A selection of the best luxury hotels in Essex, UK. A selection by Laura Becker
GreyFriars (Colchester)
This AA-rated property, situated in Colchester, just 200 metres from Colchester Castle and 6 km from Colchester Zoo, is a highly elegant and very stylish hotel boasting cosy rooms and a garden. It features a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, free Wi-Fi throughout, a restaurant serving British cuisine, and a continental or buffet breakfast every morning. The guest rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, private bathroom with free toiletries, a desk and a coffee machine. London Southend Airport is 38 km away.
Rooms: 26 Stars: 4
Check availabilityLifehouse Spa And Hotel (Frinton-on-Sea)
Experience a unique stay at Lifehouse Spa & Hotel Resort. Located in 130 acres of stunning grounds, the adults-only luxury hotel is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired menu in the restaurant or take a short shuttle ride to Thorpe-le-Soken Rail Station. Rooms include a luxurious bathroom, designer toiletries, fluffy robes and slippers. Plus, Wellington boots are available on request. With 35 treatment rooms, an 18.5 metre swimming pool, a sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool and salt inhalation room, you can relax and unwind. Enjoy views of the gardens or gravel garden from your room, complete with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and free mineral water. The Lifehouse Bar also offers speciality coffees. Free private parking is available on site and Frinton-on-Sea is only 4 miles away.
Rooms: 89 Stars: 4
Check availabilityRoslin Beach Hotel (Southend-on-Sea)
The Roslin Beach Hotel is one of the finest luxury properties in Essex. Featuring superb interior design and stunning views of the Thames Estuary, this Southend-on-Sea hotel offers free Wi-Fi, treatment rooms and free parking. The Restaurant serves up seafood specialities and classic British dishes with a contemporary twist, with dining options in the Roslin Restaurant, Bar and Lounge, or alfresco on the Estuary-overlooking terraces. Set on a sandy beach just over a mile from shops and amusements on the vibrant seafront, Southend also has one of the best records for sunshine in the UK. The Roslin’s light, airy rooms come with a flat-screen TV, telephone, hairdryer, tea/coffee facilities and free toiletries, with some boasting a balcony and sea views. The Roslin Retreat provides a relaxing escape, offering a range of specialist Elemis facials, massages, ###FINA.
Rooms: 62 Stars: 4
Check availabilityChannels Hotel (Chelmsford)
Experience the unique charm of Channels Hotel, a 15th century Tudor house and converted stable block set in the grounds of Channels Estate. Our cosy rooms and suites boast original features such as exposed wooden beams, as well as modern comforts like a DVD player, free Wi-Fi, ironing supplies, a hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers, a minibar and tea and coffee making facilities with fresh milk and Costa Coffee. Enjoy delicious food and friendly service at Channels Bar & Brasserie. Plus, our guests receive free access to the nearby Nuffield Health Centre, with a swimming pool and fitness centre. Channels Hotel is conveniently located close to the A12, and just 2 miles from Chelmsford and 20 minutes from London Stansted Airport.
Rooms: 21 Stars: 4
Check availabilityOrsett Hall (Orsett)
Experience the height of luxury at Orsett Hall Hotel, Restaurant & Spa. Nestled in 12 acres of landscaped gardens in Essex countryside, this 4-star hotel offers a range of amenities including a spa, gym, salon, chapel and function rooms. Each room is individually designed and features complimentary Wifi, TV, tea/coffee making facilities and toiletries. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner at the Garden Brasserie or lighter snacks at Cafe Sartoria. Orsett Hall is conveniently located 6 miles from Intu Lakeside shopping centre and 8 miles from junction 29 of the M25 motorway. Enjoy a memorable stay in this beautiful setting.
Rooms: 35 Stars: 4
Check availabilityGreenwoods Hotel & Spa (Stock)
Experience the ultimate in luxurious relaxation at Greenwoods Hotel Spa & Retreat. This majestic 17th-century manor house is surrounded by sprawling gardens. Inside, you’ll find a bistro restaurant, a 20-metre indoor pool, a gym, steam rooms, saunas and a range of treatments. Located just a few miles from Chelmsford and Billericay, and a 45-minute drive from Stansted Airport, Greenwoods is the perfect retreat for a serene weekend getaway. Enjoy the traditional yet stylish bedrooms with marble bathrooms and plush furnishings. At Ellis’s Restaurant, savour English dishes with a Mediterranean twist. Later, unwind with a drink at the bar, complete with a cozy fire and bar menu.
Rooms: 39 Stars: 4
Check availabilityWivenhoe House Hotel (Colchester)
Experience the ultimate in luxury at Wivenhoe Park, a stunning 18th-century house set in the historic grounds of Essex. Enjoy elegant accommodation with great views of the manicured gardens and parkland, as well as free WiFi and parking. Rooms are equipped with HD TV and Sky channels, as well as tea and coffee making facilities. Dine at the brasserie restaurant in the garden wing, which serves up French-inspired dishes with regionally sourced produce. Located near the University of Essex campus, the small quayside town of Wivenhoe is just a 5-minute drive away, while the city centre of Colchester is 10 minutes away. Explore the beautiful Essex countryside and its rivers, walks, and charming sights.
Rooms: 40 Stars: 4
Check availabilityMarygreen Manor (Brentwood)
This 4-star hotel is a charming, historic Tudor manor house, situated 1 mile from Brentwood’s central High Street and nearby motorways and train station. Free onsite parking and 24-hour room service are available. Rooms feature Freeview TV, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary fruit and bottled water. The award-winning restaurant serves delicious menus, while the Oak Lounge and Bar offers light meals. With easy access to Bluewater, Westfield, and Lakeside Shopping Centres, and Central London, this is the ideal destination for travelers.
Rooms: 44 Stars: 4
Check availabilityThe Oyster Smack (Burnham on Crouch)
Experience the charm of a bygone era at The Oyster Smack Inn, just a stone’s throw from the river in Burnham-on-Crouch. Dating back to the 1800s, the inn offers comfortable beds, great value, and a renowned restaurant. The head chef is renowned for his work with Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsey, and the diverse menu features Asian influences and British classics made from seasonal produce. Every room is individually designed and comes with a flat-screen TV and en suite bathroom stocked with free toiletries. Tea and coffee making facilities with fresh milk are also provided. The inn is just 25 miles from the coast at Southend and 40 minutes’ drive from Chelmsford. Colchester is also less than an hour away by car. With free Wi-Fi, parking, and an on-site bar, The Oyster Smack Inn guarantees an unforgettable stay.
Rooms: 10 Stars: 4
Check availabilityDe Rougemont Manor (Brentwood)
Enveloped by 10 acres of lush gardens and tranquil woodlands, De Rougemont Manor is a family-run hotel offering an array of facilities. Guests can enjoy a swim in the heated outdoor pool, a workout in the gym or a game of tennis on the courts. With each en suite room boasting satellite TV and free Wi-Fi, there’s something for everyone. Guests can also sample delicious cuisine in Heseltines Restaurant, or relax with a drink in the bar. Conveniently located just 3 minutes from Junction 29 of the M25 motorway and close to Brentwood rail station, De Rougemont Manor is the perfect getaway. Free parking is available on-site.
Rooms: 76 Stars: 4
Check availabilityBest areas to find hotels in Essex, UK
Essex is a county in the south east of England. It is home to some of the most beautiful towns and villages in the country, as well as a range of attractions, activities and events. With its stunning coastline, picturesque countryside and vibrant towns and cities, there is something for everyone in Essex.
For those looking for the perfect place to stay, Essex has a large selection of hotels to choose from. Here are some of the best areas to search for a hotel in Essex.
Southend-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea is a coastal resort town in the south east of Essex. It is home to a range of attractions, including Adventure Island, a popular theme park, and the world’s longest pleasure pier. There are also a number of great restaurants and bars, making it an ideal destination for a holiday or weekend break.
When it comes to hotels, Southend-on-Sea has plenty to choose from. There are a range of luxury hotels, such as the Grand Hotel, as well as more affordable options, such as the Travelodge Southend-on-Sea.
Colchester
Colchester is the oldest recorded town in Britain, and it has a rich history and culture. There are a range of attractions, including the Colchester Castle Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Colchester Zoo.
When it comes to hotels, Colchester has something for everyone. There are a range of luxury hotels, such as the Best Western Marks Tey Hotel, as well as more budget-friendly options, such as the Holiday Inn Colchester.
Chelmsford
Chelmsford is the county town of Essex, and it is a vibrant and bustling city. It has a range of attractions, including the Chelmsford Cathedral, the Chelmsford Museum and the Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre.
When it comes to hotels, Chelmsford has a great selection to choose from. There are luxury options, such as the Marriott Hotel, as well as more affordable options, such as the Premier Inn Chelmsford.
Brentwood
Brentwood is a town in Essex, and it is home to a range of attractions, including the Brentwood Museum and the Brentwood Theatre. It is also close to a number of stunning villages, such as Ingatestone, and it is a great base for exploring Essex.
When it comes to hotels, Brentwood has a number of great options. There are luxury hotels, such as the Crowne Plaza Brentwood, as well as more affordable options, such as the Travelodge Brentwood.
Braintree
Braintree is a market town in Essex, and it is home to a range of attractions, including the Braintree Museum and the Freeport Shopping Village. It is also close to a number of stunning villages, such as Felsted, and it is a great base for exploring Essex.
When it comes to hotels, Braintree has a selection of great options. There are luxury hotels, such as the Holiday Inn Express Braintree, as well as more affordable options, such as the Premier Inn Braintree.
With its stunning coastline, picturesque countryside and vibrant towns and cities, Essex is a great place to stay. Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget-friendly accommodation, there are plenty of great hotels to choose from in this beautiful county.