WITH an incredible history and plenty to do, Colchester is a lovely place to visit for a quick break – and where you stay can make it an even more luxurious experience.

Here are five of the best hotels in Colchester according to visitor rankings on TripAdvisor to make sure your visit to Colchester is enjoyable this summer.

Colchester Boutique Hotel

Gazette: Recommended - Colchester Boutique Hotel was ranked at the top of the listRecommended - Colchester Boutique Hotel was ranked at the top of the list (Image: Colchester Boutique Hotel)

At the top of the list is the Colchester Boutique Hotel – a Georgian building right in the heart of Colchester on the historic North Hill.

The boutique hotels, provides a traditional afternoon tea, served Wednesday to Saturday which has both savoury and sweet options.

The hotel was a TripAdvisor’s 2024 Traveller’s Choice Awards winner and breakfast is also included.

Prested Hall

Gazette: Stunning - The grounds of Prested Hall which is also a wedding venueStunning - The grounds of Prested Hall which is also a wedding venue (Image: Prested Hall)

At number two is Prested Hall, a 15th century manor house with a 20-bedroom accommodation.

Also, a boutique wedding venue, Prested Hall is one of the few venues in the world to have two courts of ‘real tennis’ the original game which has 14th century origins.

The hall is located just off the A12, between Braintree and Colchester – and is en route to Colchester Zoo.

Travelodge Colchester Feering

Gazette: Rated - Traveledoge Colchester Feering was rated third out of 122 hotels on TripAdvisorRated - Traveledoge Colchester Feering was rated third out of 122 hotels on TripAdvisor (Image: Travelodge)

Located on the A12 London Road, there are nearby villages such as Feering and Coggleshall to explore as well as Colchester.

This affordable option also allows pets in the branch of the chain hotel which was another TripAdvisor 2024 Traveller’s Choice Awards winner.

Wivenhoe House

Gazette: Brasserie - Wivenhoe House has a brasserie with outdoor eatingBrasserie - Wivenhoe House has a brasserie with outdoor eating (Image: Wivenhoe House)

Luxury bedrooms with balcony views makes it a great location for couples looking for a romantic get away.

There is also a brasserie and outdoor terrace for dining alfresco throughout the summer with afternoon teas being available all week.

Taxi service, board games and puzzles, a bar and lounge, room service. and conference facilities are all available.

GreyFriars

Gazette: Culture - GreyFriars on East Hill is the middle of Colchester's cultural quarterCulture - GreyFriars on East Hill is the middle of Colchester's cultural quarter (Image: GreyFriars)

This historic hotel on top of East Hill in the heart of Colchester opened in 2015 and has Club rooms, classic rooms, and grand luxe suites for special occasions.

GreyFriars is a wedding venue and is also Michelin recommended, having a library lounge, venetian lounge, and baroque bar in its original 18th century core.

All 26 rooms have bespoke furniture, designed and made in the UK, as well L'Occitane toiletries from France, minibars, and marble bathrooms with underfloor heating.