaxing evening without leaving the premises. Despite the proximity to vibrant nightlife, the hotel maintains a quiet atmosphere suitable for a good night’s rest.
Beds at GreyFriars are frequently noted for their comfort and cleanliness, contributing to a restful stay. Although preferences for bed firmness vary, most guests find the beds highly comfortable and conducive to relaxation.
Overall, GreyFriars successfully combines a prime location, notable dining experiences, exceptional guest service and comfortable, clean accommodations. Whether staying for historical exploration, family vacations or enjoying the local nightlife, guests generally leave with positive and memorable impressions.
Luxury Hotel
An opulent hotel located in an elegant Georgian building in the heart of Colchester. It boasts spacious, traditionally dressed rooms, including suites with free-standing copper baths, and a Michelin recommended restaurant.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Located in Colchester, this AA-rated property features a beautiful garden. Its central location offers easy access to explore Colchester's historic sites, offering a blend of relaxation and exploration for a memorable honeymoon.
Dog Friendly Hotel
GreyFriars is a pet-friendly hotel in Colchester.
Romantic Hotel
Located in Colchester, this hotel offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Its central location allows for romantic explorations of the city.
Hotel with Parking
Offers parking.
Accessible Hotel
GreyFriars offers a fully accessible room, The Courtyard Suite, located on the ground floor with level access. This suite is specifically designed for wheelchair users and features a marble bath with transfer seat and a level access shower with seat. The hotel also has lift access to two main upper floors and accessible toilet facilities on the ground floor.
4-Star Hotel
Located in the heart of Colchester in an elegant Georgian building, GreyFriars offers spacious and traditionally dressed rooms. It features two restaurants, three bars, and a garden. The hotel is ideally located for exploring the town, including Colchester Castle.
Boutique-style Hotel
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Business Hotel
Guest Reviews
Nestled in the heart of Colchester, GreyFriars offers a superb location for visitors wishing to explore the historic town. Just steps away from Colchester Castle and its beautiful gardens, the hotel is ideally situated for easy access to the city's major attractions, shops and a variety of restaurants and pubs. Guests appreciate the secure and free parking facilities, an added convenience in a bustling town center. The hotel's central position ensures that everything is within walking distance, from the high street to local landmarks. Despite its proximity to the vibrant city center, the property maintains a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, providing a perfect blend of accessibility and tranquility. With its beautiful layout and historical charm, GreyFriars stands out as a top choice for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the culture and history of Colchester. The attentive staff, comfortable rooms and quality amenities further enhance the experience, making it a superb starting point for any visit to this historic town.
GreyFriars' guests consistently praise the hotel's breakfast offerings for their quality, variety and exceptional service. Many reviews highlight the breakfast as being well-cooked, delicious and fresh with commendations for the inclusion of options like the Full English breakfast. The breakfast is frequently described as "fantastic," "wonderful," and "amazing," showcasing a wide and extensive menu that caters to different tastes and dietary needs.
Guests appreciated the made-to-order feature and the attentive table service, noting that the food was always freshly prepared and well presented. The coffee, often mentioned as excellent, enhances the breakfast experience. Reviewers also noted the ability to have breakfast in their room upon request, adding a touch of convenience and luxury to their stay.
However, a few guests pointed out areas for improvement, such as the high cost of breakfast, limited options for those with major allergies and occasional service inconsistencies. Despite these minor setbacks, the overall sentiment portrays GreyFriars as providing a memorable and high-quality breakfast experience, well-regarded by most who have stayed there.
GreyFriars offers a notably diverse and high-quality dining experience that has garnered considerable praise from its guests. The food and drinks are consistently highlighted as excellent with many describing their meals as amazing, delicious and superb. Guests have particularly enjoyed the imaginative and well-presented dishes with special mentions for the French onion soup and Beef Wellington. For vegetarians, there are menu items including asparagus and some guests have appreciated the chef’s willingness to create special meals.
The dining environment is often described positively with a lovely restaurant ambiance and an elegant belle-epoque setting praised for its culinary menu. The bar and garden areas are also noted as relaxing with fabulous cocktails complementing the experience. Despite some instances of slow service, the overall service quality is considered very good to excellent with attentive staff enhancing the dining experience.
While there are mentions of pretentious and overpriced menus and a few negative dining experiences where food didn't meet expectations, the majority of reviews celebrate the sophisticated and high standard of the cuisine at GreyFriars. The breakfast offerings also receive high marks, often described as top-class or excellent.
For those looking to dine in, the restaurant at GreyFriars is generally recommended, promising a fine dining experience that often exceeds expectations. Whether enjoying an evening meal, bar food or breakfast, most guests leave with memorable, positive impressions of the culinary offerings.
GreyFriars boasts an exceptional array of rooms that have garnered high praise for their spaciousness, cleanliness and comfort. Guests frequently described the rooms as beautiful, luxurious and well-appointed, providing everything needed for a comfortable stay. The décor and furnishings were often highlighted for their elegance and tasteful design, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, the bathrooms, particularly the large and beautifully decorated ones featuring amenities like heated floors and copper bathtubs, left a strong positive impression.
Many guests found the beds to be quite comfortable and appreciated the ample room sizes, including suites that offered plenty of space and nice touches like complementary minibars and coffee machines. Some rooms even featured stunning courtyard views, adding to the overall charm of the property.
The hotel's attention to detail and high standards of cleanliness were consistently noted with the rooms being described as spotless and immaculate. Even though a few reviews mentioned minor issues like outdated carpets or occasional drain smells, these were exceptions rather than the rule.
Overall, GreyFriars successfully combines the charm of a traditional English hotel with modern comforts and thoughtful amenities, making it a highly recommended destination for travelers seeking a delightful and comfortable stay.
GreyFriars hotel is praised for having beds that are large, comfortable and conducive to a great night's sleep. Many guests found the beds to be extremely comfortable with some describing them as the most comfortable they've ever experienced. The beds are often noted to be big or even enormous, providing ample space for relaxation. The bedding, including linens and pillows, generally receives positive remarks for quality and comfort.
However, opinions do vary. While many guests enjoyed the comfort of the beds, a few found them either too hard or too soft for their preference. Issues such as hard pillows, small mattresses and narrow beds were occasionally mentioned. Some guests noted that the beds were not the size they expected, particularly in the case of king-size requests. A handful of reviews also pointed out that the bed sheets were uncomfortable or that the bed height was awkward.
Cleanliness of the beds is another common positive point with multiple reviews highlighting that the beds were very clean. On the flip side, there were isolated instances where guests mentioned dirty pillow and mattress protectors or dusty bed covers.
In summary, while the majority of guests at GreyFriars express satisfaction with the comfort and size of the beds, meeting and often exceeding expectations, a few have encountered issues that could be improved upon.
GreyFriars hotel earns high marks for its exceptional cleanliness, as emphasized by numerous guest reviews. Rooms and public areas alike are consistently described as spotlessly clean with everything—from furnishings to amenities—meticulously well-maintained. Guests find the hotel modern, tidy and welcoming, praising the immaculate condition of the rooms and common areas.
Housekeeping stands out with excellent service, ensuring spaces are cleaned with attention to detail, featuring fresh linens and a pleasant, fresh smell throughout the hotel. From the spotless bathrooms to well-appointed rooms equipped with modern conveniences like mini-bar fridges and coffee machines, guests appreciate the thorough cleanliness and comfort provided.
The ambiance of GreyFriars is both comfortable and stylish with many guests noting the beautiful decor and meticulously clean surroundings. Despite minor reports of tired elements in certain rooms and occasional housekeeping hiccups, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive.
The hotel's cleanliness and friendly staff contribute to a safe and pleasant experience, compliant with COVID guidelines, making it a preferred choice for travelers who prioritize hygiene and comfort.
GreyFriars hotel consistently receives high praise for its exceptional staff, often cited by guests as warm, welcoming and extremely attentive. Reviewers highlight the staff's friendliness, professionalism and readiness to assist, ensuring that every guest feels well-cared for from the moment they arrive. The team, including the front desk, bar and restaurant staff, is noted for being polite, efficient and quick to respond to any requests.
Many guests have appreciated the thoughtful touches and personalized attention provided by the staff, such as accommodating dietary needs and resolving issues promptly. The housekeeping team also garners commendation for their quick and effective service, maintaining spotless rooms and adding to the overall pleasant experience.
Despite a few isolated incidents where guests felt their concerns were not adequately addressed, the overwhelming majority of reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction with the hotel's service. Managers and staff members are frequently described as accommodating, courteous and dedicated to providing top-notch hospitality.
In sum, GreyFriars staff stands out for their exceptional dedication to guest satisfaction, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere that enhances the overall stay experience at the hotel.
The WiFi at GreyFriars generally receives positive feedback with many guests praising it as good, very good or excellent. The hotel offers complimentary WiFi, which some visitors have appreciated for allowing them to work from their rooms effectively. A stable and reliable connection is frequently noted.
However, not all experiences are consistent. A few reviews mention difficulty connecting to the Internet, particularly in specific areas like the restaurant or during certain times of the day like the morning. Some guests encountered weak or slow signals and there were occasional mentions of WiFi being non-existent over weekends or being tough to connect to.
Overall, while the WiFi service at GreyFriars is often highlighted positively, there are occasional challenges that some guests have faced.
GreyFriars offers an excellent parking experience for its guests. Many reviews highlight the availability of ample and secure parking on-site, which ensures a stress-free experience for those arriving by car. The parking is described as both inclusive and complimentary, adding value to the stay. Guests appreciate the convenience of the gated and private car park, noting that it bolsters the feeling of security for their vehicles. The hotel's parking is particularly praised for being easy and accessible with several visitors emphasizing the convenience of finding a spot close to the entrance.
Despite a few mentions of the parking being initially difficult to locate, the overall sentiment remains positive, especially once guests familiarize themselves with the directions. Additionally, the secure, gated parking is an added bonus in a city center location, offering peace of mind.
Special features like disabled parking near the entrance and facilities for car charging further enhance the parking experience. Overall, GreyFriars provides generous, safe and free parking options, making it a hassle-free choice for those traveling by car and adding to the appeal of its already excellent location in central Colchester.
Nestled in the quiet surroundings of Colchester, GreyFriars offers a relaxing atmosphere and exceptional customer service, making it a lovely hotel for family stays. The hotel features spacious suites perfect for special occasions and a cozy bar with inviting seating, ideal for unwinding after a day out. Families can enjoy quality time together, whether it's sharing a good breakfast or exploring the family-friendly facilities that cater to both adults and children.
What's particularly noteworthy is the attentiveness of the staff, who go out of their way to make families feel welcome, even engaging with younger children to create a friendly environment. The availability of a mini-bar, inclusive breakfasts and thoughtful touches like providing biscuits in the room add to the overall experience.
With various little spaces to sit and relax with the family, GreyFriars ensures that there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy quality time away from others. Despite some limited options on the children’s menu, the overall family-oriented amenities and the helpful, friendly staff contribute to making GreyFriars a favorite for family stays.
GreyFriars hotel boasts a prime location for those interested in exploring the vibrant nightlife options nearby. Positioned close to a variety of pubs, bars and clubs, it is an ideal setting for anyone looking to enjoy the local entertainment scene. The area offers plenty of nightlife spots within walking distance, making it convenient for guests to step out for a fun evening without needing to travel far.
For those keen on having a nightcap, the hotel bar stays open late and there's even a roof terrace to enjoy. Guests can easily find themselves a short stroll away from popular places like the Curve bar. Additionally, the hotel is conveniently situated near various bars and restaurants, providing numerous options for dining and drinking late into the night.
However, despite its proximity to bustling nightlife, guests can still enjoy a peaceful night's rest as the hotel remains quiet at night. For those planning to head out on the town afterward, pre-booking a taxi is recommended. Overall, the location is perfect for visitors wanting to be close to everything while having plenty of options to enjoy vibrant nightlife activities.
GreyFriars, a four-star hotel decorated in a traditional Victorian style, garners praise for its fantastic facilities and exceptional service from the staff. Many guests appreciate the quality of the rooms, describing the hotel as absolutely superb and exceptional from facilities to staff. Visitors find the luxury towels provided to be a notable amenity and the number of towels in the rooms is seen as a positive touch. The staff consistently receive high marks for being friendly, welcoming, polite and helpful, elevating the overall guest experience.
However, some areas fall short of the four-star expectations. The decor in the rooms has been criticized as being quite dated, featuring lots of brown wood and worn wallpaper, which some feel is below the standard for a four-star establishment. Additionally, the breakfast service has been noted for being slow and expensive with guests feeling that a price of £17 each is excessive. There have also been occasional mentions of bug issues, including a spider in a guest's room.
Despite some negative aspects, many guests would highly recommend GreyFriars with some even considering it a five-star experience and expressing intentions to return. However, the hotel’s pricing, at £130 per night, is viewed by some as not being commensurate with what is offered, particularly when compared to other local accommodations.
GreyFriars has garnered positive feedback from business travelers who praised the establishment for its robust business amenities and services. The presence of reliable WiFi facilitated working from the room, making it an ideal setting for work travel. Efficient business services and accommodations further add to its suitability for business trips. Additionally, GreyFriars is centrally located with ample parking facilities, enhancing its convenience. Noteworthy for business travelers is the complimentary mini-bar, which was considered a nice touch. The hotel is evidently designed with the needs of professional guests in mind, providing a conducive and convenient environment for business activities.
GreyFriars offers a mixed experience for guests with disabilities, though it does provide several positive accessibility features. The hotel is well-located in the town center and includes some essential amenities such as ground-level access to the lobby, accessible bathrooms and secure parking options. Several reviews highlighted that the rooms, particularly the accessible ones, are large and disabled-friendly with some even featuring ramps outside.
However, the overall accessibility could benefit from updates and improvements. While the terrace and ground-floor areas are cited as very accessible, there are mentions of difficulties, particularly with the lift not working and the absence of a lift in the side building, which complicates access to upper levels with heavy bags. Additionally, some areas within the facility are reportedly not as accessible and there's a need for clearer communication about accessible rooms.
Despite these challenges, the reception staff are proactive and helpful, offering assistance with luggage when needed. The hotel boasts good WiFi, a super accessible hot suite room and an inclusive breakfast, adding to the overall accommodating environment. Nonetheless, potential guests should be aware of the limitations and seek specific information to ensure their needs are met during their stay.
GreyFriars has received high praise for its exceptional facilities and amenities, making it an ideal destination for honeymooners. Guests have described the junior suites as incredible and the rooms as beautiful with a particular emphasis on the lovely and large bathrooms. The beds have been noted for their comfort, ensuring a restful stay. The breakfast offerings have also been commended, adding to the overall experience. The hotel's boutique style design contributes to its dreamy ambiance, which many found perfect for a honeymoon. The honeymoon suite, in particular, has been highlighted as wonderful, making GreyFriars a perfect venue for this special occasion.
GreyFriars is a beautifully maintained boutique hotel that boasts an exquisite design and intimate settings. The tastefully decorated interiors, combined with boutique-style decor, create a charming and inviting atmosphere. Guests appreciate the lovely touches in the rooms, such as the nice bathrooms and special views.
The hotel itself is immaculate and interesting with a nod to its historical roots that adds to its charm. Visitors have spoken highly of the excellent service they received, contributing to an overall memorable stay. The property is described as lovely and beautiful with guests expressing their love for the decor, location and cosy ambiance.
Including delightful boutique elements, GreyFriars offers a setting that feels both unique and welcoming. Whether staying just one night or planning to return, guests leave with a strong appreciation for the distinct and tastefully appointed spaces and hope for another visit to this charming boutique hotel.
GreyFriars is a truly remarkable destination, offering an experience marked by high standards of comfort, elegance and luxury. The hotel is highly regarded for its immaculate condition with beautifully decorated, spacious rooms that are frequently described as luxurious and very comfortable. The bathrooms, often featuring marble fittings, deep bubble baths and luxurious toiletries, add to the sense of opulence.
Guests frequently highlight the exceptional service, noting that staff members are warm, welcoming and make them feel like VIPs. The atmosphere is described as stylish and contemporary, featuring clean lines and an overall boutique feel that enhances the luxurious surroundings.
The property's aesthetic appeal is evident throughout, from the beautifully maintained facilities to the fantastic hotel décor. Many reviewers appreciated the fabulous rooms, sumptuous surroundings and the hotel’s high-end feel. The reception lounge exudes a luxurious hotel atmosphere and the service is consistently praised as excellent.
Not to be overlooked is the dining experience at GreyFriars with many guests extolling the great breakfast and excellent food available at the on-site restaurant. The presence of fresh milk in rooms and daily restocking are considered thoughtful touches that contribute to the perfect experience.
Overall, GreyFriars is characterized by its luxurious ambiance, outstanding service and attention to detail, ensuring guests enjoy a comfortable, glamorous stay that feels truly special.
GreyFriars offers a charming and romantic experience, ideal for couples seeking an intimate getaway. The junior suites are particularly incredible, featuring unique and romantic decor that adds a special touch to the stay. Guests often highlight the romantic ambiance and intimate dining atmosphere, both indoors and in the garden area.
The hotel ensures special touches in the rooms with some guests mentioning a lovely romantic room setup by housekeeping. Dining at GreyFriars is a memorable experience with breakfast and dinner provided at the hotel, offering an intimate outdoor dining option that enhances the romantic feel.
The copper bathtub in the rooms adds to the luxury and romance, making it a perfect setting for romantic engagements. While the overall reviews are positive, suggesting that GreyFriars is a charming venue for couples, there is a mention that more efforts could be made to elevate the romantic experience even further.
GreyFriars offers a range of dog-friendly features and amenities, making it a suitable choice for pet owners. Notably, the hotel provides pet-friendly amenities and has an available adjoining dog park, enhancing convenience for guests traveling with dogs. Dog-walking services are available, further supporting pet owners. The rooms are dog-friendly, although there are some restrictions as dogs are not permitted in other areas of the hotel. Overall, while GreyFriars shows a positive approach towards accommodating pets, there is room for improvement in fully catering to the needs of pets and their owners.
Location Show Map
Location
Breakfast
Guests appreciated the made-to-order feature and the attentive table service, noting that the food was always freshly prepared and well presented. The coffee, often mentioned as excellent, enhances the breakfast experience. Reviewers also noted the ability to have breakfast in their room upon request, adding a touch of convenience and luxury to their stay.
However, a few guests pointed out areas for improvement, such as the high cost of breakfast, limited options for those with major allergies and occasional service inconsistencies. Despite these minor setbacks, the overall sentiment portrays GreyFriars as providing a memorable and high-quality breakfast experience, well-regarded by most who have stayed there.
Dinner
The dining environment is often described positively with a lovely restaurant ambiance and an elegant belle-epoque setting praised for its culinary menu. The bar and garden areas are also noted as relaxing with fabulous cocktails complementing the experience. Despite some instances of slow service, the overall service quality is considered very good to excellent with attentive staff enhancing the dining experience.
While there are mentions of pretentious and overpriced menus and a few negative dining experiences where food didn't meet expectations, the majority of reviews celebrate the sophisticated and high standard of the cuisine at GreyFriars. The breakfast offerings also receive high marks, often described as top-class or excellent.
For those looking to dine in, the restaurant at GreyFriars is generally recommended, promising a fine dining experience that often exceeds expectations. Whether enjoying an evening meal, bar food or breakfast, most guests leave with memorable, positive impressions of the culinary offerings.
Rooms
Many guests found the beds to be quite comfortable and appreciated the ample room sizes, including suites that offered plenty of space and nice touches like complementary minibars and coffee machines. Some rooms even featured stunning courtyard views, adding to the overall charm of the property.
The hotel's attention to detail and high standards of cleanliness were consistently noted with the rooms being described as spotless and immaculate. Even though a few reviews mentioned minor issues like outdated carpets or occasional drain smells, these were exceptions rather than the rule.
Overall, GreyFriars successfully combines the charm of a traditional English hotel with modern comforts and thoughtful amenities, making it a highly recommended destination for travelers seeking a delightful and comfortable stay.
Beds
However, opinions do vary. While many guests enjoyed the comfort of the beds, a few found them either too hard or too soft for their preference. Issues such as hard pillows, small mattresses and narrow beds were occasionally mentioned. Some guests noted that the beds were not the size they expected, particularly in the case of king-size requests. A handful of reviews also pointed out that the bed sheets were uncomfortable or that the bed height was awkward.
Cleanliness of the beds is another common positive point with multiple reviews highlighting that the beds were very clean. On the flip side, there were isolated instances where guests mentioned dirty pillow and mattress protectors or dusty bed covers.
In summary, while the majority of guests at GreyFriars express satisfaction with the comfort and size of the beds, meeting and often exceeding expectations, a few have encountered issues that could be improved upon.
Cleanliness
Housekeeping stands out with excellent service, ensuring spaces are cleaned with attention to detail, featuring fresh linens and a pleasant, fresh smell throughout the hotel. From the spotless bathrooms to well-appointed rooms equipped with modern conveniences like mini-bar fridges and coffee machines, guests appreciate the thorough cleanliness and comfort provided.
The ambiance of GreyFriars is both comfortable and stylish with many guests noting the beautiful decor and meticulously clean surroundings. Despite minor reports of tired elements in certain rooms and occasional housekeeping hiccups, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive.
The hotel's cleanliness and friendly staff contribute to a safe and pleasant experience, compliant with COVID guidelines, making it a preferred choice for travelers who prioritize hygiene and comfort.
Staff
Many guests have appreciated the thoughtful touches and personalized attention provided by the staff, such as accommodating dietary needs and resolving issues promptly. The housekeeping team also garners commendation for their quick and effective service, maintaining spotless rooms and adding to the overall pleasant experience.
Despite a few isolated incidents where guests felt their concerns were not adequately addressed, the overwhelming majority of reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction with the hotel's service. Managers and staff members are frequently described as accommodating, courteous and dedicated to providing top-notch hospitality.
In sum, GreyFriars staff stands out for their exceptional dedication to guest satisfaction, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere that enhances the overall stay experience at the hotel.
Wi-Fi
However, not all experiences are consistent. A few reviews mention difficulty connecting to the Internet, particularly in specific areas like the restaurant or during certain times of the day like the morning. Some guests encountered weak or slow signals and there were occasional mentions of WiFi being non-existent over weekends or being tough to connect to.
Overall, while the WiFi service at GreyFriars is often highlighted positively, there are occasional challenges that some guests have faced.
Parking
Despite a few mentions of the parking being initially difficult to locate, the overall sentiment remains positive, especially once guests familiarize themselves with the directions. Additionally, the secure, gated parking is an added bonus in a city center location, offering peace of mind.
Special features like disabled parking near the entrance and facilities for car charging further enhance the parking experience. Overall, GreyFriars provides generous, safe and free parking options, making it a hassle-free choice for those traveling by car and adding to the appeal of its already excellent location in central Colchester.
Family
What's particularly noteworthy is the attentiveness of the staff, who go out of their way to make families feel welcome, even engaging with younger children to create a friendly environment. The availability of a mini-bar, inclusive breakfasts and thoughtful touches like providing biscuits in the room add to the overall experience.
With various little spaces to sit and relax with the family, GreyFriars ensures that there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy quality time away from others. Despite some limited options on the children’s menu, the overall family-oriented amenities and the helpful, friendly staff contribute to making GreyFriars a favorite for family stays.
Nightlife
For those keen on having a nightcap, the hotel bar stays open late and there's even a roof terrace to enjoy. Guests can easily find themselves a short stroll away from popular places like the Curve bar. Additionally, the hotel is conveniently situated near various bars and restaurants, providing numerous options for dining and drinking late into the night.
However, despite its proximity to bustling nightlife, guests can still enjoy a peaceful night's rest as the hotel remains quiet at night. For those planning to head out on the town afterward, pre-booking a taxi is recommended. Overall, the location is perfect for visitors wanting to be close to everything while having plenty of options to enjoy vibrant nightlife activities.
4 Star
However, some areas fall short of the four-star expectations. The decor in the rooms has been criticized as being quite dated, featuring lots of brown wood and worn wallpaper, which some feel is below the standard for a four-star establishment. Additionally, the breakfast service has been noted for being slow and expensive with guests feeling that a price of £17 each is excessive. There have also been occasional mentions of bug issues, including a spider in a guest's room.
Despite some negative aspects, many guests would highly recommend GreyFriars with some even considering it a five-star experience and expressing intentions to return. However, the hotel’s pricing, at £130 per night, is viewed by some as not being commensurate with what is offered, particularly when compared to other local accommodations.
Business
Accessible
However, the overall accessibility could benefit from updates and improvements. While the terrace and ground-floor areas are cited as very accessible, there are mentions of difficulties, particularly with the lift not working and the absence of a lift in the side building, which complicates access to upper levels with heavy bags. Additionally, some areas within the facility are reportedly not as accessible and there's a need for clearer communication about accessible rooms.
Despite these challenges, the reception staff are proactive and helpful, offering assistance with luggage when needed. The hotel boasts good WiFi, a super accessible hot suite room and an inclusive breakfast, adding to the overall accommodating environment. Nonetheless, potential guests should be aware of the limitations and seek specific information to ensure their needs are met during their stay.
Honeymoon
Boutique-Style
The hotel itself is immaculate and interesting with a nod to its historical roots that adds to its charm. Visitors have spoken highly of the excellent service they received, contributing to an overall memorable stay. The property is described as lovely and beautiful with guests expressing their love for the decor, location and cosy ambiance.
Including delightful boutique elements, GreyFriars offers a setting that feels both unique and welcoming. Whether staying just one night or planning to return, guests leave with a strong appreciation for the distinct and tastefully appointed spaces and hope for another visit to this charming boutique hotel.
Luxury
Guests frequently highlight the exceptional service, noting that staff members are warm, welcoming and make them feel like VIPs. The atmosphere is described as stylish and contemporary, featuring clean lines and an overall boutique feel that enhances the luxurious surroundings.
The property's aesthetic appeal is evident throughout, from the beautifully maintained facilities to the fantastic hotel décor. Many reviewers appreciated the fabulous rooms, sumptuous surroundings and the hotel’s high-end feel. The reception lounge exudes a luxurious hotel atmosphere and the service is consistently praised as excellent.
Not to be overlooked is the dining experience at GreyFriars with many guests extolling the great breakfast and excellent food available at the on-site restaurant. The presence of fresh milk in rooms and daily restocking are considered thoughtful touches that contribute to the perfect experience.
Overall, GreyFriars is characterized by its luxurious ambiance, outstanding service and attention to detail, ensuring guests enjoy a comfortable, glamorous stay that feels truly special.
Romantic
The hotel ensures special touches in the rooms with some guests mentioning a lovely romantic room setup by housekeeping. Dining at GreyFriars is a memorable experience with breakfast and dinner provided at the hotel, offering an intimate outdoor dining option that enhances the romantic feel.
The copper bathtub in the rooms adds to the luxury and romance, making it a perfect setting for romantic engagements. While the overall reviews are positive, suggesting that GreyFriars is a charming venue for couples, there is a mention that more efforts could be made to elevate the romantic experience even further.
Dog Friendly
No, GreyFriars doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at GreyFriars.
Yes, GreyFriars welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at GreyFriars.
No, GreyFriars doesn't have a gym.
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