Hotels Near Gosbecks Archaeological Park in Colchester

Good points- Lisa front of house team is a wonderful asset to you, together with the two ladies from the restaurant (sorry didn't get your names). Bad points - outweigh the good sadly. Room was filthy, sheets had the appearance of been slept in and had blood on them. The sofa bed which wasn't made up when we arrived (quickly sorted by Lisa) the mattress protector was soiled. Given these couple of things we glanced at the floor to find that the carpet hadn't seen a vacuum for a while and the previous guests had obviously enjoyed some bombay mix and a couple of chocolate bars as their bits and wrappers were left by the bed. Note this wasn't UNDER the bed, we weren't brave enough for that it was simply next to it. It also appeared the previous guests had made off with the shower gel and spoons. To top off our frightful stay where the dirty linen from all the rooms had been thrown down the stairs the following day we were welcomed by a cockroach scuttling off for it's meal, we nearly stopped it to tell it our room number if it fancied a snack on the carpet buffet in our room. We were promised the room would be deep cleaned the following day and yes the sheets were clean and towels fab but the carpet obviously was a bit too hard for them. To say holiday inn pride themselves on their cleanliness is beyond a joke. It made our stay there very unpleasant and stressful. We were not offered another room as they were fully booked.

The staff were lovely friendly and helpful. My room was comfortable and peaceful and I had everything I needed it was nice to have a few places next to the front to eat ..the manager was really nice my only bad point is that if you don't drive be prepared for the taxi drivers to completely rip you off I had to phone about 10 cab companies to eventually get a cab to the station 2 mins cost me £22 but that is not the hotels fault

Quite difficult to find this hotel and a few more signs would be helpful. Having said that we were pleasantly welcomed and shown the way to the Brasserie. Bev, the lady in charge, showed us to our seats and we arranged to have 2 mock tails instead of the Prosecco. No problem with this. The sandwiches, cakes and scones arrived promptly and were very freshly made. The scones were light and fluffy. Bev made a very good job of running the dining room which was very busy considering it was a Wednesday lunchtime. Highly recommend and would visit again.

We stayed for just one night as we were having a school reunion nearby, so we didn't try the restaurant. We didn't have hreakfast either, so can't comment on it. The location is easy to find - just off the A12. The staff were very helpful and friendly. Rooms were clean and the bed was comfy. Easy car parking. Exactly what we required.

Chosen for the price I was very pleasantly surprised at the service from the helpfulness of the receptionist to the breakfast prep guys and the cleanliness of the room. Tricky to find but a jewel of a hotel.

We hadn't planned to stay here but I had booked us in at the Stansted Holiday Inn Express on the wrong night so Chrissy at Stansted kindly found us a room for the night at Braintree as we had a early flight the next day. The staff on check in who also cooked and served our food and drink were absolutely brilliant. This hotel seems to have been left behind a bit with any refit as it is very tired and dated however the amazing staff made up for it hence the 4 stars. We'd tried the Toby carvery but they weren't taking walkins probably due to being so busy so we headed back to the hotel to see what they could rustle up for us. Although the menu was extremely limited as quite a lot of items were unavailable (not sure why?) We had spicy wings and soup to start so tasty and wonderfully presented. Followed by a shared toastie and then 2 fab puddings. Full bellies and v.happy thankyou. We were up and about before breakfast but the chap said he would happily let us have a take away coffee and any cold items to take with us as they were complimentary anyway. Overall a good stay.

Very chic hotel with well designed rooms and super smart bathrooms and quality toiletries. Amazing choice at breakfast and all the food was good quality. Staff were very helpful. We have a blue badge and they found a space for us when all the disabled spaces had been filled by non-disabled guests. Convenient location and nice outside space by the river. Pleasant lounge area downstairs and all the guests seemed to be having a great time. We thought it was good value as well.

I have lost count how many times i have stayed at the Novotel Ipswich over the past 2 years, but i had not been for 6 months. Nothing has changed, which is good as the hotel is very well located in Ipswich town centre for local pubs, restaurants and the nearby marina. The staff are very helpful and polite and the rooms are always of a high standard. My only gripe is the wi-fi is always hit and miss.