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Summary of reviewsCounty Hotel in Chelmsford is a popular choice among travelers for its prime location, cleanliness, friendly staff and dining options. Centrally located, it grants guests easy access to city attractions, shopping centers, restaurants and public transport, making it ideal for both leisure and business travel. The staff receives consistent praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, enhancing the overall welcoming atmosphere of the hotel.
The hotel’s breakfast offerings are well-regarded with guests frequently complimenting the quality, variety and presentation of the meals. Both continental and traditional English options are available with many appreciating the freshly cooked and generous portions. Although there are occasional criticisms regarding food temperature and service speed, the positive feedback predominantly highlights a hearty and enjoyable start to the day.
Dinner at the County Hotel also garners favorable reviews. Guests enjoy the high-quality, well-presented dishes with some comparing the food to Michelin star standards. The restaurant and bar provide a pleasant dining experience with a variety of options, including vegetarian dishes. Despite minor complaints about menu variety and pricing, the general consensus is that the dining experience is exceptional.
Room cleanliness and comfort receive mixed feedback. While many guests find the rooms spacious, clean and comfortable, there are frequent remarks about the decor being dated and the need for refurbishment. The comfort of the beds is generally praised, though some guests find the mattresses too firm or the beds themselves outdated.
Cleanliness overall is positively reviewed with many guests noting that their rooms were clean and well-maintained. Occasional issues such as dirty carpets and dusty furniture are mentioned but are outweighed by the majority of positive comments.
Parking at the hotel is a point of contention. Many appreciate the ample and convenient parking facilities, while others criticize the additional daily fees. The hotel’s Wi-Fi is generally satisfactory, though sporadic mentions of sluggish speeds suggest room for improvement.
For families, County Hotel offers clean and spacious rooms that accommodate children and adults comfortably, although there are occasional issues like missing cots. Business travelers find the hotel’s central location and the convenience of on-site parking advantageous, complemented by a staff that is attentive and helpful.
While County Hotel markets itself as a four-star establishment, many guests feel it falls short of this rating, comparing it more accurately to a two or three-star experience. Despite this, guests often recognize the good value for money and the quality of the breakfast, even as they note the need for contemporary updates and improved amenities.
In summary, County Hotel excels in location, staff service and dining, while cleanliness and comfort are generally good but with some areas for improvement, especially in room decor. Its practical amenities make it suitable for diverse guests, from families to business travelers, though its four-star claim is met with some skepticism. Show more
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Hotel with Parking
Located in Chelmsford city centre, the County Hotel provides parking for 80 cars, although it is charged. It is consistently listed as a hotel with parking.
Boutique-style Hotel
Luxury Hotel
Hotel near Golf Courses
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Business Hotel
Accessible Hotel
4-Star Hotel
Room Types
Single RoomChoose one of our single from our range of contemporary yet cosy rooms.
These rooms are perfect for Business Travellers or guests looking for a simple yet relaxing stay
Includes a SmartHD TV, free Wi-Fi, Direct Line telephones, Complimentary tea and coffee
Double RoomChoose one of our Double from our range of contemporary yet cosy rooms.
These rooms are perfect for Business Travellers or guests looking for a simple yet relaxing stay
This rooms include: Desk Fan, Smart HD TV with Freeview, Tea and Coffee making Facilities, Complimentary Toiletries, Iron and Ironing Board, Hairdryer, Safe, Direct dial telephone, Complimentary Wi-Fi
Premium RoomFor the next level of comfort, our Premium Rooms offer a superb experience.
Our Premium Rooms offer a spacious bedroom with king-size bed, bathroom, and work area.
Some of our Premium Rooms can accommodate X Beds or Cots, please contact the Hotel directly to book this if required.
This rooms include: Air Conditioning, Smart HD TV with Freeview, Nespresso Coffee Pod Machine, Tea and Coffee making Facilities, Complimentary Bottled Mineral Water, Bath Robes to use during your stay, Complimentary Toiletries, Mini Fridge, Iron and Ironing Board, Hairdryer, Safe, Direct dial telephone, Complimentary Wi-Fi
Large Double RoomFor those that want more space to relax, our Double Plus Rooms are sizeable, comfortably furnished and have a large bed.
These rooms also have writing desks, ample drawer and cupboard space, iron and ironing board, and desk fan.
For the readers and writers amongst you, these rooms will suit you well.
Some of our Standard Plus Rooms can accommodate Z Beds or Cots, please contact the Hotel directly to book this if required
This rooms include: Desk Fan, Smart HD TV with Freeview, Tea and Coffee making Facilities, Complimentary Toiletries, Iron and Ironing Board, Hairdryer, Safe, Direct dial telephone, Complimentary Wi-Fi
SuiteAre you celebrating a special occasion or looking to spoil yourself then our Suite is the perfect choice for you to book.
A bright and spacious air-conditioned space with separate lounge area and a large bathroom with a bath and shower.
The Sofa doubles up as a single additional bed, the lounge area can also accommodate a Z Bed or Cot if required
This rooms include: Air Conditioning, Smart HD TV with Freeview, Nespresso Coffee Pod Machine, Tea and Coffee making Facilities, Complimentary Bottled Mineral Water, Bath Robes to use during your stay, Complimentary Toiletries, Mini Fridge, Iron and Ironing Board, Hairdryer, Safe, Direct dial telephone, Complimentary Wi-Fi
ApartmentOur two newly developed spacious apartments, have their own separate entrance away from the main Hotel. Both apartments have a large open plan living, dining and kitchen area with smart TV and are suitable for up to 6 guests. There are 2 double bedrooms both with ensuite, the sofa pulls out to a double sofa bed suitable for one adult or 2 children under 12. The Kitchen is fully equipped with a cooker, microwave, induction hob, washing machine, dish washer, cookware, utensils, crockery and cutlery. Please note the apartments are located on the first floor with no lift access. Our TV’s are Smart TV’s and are not connected to Freeview you will need to log into your Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus accounts etc to watch the Television Room Service is not available to the apartments however you are welcome to make use of the Restaurant and Bar at the Hotel You must check in to the apartments before 11.00pm, after this time access will not be available until the following morning. A £20.00 key deposit is taken on check in, this will be refunded when the key is returned to Reception. For large groups and long stays a security deposit of £100.00 is required and will be returned to you once a full inventory of the property has been completed after you have departed.
Budget Double RoomOur Two newly developed buget Double bedrooms, have their own separate entrance away from the main Hotel. We keep frills to a minimum to that you can enjoy all the necessary comforts without paying for things you do not need. All rooms are ensuite and are equipped with a smart TV and tea & coffee making facilities. Our TV’s are Smart TV’s and are not connected to freeview you will need to log into your Netflix, BBC I Player, Disney Plus accounts etc to watch the Television Room Service is not available to the accommodation however you are welcome to make use of the Restaurant and Bar at the Hotel You must check in to the accommodation before 11.00pm, after this time access will not be available until the following morning. A £20.00 key deposit is taken on check in, this will be refunded when the key is returned to Reception.
Budget Single RoomOur four newly developed budget single bedrooms, have their own separate entrance away from the main Hotel. We keep frills to a minimum to that you can enjoy all the necessary comforts without paying for things you do not need. All rooms are ensuite and are equipped with a smart TV and tea & coffee making facilities. Our TV’s are Smart TV’s and are not connected to freeview you will need to log into your Netflix, BBC I Player, Disney Plus accounts etc to watch the Television Room Service is not available to the accommodation however you are welcome to make use of the Restaurant and Bar at the Hotel You must check in to the accommodation before 11.00pm, after this time access will not be available until the following morning. A £20.00 key deposit is taken on check in, this will be refunded when the key is returned to Reception.
Guest Reviews
7.3
Good
Location
The County Hotel in Chelmsford consistently receives high praise for its prime location. Positioned centrally, the hotel provides guests with easy access to the city's main attractions, including the train and bus stations, the city center, shops, bars, restaurants and local amenities. It's particularly convenient for visitors attending events, as venues are just a short walk away. Guests highlight the convenience of the location for both city activities and commuting, especially for those connecting via Stansted Airport. The hotel's easy-to-find address, ample parking facilities and proximity to public transport make it a favored choice for both leisure and business travelers. The staff is noted for their friendliness, which, combined with the hotel's excellent location, enhances the overall experience for guests.
Breakfast
County Hotel's breakfast offerings have received largely positive feedback from guests, who frequently highlighted the excellent quality and variety. The breakfast staff, often described as friendly and helpful, contributed significantly to the pleasant dining experience. Guests appreciated the freshly cooked and well-presented meals with specific mention of continental and traditional English options. The generous portion sizes and good selection, including pastries, juices and hot food, were commonly praised with many guests calling the breakfast delicious, lovely and amazing.
Although there were occasional criticisms regarding cold food, slow service and instances of the breakfast being deemed poor value for money, these appeared to be exceptions rather than the rule. Overall, County Hotel's breakfast has been characterized by many as a high-quality, hearty start to the day with ample choices to satisfy diverse preferences.
Dinner
County Hotel offers a generally positive dining experience with high-quality food and service. Guests repeatedly praised the excellent dinners and breakfasts, highlighting well-presented dishes that ranged from classic breakfast options to more elaborate evening meals. Standout comments include the food being Michelin star level and meals being described as brilliant, tasty and well worth the money. Both the restaurant and bar received special mention for their amazing food, characterized by a nice small menu that catered to various dietary requirements, including vegetarian options.
Dinners in private rooms were particularly noted for their excellence, accompanied by helpful and attentive staff. Breakfasts were also consistently lauded as very good and even great with the cooked breakfast being a particular favorite. Although there were a few criticisms, such as a cold meal and the dinner menu being a bit disappointing at times, these were outweighed by the positive remarks about the quality and presentation of the food.
The hotel restaurant appeared classy with a decent menu for both breakfast and dinner, often quiet, but delivering excellent dining experiences. Despite a few complaints about high prices and limited choices on the Christmas menu, the overall consensus was that County Hotel’s food offerings were lovely, making it a notable spot for dining during a stay.
Rooms
Nestled in a prime location with easy access to the heart of town and ample parking, the County Hotel presents a mixed bag when it comes to its rooms. On the plus side, guests frequently highlight the cleanliness and comfort of the accommodations. Many rooms boast sizeable layouts, offering spaciousness that caters well to comfort seekers. Rooms on the first floor, as well as some premium double rooms, are particularly praised for their modernity and cleanliness.
Comfortable beds and well-appointed large double rooms contribute positively to the guest experience. The bathrooms, though often flagged as dated or in need of refurbishment, remain functional with some showers receiving specific praise for excellent water pressure. Fans are provided in many rooms to combat the frequently noted warm temperatures.
However, the hotel cannot escape criticism. The prevalent impression is that the rooms are dated and in dire need of refurbishment. Smaller rooms and issues with soundproofing, outdated decor and cleanliness inconsistencies detract from the overall experience. Some rooms suffer from lack of ventilation or no provision for air conditioning, contributing to an uncomfortable stay during warmer periods. Tired furnishings and occasional dust or cobwebs are also reported.
In summary, while the County Hotel scores points for comfort and cleanliness in specific rooms, a general update and consistent maintenance would considerably enhance guest satisfaction.
Beds
Guests of County Hotel have diverse opinions about the beds with many highlighting the comfort and quality of their sleep experience. Positive feedback is prominent with multiple reviewers praising the beds for being comfortable, very comfortable and even super comfy. Keywords such as fab, comfortable beds and mattresses and comfortable king bed frequently appear, suggesting a generally good level of satisfaction. A few highlighted the supportive nature of the mattresses and the excellent quality of both beds and pillows. Notably, the beds were also described as huge and appropriately sized by several guests.
However, some guests encountered issues, including uncomfortable mattresses and hard beds. There were mentions of small beds and lumpy mattresses with a few pointing out that the bed was rather close to the wall. Regular complaints included the firmness of the beds, undersized beds and old-style, uncomfortable beds. Some also noted their dissatisfaction with hard pillows and mattress springs in poor condition.
In summary, while many guests found the beds at County Hotel to be highly comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, there were notable exceptions where the bed quality did not meet expectations, primarily due to firmness, size and outdated mattresses.
Cleanliness
County Hotel generally receives positive feedback regarding its cleanliness with numerous guests noting that their rooms were nice and clean. Many reviews highlight that the rooms were very clean and tidy with a consistent mention of cleanliness across the board. Several guests described the rooms as cozy and warm, often appreciating the fresh smell upon entering.
Other reviews mention that the rooms were well-kept with clean and sparkly crockery and cutlery, further illustrating the hotel's attention to cleanliness. Some noted that the overall cleanliness was good and the hotel appeared clean and professional.
Despite these positive remarks, there were occasional criticisms. Certain guests pointed out specific issues such as dirty carpets, dusty furniture and poorly maintained skirting boards in the bathroom. A few mentioned the need for better cleaning in certain areas like the tiles and bathtubs. However, these were less frequent comments compared to the overwhelming positive reviews.
Some guests felt the decor was worn and in need of repair and there were mentions of areas that could be cleaner. However, the positive feedback generally outweighs the negative with the majority of guests affirming that the hotel maintains a high standard of cleanliness.
Staff
The County Hotel consistently impresses guests with its exceptional staff service. Receptionists are particularly highlighted for their friendliness and professionalism. Many reviewers noted that staff members were consistently friendly, polite and eager to assist, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere from check-in to check-out. Breakfast staff, especially individuals like Chris, were highly appreciated for their attentiveness and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure guests had everything they needed.
Guests have praised both the efficient and courteous nature of the reception staff, as well as the overall helpfulness of the team throughout the hotel. The hotel staff is described as amazing, accommodating and consistently pleasant with many reviewers emphasizing how the staff's courtesy and genuine care significantly enhanced their stay.
However, there were occasional mentions of less courteous behavior from housekeeping staff, indicating room for improvement in this area. Despite this, the overwhelming sentiment is positive with numerous guests specifically highlighting the superb service they received.
The County Hotel's staffing strengths lie in their ability to create a friendly and inviting environment, ensuring that guests feel cared for and valued during their stay. This dedication to excellent customer service sets the hotel apart as a warm and welcoming destination.
Wi-Fi
The wifi at County Hotel is generally appreciated for its complimentary access and good reception. Many guests found the internet to be fast and reliable, contributing positively to their stay. There are, however, a few mentions of inconsistent and slow wifi, which could detract from the experience for those needing robust connectivity. Despite these occasional issues, the majority of feedback suggests that the hotel's internet services are satisfactory. Additionally, the absence of streaming services like Netflix on the in-room TVs is noted, which may be a consideration for guests seeking comprehensive entertainment options.
Parking
County Hotel boasts a variety of mixed reviews when it comes to the parking facilities. On the positive side, many guests appreciated the ample parking available on-site, describing the car park as copious, good-sized and capable of accommodating larger vehicles. The parking was considered straightforward, safe and conveniently close to the train station and city center. Free parking options added to the convenience for several guests, making it a handy feature, especially for those arriving by car.
However, some visitors criticized the parking fees, describing them as expensive and unnecessary. The £9 per day charge for parking was a particular point of contention with several guests expressing that parking should be included in the room rate. There were also mentions of occasional issues with parking availability and a lack of EV charge points on site, which might be a concern for those driving electric vehicles.
In summary, County Hotel offers plenty of parking options, which are generally well-received for their convenience and ample space. Yet, the cost of parking remains a significant drawback for some guests, suggesting there's room for improvement in this aspect.
Family
At County Hotel, the accommodation options are well-suited for families with children. Guests appreciate the availability of great family rooms and clean, spacious apartments that cater to both children and adults. The dining room is highlighted as a good choice for families, ensuring meal times are convenient and pleasant. Though there are occasional issues like missing cots, overall, the hotel provides necessary amenities such as extra beds and responsive staff to make family stays comfortable. The hotel manages to cater to the needs of families effectively, creating a welcoming environment for those traveling with kids.
4 Star
County Hotel markets itself as a four-star establishment, but guest reviews suggest that it falls short of this classification. While the service received commendations for being excellent, the facilities and overall feel did not meet four-star standards for many guests. Specific complaints include the lack of provided toiletries and the dated yet clean decor. Some guests highlighted that the hotel could be considered a decent two-star experience but certainly not four-star. Despite these criticisms, the hotel still managed to provide a satisfactory stay for some with particular praise for the good value for money and the quality of the breakfast. However, disturbances like loud weddings contributed to the overall disappointment, leading to a consensus that the hotel's advertised rating is not accurate.
Business
County Hotel in Chelmsford garners positive feedback from business travelers for its commendable convenience and practical amenities. The hotel is described as perfect for a business trip, thanks to its onsite car park and its strategic location near Chelmsford station, making it an ideal hub for commuting professionals. Guests appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, which adds a welcoming touch to their stay.
The hotel suits the needs of those on an overnight business trip, offering good value for money with a range of necessary amenities. Although the rooms are slightly outdated, they are well maintained. Some reviews suggest minor improvements, such as providing more accessible charging outlets for business travelers. Despite these small areas for enhancement, the overall sentiment indicates that County Hotel is a practical and convenient choice for business stays.
Accessible
County Hotel features several amenities aimed at improving accessibility for guests with disabilities. The hotel offers an elevator that is suitable for wheelchairs, making it easy to reach certain areas of the property. Guests have highlighted the convenience of the lift, though it's worth noting that it only services the first and second floors, which could pose challenges for some. Accessibility in bathrooms is addressed with walk-in showers and grab bars. However, the specific design of disabled rooms, such as a pole in the middle of the bath, may create some difficulties. While there were instances where accessing rooms early posed a problem, the overall infrastructure seems to support disabled guests relatively well.
No, County Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at County Hotel.
No, County Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at County Hotel.