Split Level room (no.19) Very comfy large bed. Ample space to do what we needed. The only 2nd thought we had were we knew about the bed being `upstairs` but weren`t aware / didnt see in photographs at all, that the bathroom wasn`t en-suite, as it was down stairs. meaning a trip to the loo obviously ensured you were wide awake when returning to bed. But we didn`t find this a reason really for marking our review down. Everything we needed was there, and a couple of small problems, concerns, about the room were quickly attended to. The car parking was fine and very secure. We had breakfast each morning and had no complaints. Everyone is different and has their own views, but we would happily return there - depending on price at the time.

We didnt find a perfect setting for the airconditioning. But the weather changed as we arrived and first night 2nd day was very windy. But perhaps should have asked for guidance on the setting. Initially, surprised at first breakfast that water wasn`t available, self service, along with the fruit juices. But all you have to do is ask! but overall very satisfied.

It was beautifully decorated and the staff very welcoming. Our breakfast was absolutely delicious and delivered to our room by two lovely staff members.

1. The car park is extremely hard to find. It is not signposted from the main road. 2. Our room, whilst delightful, was in an annexe building with two flights of stairs - one was very steep and windy and we struggled to get our cases up. 3. There was no ramp into the main reception area from the car park entrance which was hard with cases. 4. We had dinner in the bar which was delicious. But we had to eat on our laps as there were no proper tables, only coffee-type tables. 5. The water pressure in our room was at times non-existent and the taps ran dry when running a bath. We spoke to reception who told us to leave the tap running for a while and it righted itself, but this wasn’t very convenient. 6. The complementary bath robes are tiny!! and not really fit for purpose.

Fantastic location in the centre of town. Very polite and helpful staff. We were upgraded on arrival so I don’t know what the room we had booked would have been like but ours was spacious and quiet, good aircon, toiletries, mini bar with a few things in it and decent coffee and tea making facilities. Very clean, bathroom spacious.

The only thing I would improve would be that the bar closes very early (10:30pm?) and a number of residents, including us, were surprised by this because generally when you come back to your hotel after an evening, you can have a couple of drinks. The barman did serve us one drink each but it was clear it was closed and that was the limit. I thought this was strange given the otherwise high standard of the hotel n

The history of the building, very grand decor. The table service given by both evening and breakfast staff was excellent. Staff very friendly and helpful. Food most enjoyable. Our room was quirky with a mezzanine floor bedroom and liked the staircase having lighting if needed.. Bed was comfortable. Bathroom was superb. Room refreshment facilities good, mini bar contents included in the price.

The location was quite grim. Although opposite the Hotel stood a magnificent church, the rest of the High Street was dirty with many closed run-down buildings. Not a desirable walk along at all, so had to drive away from the Hotel in the evenings for quite a few miles to find somewhere more pleasant, the more leafy, interesting area's of Colchester. Room was always very hot, although there was a floor standing A/C unit supplied but so very noisy!

The breakfast is lovely and the beds are always very comfortable. Its a grand hotel in a great location by the park and castle and short walk to the centre of Colchester. There's a few different places to sit throughout the hotel including a couple of little bars there's also a terrace attached to the main bar. If real ales are your thing the Ale House at the other end of town is our favourite, its very friendly, and Favoloso is a great Italian specialising in seafood. We've yet to eat at the hotel but its on the list for our next trip as judging by the breakfast its going to be good.

I suppose if I had to pick I'd say road noise, you wouldn't get this in every room. You don't hear it out on the terrace and its not intrusive with the windows shut nor is the road busy at night, but during the day if you are particularly sensitive which I am you may hear it in the front of the hotel but it didn't distract for long.

The lady behind the bar with blond plaits was super good and sooo polite. Lovely breakfast. Thought we were getting our usual room 2 but the receptionist gave us room 14, we didn't mention to her that we's requested room 2 and that you'd replied saying that was fine, we thought we'd check room 14 out first. We actually preferred room 14 even more as the bathroom didn't have stairs down to it like room 2 does.

We didn't eat in the restaurant this time as we were trying to spend less! The options on the menu weren't to our liking either this time.

Everything, especially the all the friendly and efficient staff. Breakfast was lavish and the food was of very high quality and freshly prepared. Our room was very attractive.and everything we needed was there. The bathroom was lovely and the plumbing was faultless. The hotel was excellent value for the price we paid especially since we were upgraded to a room with a bathtub. The situation was also excellent, next to the Castle and tourist information office and with several useful bus routes just outside the front door.

We liked everything.

Greyfriars is, without question, my favourite hotel in the UK. I have stayed here multiple times and each visit has been consistently excellent. The rooms are stylish, comfortable and spotless, and the atmosphere throughout the hotel is warm and welcoming. What truly sets Greyfriars apart, though, is the staff. Every member of the team is friendly, professional and genuinely committed to making your stay as enjoyable as possible. Whether it's a short overnight stop or a longer visit, I always feel well looked after and leave looking forward to coming back. Highly recommended.

Nothing

We liked: size of the room, use of fridge, two easy chairs, decent sized tv, efficient heating, good lighting in bedroom, good amount of sockets, good parking and the willingness of the staff to accommodate a few requests. We visited in February, so didn't use outside area, but looked a really beautiful addition to the hotel.

We were disappointed with the bath / shower. In order to get wet from the overhead shower, you had to stand almost with your face again the wall - we tried all orientations, angles etc. The overhead shower was in the bath, which is fine, but to get into the bath was quite a height. The bath was slippery, so we had to ask for a non-slip bath mat (we almost slipped in the bath when showering).

I stay regularly at Greyfriars when I visit Colchester over the odd weekend and I wouldn't stay anywhere else. The staff are always very friendly and welcoming. Its a beautiful old building which has been modernised inside well without taking too much away from the original character. The rooms are to a very high standard with complimentary refreshments in the fridge and a good range of local teas and coffee. The bathrooms are nice and in the superior rooms you get double sinks and a large double shower. In one of the suites I've stayed in you have a large free-standing bath too which I think would appeal to a lot of people, plus an additional sitting room. I like the fact there is free gated parking and you are in an excellent location at the top of east hill next to the castle and among some of the better preserved historical buildings in the town. During the summer there is an elegant private outdoor terrace within the confines of the grounds. At night you are a couple of minutes walk from the bottom of the high street, but it is still very quiet when you want to get to bed. Town can be a bit noisy late at night during the weekend but Greyfriars is just out of the way enough to avoid this. Overall I think this is the best hotel in Colchester and I am someone who grew up in the town.