The staff is lovely and the hotel is simply a sight. The rooms and the entire hotel is historic.

Rooms with windows facing the city can be noisy at night as the windows are single glazed. Sleeping can be difficult without ear plugs. It would be great if something could be done about the noise level. I guess the building is heritage and the windows can't be double glazed but secondary double glazing might be an option. Ive been at the lion a few times as the location is great and I love the architecture of the hotel. It would be great if the sound insulation could be improved.

the ambience and history of the hotel and the fact that the history was explained. The decorations and decor in keeping with the age of the hotel. The friendly, human and genuine staff - nothing was too much trouble but they were not 'plastic', they were real people. The location was bang in the middle of town. Parking was a 5 minute walk and cost £5.95 per 24 hours. The rooms were comfortable. The furnishing was in keeping with a small family run hotel (not a chain). Rooms were spotless and cleaned daily and beds made daily. Sheets changed every three days unless asked for more or less often. Plenty of tea / coffee in the room and always replenished. Reception manned 24/7. Good choices for breakfast and lots of it. All cooked to order and a buffet of cold things. Well worth the £10 paid and will give Wetherspoon a run for their money

The bathroom was a bit tired but clean and tidy. It took time to understand how to use the shower but I rang down to reception and had it explained

Amazing building (16th or 17th century I think) and amazing room, with a four-poster bed. Staff were all very friendly and efficient. Location is excellent - on the high street and about 7min walk from a car park (NCP Colchester Osborne Street) that costs £5.50 for 24hrs. Great for access to Colchester's bars and restaurants whilst being a short walk to places of historical interest, like the castle. Breakfast was included and very nice, wth a range of options (see menu photo). There are only 20 or so rooms, so never overcrowded. We will stay again! Note: dogs are allowed (but we didn't have ours with us this time).

It's an old hotel so sometimes heard creaking floorboards (which may have been one of the hotel's resident ghosts) but nothing really to dislike.

If you skim the reviews you’ll see a plethora of those slating the condition of the hotel and yes, the rooms / bathrooms could use work and maintenance for sure. I will agree with that (the radiator in my room wasn’t working but I was provided with a portable heater which did the job just fine) however I looooove this gorgeous Tudor building and the atmosphere / history of the place is what draws me back time and again. If you can overlook the condition and appreciate what a wonderful building this is then you’ll enjoy your experience

The lack of bottom sheet on the bed and missing tv remote - aside from that it was a wonderful stay!!

It was a lovely place to stay, very old as well! The staff are lovely and the breakfast, cooked, was excellent! We did get moved from our rom to a quieter one in the back as a bit noisy, but apart from that it was great!! In a good part of Colchester with shops outside as well as bus stops and short walk.from train station! Plenty to see in Colchester too, like the Castle!!

The only thing was noise from a night club nearby, but the owner was happy to move us to a quieter room which was lovely!!

The historic setting was a dream. The modern facilities were carefully inserted so as not to damage the antique charm of the original building. We felt we had stepped right into the fifteenth century. The rooms were spacious and there were plenty of communal areas. There was an excellent variety for breakfast.

The lack of private parking, inevitable given the location, meant we had to keep our eyes on the clock and move our car around. We would plan this better next time.

A real wonderful sense of history as parts are over 400 years old!! It was a privilege to experience such an old and historic building. The breakfast was excellent with extensive choices. Very friendly and helpful staff that made our stay so enjoyable.

It was a pity there was no parking and you have to go to N C P but there is nothing the hotel can do about it. However it means lugging suitcases from car park to hotel but you might be able to drop of before parking.

Superb location in the main street and near the shopping centre. The staff were exceptionally helpful with my travel needs. My room was spacious with a choice of a bath or shower when needed. Breakfast every morning was excellent with a wide range of foodstuffs. There was a choice of how my eggs were to be prepared which allowed some variety to my eating.

The chimes from the nearby clock tower- couldn't be helped! Other than that nothing

The staff were helpful, responsive, knowledgable, friendly, and welcoming. Nothing was too much trouble. Our allocated room was without character, and we were disappointed. The staff looked to rectify this, but at the time, only the front bedrooms 5 and 6 with noise from the nightclub were available, and we declined it. The following morning, we asked again and was offered a much nicer room with all the charm and character of a double room that we were looking for.

The uncomfortable bed is in number 20. Noise level continued outside of the entrance into the early hours

I don't know what people expect. But I disagree with a lot of reviews here and I was hesitant to book here. Good I did! Almost everything. Especially the staff. The manager was lovely, always keen to help and give Information when needed. Nice size room and a lot of atmosphere. Breakfast was very tasty and plenty, good coffee too. And the location was good. Literally in the centre of the city.

Probably some painting around. And the room could be a bit cold, but just a bit.