The Holiday Inn Express Colchester by IHG, generally garners favorable reviews from guests, making it a popular choice for a variety of travelers. Situated conveniently near key routes like the A12 and close to the Harwich ferry, the hotel offers easy access to tourist attractions such as Dedham and Colchester Zoo. The ample, free parking further enhances its appeal. While some guests find the location a bit tricky to navigate due to poor signage and ongoing construction, the overall setting is quiet and family-friendly.
A high point of the guest experience is the cleanliness of the hotel. Rooms and public spaces are consistently praised for their immaculate condition, modern design and upkeep. The friendly and helpful staff also contribute significantly to a pleasant stay, showing a keen dedication to guest satisfaction. Clean and comfortable primary beds, although the sofa beds often receive criticism for being uncomfortable.
Guests generally find the breakfast to be satisfactory with a variety of options available from 6:30 AM. Though some items could use improvement, the breakfast offerings often exceed expectations in quantity and variety. On the other hand, dinner receives mixed reviews with many guests finding the menu limited and the food quality below par.
The hotel proves favorable for business travelers, who appreciate its convenience, value and comfortable sleeping arrangements. However, guests note sporadic issues with room sizes and climate control and some areas of the hotel may benefit from minor maintenance to address dated decor and occasional odors.
Free and reliable wifi, despite some intermittent issues, adds to the overall positive experience, although a lack of mobile signal in the hotel can be a drawback for some.
Overall, the Holiday Inn Express Colchester provides a practical, clean and welcoming environment, ideal for families, tourists and business travelers alike with areas for improvement primarily in dinner offerings and signage for easier access.
Milsoms offers a serene retreat nestled in a scenic countryside, just by the enchanting Dedham Vale and the Stour Valley, providing a peaceful escape with easy accessibility via the A12. The beautiful property, surrounded by lovely grounds and an appealing outdoor area, consistently delights visitors.
Guests frequently highlight the exceptional breakfast experience, praising both the quality and variety of the offerings. Fresh produce, well-presented dishes and the option to dine al fresco contribute to a delightful start to the day. The hotel’s dinner service also enjoys high praise with guests enjoying delicious and beautifully presented meals in a relaxed, comfortable setting. The quality of the food and the serene backdrop create a pleasant dining environment, although some felt the dinner to be slightly overpriced with room for improvement in service speed.
The rooms at Milsoms are often described as comfortable, clean and beautifully decorated, featuring modern décor and ample amenities. Despite some mentions of smaller room sizes and occasional noise, the overall satisfaction is high with guests appreciating conveniences like air conditioning and good-quality showers. A few room conditions and cleanliness issues have been noted, suggesting areas for improvement.
The hotel excels in its staff performance with numerous guests commending the team for their friendliness, attentiveness and helpful service. The welcoming and accommodating demeanor of the reception team and the attentiveness of the wait staff significantly enhance the guest experience, fostering a pleasant atmosphere throughout the stay.
While cleanliness standards receive mixed feedback with some rooms meeting expectations and others falling short, the general sentiment about Milsoms remains highly favorable. The comfortable beds, despite a few isolated issues, largely contribute to a restful night's sleep.
In summary, Milsoms stands out as a favored destination owing to its stunning location, excellent food, comfortable rooms and especially the superb service provided by its attentive staff.