Is parking available at the hotel?

Yes, free self-parking is available on-site.

What type of breakfast is offered and what are the serving hours?

A buffet breakfast is available daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee of approximately GBP 16.95 per person.

Does the hotel allow pets?

Yes, pets are allowed in specific rooms with a fee of GBP 10 per pet, per night. Service animals are exempt from fees.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 11:00 AM. Early check-in and late check-out are available for a fee, subject to availability.

What accessibility features are available for guests with disabilities?

The property offers limited wheelchair accessibility, including step-free entrances and accessible facilities in public areas.

How is the hotel's location in relation to nearby attractions?

The hotel is located near Colchester Zoo, approximately 4.3 km (2.7 miles) away, and is within a short drive from other attractions like Birch Grove Golf Club and Manifest Theatre, both about 5.8 km (3.6 miles) away.

Does the hotel have a swimming pool?

Yes, the hotel features an indoor pool and an outdoor heated pool, available for guests to enjoy.

What are the policies for guests staying with children?

Children 18 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding.

Holiday Inn Colchester

Average nightly price at Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG by month, last 12 months (USD)
Month	Average price
January	$86
February	$100
March	$96
April	$91
May	$90
June	$105
July	$108
August	$116
September	$110
October	$104
November	$99
December	$79

What guests think

At Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG, travellers repeatedly praise the friendly, helpful staff and generally comfortable rooms, while noting some dated areas, occasional cleanliness lapses, and sporadic noise or maintenance issues.

Breakfast earns frequent praise, including gluten free choices, but dinner quality and service are inconsistent. Facilities such as the pool and gym are appreciated, though the jacuzzi is often out of order, the sauna temperature varies, lessons can crowd the pool, and there is no lift. The location suits drivers near the A12 and Colchester Zoo, but feels remote without a car. Overall, expect a practical, family-friendly stay with a few rough edges.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Guests value the on-site pool and gym; free parking and EV chargers are also noted. Recurring issues include the jacuzzi often being out of order, occasional sauna or temperature problems, busy periods from swimming lessons, and the lack of a lift.

Related guest reviews

8

JOSE

Sep 8, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overall the hotel is in great shape and the staff are professional and helpful. The restaurant/bar is great and breakfast has a good variety of options for a hotel of it’s category. We’ve used the SPA which was also great. The only thing I believe could be better is the size of the double bed and quality of the sofa bed which was not the most comfortable and very noisy.

8

N

Nov 21, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The room was clean and the staff were friendly. Jess on reception was really helpful as was one of the male staff in the restaurant in particular, I think his name was Adam, but I am not sure. Sadly the pool was shut for maintenance.

10

Dave

Jun 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location and EV charging

8

Carmen Emma

Oct 28, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room was clean. For me the mattress was to hard rock and sofa bed wasn’t very comfy either. The air-con on cool in the changing room at the swimming pool i found it the most annoying as when you get out of the swimming pool you need a warm place to change not a “fridge” to get cool. But the breakfast was good lots of options and staff was always helpful. Free parking and nice area with playground for kids at the hotel.

8

ionie

Oct 28, 2023

·

Large room nice add ins for premium rooms with gowns and coffe machines. Disappointed no slippers provided. Herbal teas not supplied in the rooms. Loved the pool and steam and sauna. A real plus along with free parting. Thanks

8

Tari

May 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Enjoyed our stay. Stayed for 2 nights and made the most out of the pool, jacuzzi and sauna, except the sauna wasn’t working on the last morning. Food could have been better but ok. The kids loved the pool, staff are very friendly and polite. We received a free breakfast too. Thanks

10

Chikara

Apr 24, 2023

·

Stayed 6 nights

It was great. Shame about the gym not being available.

8

Christine

Jun 29, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Just a quick stopover. Everything was fine apart from the spa - unfortunately the jacuzzi was out of action and there were swimming lessons in most of the pool. Also the saunas were in the changing rooms. Minor point was we were not told at check in or in room that you need a £1 coin for the spa lockers - would have been handy to be told in advance of going down to changing rooms. Breakfast was plentiful. Good selection and great quality.

10

John

Aug 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Swimming pool fitness centre

10

Shaun

Aug 18, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

One of the best Holiday Inns I’ve stopped in , staff on another level awesome, no pay for parking, great rooms & restaurants plus spa ✔️ definitely will be back as my brother lives nearby in Markstey

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Cleanliness

Many describe the hotel as clean, but standards are inconsistent, with reports of stained bedding, hair, trays and dishes left in corridors, and some worn or mouldy areas around the pool.

Related guest reviews

8

Diane

May 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Quiet at night. No noise in corridors. Shower good pressure. Sorry to say pillow too hard and bed too soft.A lot of glasses and plates left in corridors outside doors for many hours.

2

Danielle

Feb 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was nice but it was dirty cobwebs every where

8

KIM HO

Jul 23, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The hotel is a bit inconvenient unless you are driving. The cleanliness needs to be improved.

6

Eryl

Sep 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Dirty glasses left outside rooms, nail clippings in room. The gap under the door I could drive a car under and heard every single persons conversation until 2am! Let alone the fire risk… Won’t be staying here again.

6

Roger

Dec 25, 2022

·

Stayed 19,350 nights

Bathroom door shows rot on the inside bottom and architrave next to shower base adjacent to door very rotten. Kettle tray sticky and cup needed washing before use.

8

Leart

Dec 30, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Really nice quite area staff were lovely and the breakfast was really nice, things that could be improved is the cleanliness of the hotel and the hotel did feel a bit out fashioned.

8

Charlotte

May 31, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

We had a great stay as a family break. The kids loved the pool and having it open all day was a bonus. The restaurant and play area were also very child friendly. The food was ok but nothing special. Breakfast was fresh and a good selection. There’s a few areas that need TLC. The roof above the pool is looking very mouldy and not nice. Also out bathroom was clean but a few peeling bit around the door. Overall a good stay and I would recommend and stay there again.

8

Denise

May 6, 2024

·

Stayed 7 nights

I had room service on Friday and left the tray outside my room that night. It wasn't taken away until Sunday just as i was leaving to check out. Not very hygienic and was an eyesore.

8

Samantha

May 10, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room appeared clean until I put my stuff on the bed. Hairs on the bed sheets and some kind of liquid on the pillows. Reception sorted straight away but the whole room wasn’t as clean as it should have been. Dirty hand marks on the walls bathroom strands of hair on the toilet seat and in the shower.

6

Martin

May 30, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Nothing special - poor service checking in being told I still had to pay (when I had already paid!) Arrived room to pillow cases with Staines on! One night we had dinner in the hotel, waitress disappeared after main meal - nobody around to order deserts (even when we’d paid up front for them!)

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Rooms

Rooms are generally comfortable and sometimes spacious, though decor can feel tired. Mattress and sofa bed comfort varies, and some guests report thin walls or external noise.

Related guest reviews

10

Claire

Aug 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Nice hotel very clean and comfortable. Staff very friendly and accomodating. Food was good and inexpensive. Would definitely stay again.

8

Hugh

Oct 20, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Good hotel, great breakfast, room just a little jaded but otherwise a good comfortable stay.

8

Carmen Emma

Oct 28, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room was clean. For me the mattress was to hard rock and sofa bed wasn’t very comfy either. The air-con on cool in the changing room at the swimming pool i found it the most annoying as when you get out of the swimming pool you need a warm place to change not a “fridge” to get cool. But the breakfast was good lots of options and staff was always helpful. Free parking and nice area with playground for kids at the hotel.

10

Hanna

Sep 1, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Very comfortable and spacious room with a desk and sofa.

8

Vikkie

Oct 29, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms are a little 'tired' in need of a revamp, but was okay for an overnight stay. We didnt get to use all of the facilities on this visit (the pool/gym), so cannot comment on that. The room could've done with a better clean for sure, but I have stayed in a lot worse places, so overall 3 stars for cleanliness. The staff on reception and in the breakfast room are the nicest people I've come across on a business level in recent years and they're the reason for our repeat returns to this hotel when visiting our grandchildren and also because we can bring our dogs. The breakfast is extremely plentiful, with a great range for everyone including gluten free options and a separate toaster for gluten free too. The breakfast staff will do whatever they can for you (always with a smile) to make your stay a good one! Nothing seems too troublesome. We have stayed here about 4 times now over a period of 3 years and have found this to be consistent on every visit. We have tried other hotels on other visits, but for overall value for money, we will come back to this hotel every time from now on. The staff are 2nd to none and this in itself makes for a pleasant stay all round 😊

8

David

Nov 13, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Ample parking, good buffet breakfast, wi fi ok, good value. Ideal for business stay

6

Paul

Jun 6, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Whilst the staff and facilities are good, the location of my room within spitting distance of a high speed train line didn't make for a great nights sleep. Modern windows would normally cut out most noise, but the old windows cut virtually no noise out.. The mattress was hard and you could feel the springs through it as you tossed and turned to try and get back to sleep and pillows weren't great either. Breakfast was nice, but left the hotel feeling wearier than when Id arrived after a 6hr drive....

2

Roger

Jun 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It’s a very tired property desperately in need of some TLC. Staff are all very pleasant and the gym and pool are reasonable. Bed was very uncomfortable and the walls are paper thin, I could hear everything and I mean everything from the room next door. I’m sorry to say, I ordered porridge for breakfast and after 20 minutes enquired as to where it was and was told the chef burnt it. I should have realised then but I made the dreadful mistake of ordering a Caesar salad for lunch, surely that can’t be too complicated…? Well it was the worst salad I have ever eaten, it was chicken skin and fat, vile. £14 for the pleasure. Avoid at all costs. £115 for the room, I would rather sleep in a park.

8

Stewart

May 8, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It's exactly as you would expect, reasonable size room and comfortable bed. Good shower facility. Reasonably quiet location

6

Hayley

Apr 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Everything was excellent apart from the sofa bed. Agony to sleep on. In fact didn’t sleep at all, spring sticking into my ribs all night even left marks on my skin

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Service

Service is a strong point, with numerous mentions of friendly, attentive staff. Some guests experienced slow or disorganised service at the bar/restaurant and occasional check-in issues.

Related guest reviews

10

Saman

Oct 27, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Our stay with the Holiday inn colchester was excellent! The customer service here was truly amazing, such helpful friendly staff that go completely out your way especially as it was our first trip away from home with a baby! We can’t thank the staff here enough for making our stay wonderful! A BIG thank you to Lisa at the hotel restaurant for looking after us so well at breakfast and to Debbie at the reception for being so helpful!

10

david

Jun 24, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

As always staff are friendly & polite.room comfy & clean. 1 minor glitch, food menu was very limited, apparently a delivery was due, but hadn’t arrived,so lots of dishes not available.

6

andrew

Jul 17, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

All the staff were fantastic. It just seemed very unorganised. When you needed something or ordered something, they weren't ready or got it wrong. For example, Got to the Bar, no staff available to serve. ordered a drink, no pint glasses. Ordered some food, got the order wrong. Needed a receipt, they had to go to reception to get one as they couldn't do it at the bar. Arrived for breakfast, half the stuff had run out.

8

George

Aug 5, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The service provided was excellent, all the staff were friendly and helpful. The grounds were clean and tidy and very easy to park. Our room was lovely and clean. The only thing we noticed was that the bar/dining area could do with a little tlc. Other than that overall it was a good hotel and convenient.

10

Michael

Oct 28, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

Hotel was ideal for our trip, location close to restaurants and shopping. The room comfortable, clean and all staff were great. Special thanks to Joe, the reception manager, who always asked what he could do to assist us make our stay perfect.

10

Ramesh

Sep 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

My stay was fantastic, it was the staff that made it so - everyone that I interacted with looked after me beautifully. It as a masterclass in customer service - thank you!

10

Jade

Jun 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff are professional and really polite and helpful. Lovely hotel, ill be back

10

Jackie

May 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel was in a good place for our needs, the staff were so friendly, helpful in fact amazing they were just keen to help .

8

Carol

Apr 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

First visit to this hotel. Problems at check-in. But thanks to a helpful member of staff she got it sorted. Room was clean and everything you need for a one night stay. Quiet hotel even though it was busy. Breakfast was good. Plenty of staff clearing tables and topping up food stations. Would recommend this hotel and definitely return when visiting family.

6

Martin

May 30, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Nothing special - poor service checking in being told I still had to pay (when I had already paid!) Arrived room to pillow cases with Staines on! One night we had dinner in the hotel, waitress disappeared after main meal - nobody around to order deserts (even when we’d paid up front for them!)

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Location

Convenient for drivers near the A12 and handy for Colchester Zoo; often quiet. Some find it remote or inconvenient without a car.

Related guest reviews

8

KIM HO

Jul 23, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

The hotel is a bit inconvenient unless you are driving. The cleanliness needs to be improved.

10

Dave

Jun 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Location and EV charging

8

Deborah

Dec 11, 2022

·

Stayed 2 nights

As with many similar hotels, this was not located close to many amenities, it is a hotel for car drivers, which suited me. It’s close to the A12 for the nearby city of Colchester and for onward travel in either direction. Very dog friendly, with water and treats at the door. Walking distance from a good pub and walks. Very friendly and helpful staff, nothing to dislike.

8

Tamara

Feb 18, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

This property is located near the A12, but don’t let that put you off as there is no noise once you are in your room.

10

Judith

Jan 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Easy to find, convenient for onward journeys, quiet. Friendly staff, welcoming and happy to help.

10

Michael

Oct 28, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

Hotel was ideal for our trip, location close to restaurants and shopping. The room comfortable, clean and all staff were great. Special thanks to Joe, the reception manager, who always asked what he could do to assist us make our stay perfect.

10

Teresa

Apr 6, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Convenient location for a visit to Colchester Zoo. Clean and tidy hotel but showing age in some areas (some dirty spots on the carpet, few patches of damp in the bathroom). Plentiful breakfast - everything was fresh and tasty. Small, clean pool but fine as it didn’t get too busy while we were there. Friendly and helpful staff at pool / reception / breakfast.

10

Mark

Jan 6, 2024

·

Stayed 8 nights

A little remote so would need a car and then you can be on the A12 in 5 minutes.

8

Joan

Jul 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Convenient location

10

Sarah-jayne

Nov 20, 2023

·

Stayed 3 nights

Good location

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Dining

Breakfast is widely praised with good variety and gluten free options. Dinner is mixed, with reports of limited menus, slow service, and variable quality.

Related guest reviews

10

Graham

Oct 29, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Breakfast was great ,hot and fresh

6

Norman

Dec 31, 2022

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room good Spa good Food really not Breakfast cold ranging from over cooked sausages to under cooked bacon. Beans,sausage and tomato cold. Evening meals pork belly bites really taste of chicken. Second night nearly 2 hours for 3 courses, steaks really burnt tasted horrible. Meal cost would have been over £45 but we were on dinner bed and breakfast deal. This should have been a 2 night break but food spoilt the days.

6

andrew

Jul 17, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

All the staff were fantastic. It just seemed very unorganised. When you needed something or ordered something, they weren't ready or got it wrong. For example, Got to the Bar, no staff available to serve. ordered a drink, no pint glasses. Ordered some food, got the order wrong. Needed a receipt, they had to go to reception to get one as they couldn't do it at the bar. Arrived for breakfast, half the stuff had run out.

4

Michael

Oct 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel room v tired and very poor service in the restaurant. Waitress ‘forgot’ my drink order as she was busy chatting to a colleague and playing with her phone m. No receipt available!

10

Michael

Oct 21, 2025

·

Stayed 12 nights

Breakfast was varied and very good. Room was clean, but clean towels were missed couple of times. Parking was easy, but very busy at night.

10

Michael

Aug 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The restaurant was very accommodating especially to my wife who is coeliac. There was only one main on the included dinner menu that was gluten free so they let her choose from the wider menu. Good separation and labelling of gluten free items at breakfast too.

6

Marek

Feb 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overall, it looks much better on the pictures. The staff doing the breakfast were very slow. There was not enough food for everybody tables were not clean overall three stars.

2

Roger

Jun 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

It’s a very tired property desperately in need of some TLC. Staff are all very pleasant and the gym and pool are reasonable. Bed was very uncomfortable and the walls are paper thin, I could hear everything and I mean everything from the room next door. I’m sorry to say, I ordered porridge for breakfast and after 20 minutes enquired as to where it was and was told the chef burnt it. I should have realised then but I made the dreadful mistake of ordering a Caesar salad for lunch, surely that can’t be too complicated…? Well it was the worst salad I have ever eaten, it was chicken skin and fat, vile. £14 for the pleasure. Avoid at all costs. £115 for the room, I would rather sleep in a park.

10

Tracey

Nov 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very friendly Reception staff. Rooms comfy and clean. Breakfast had a great gluten free variety and a range of dairy free milks which made a nice change as i have coeliac disease.

8

Maxine

May 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really friendly staff, lots of parking available, clean rooms, great swimming pool and changing facilities. Only let down was the lack of veggie option in the restaurant. The children’s menu was super limited. Adult men’s was better. You have it all listed on the menu but didn’t have any in stock so I had two hungry children. Didn’t even do pizza that night. Bit of a shame.

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Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $55	2 $91	3 $106	4 $102	5 $83	6 $74	7 $88
8 $54	9 $91	10 $103	11 $95	12 $73	13 $67	14 $73
15 $64	16 $98	17 $116	18 $102	19 $81	20 $62	21 $79
22 $64	23 $98	24 $123	25 $106	26 $85	27 $84	28 $112
29 $63	30 $95

Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG

Prices for Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Standard Room, 2 Twin Beds, Accessible, Ground Floor

Standard Room

Standard Room, 1 Double Bed, Accessible, Ground Floor

Standard Room, 2 Twin Beds

Premium Room, 2 Twin Beds

Standard Room, 1 Double Bed with Sofa Bed

Standard Room, 1 Double Bed

Premium Room, 1 Double Bed

Guest reviews of Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG

Considering this hotel for your Eight Ash Green trip?

Prices for upcoming dates

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19 $150	20 $205	21 $119	22 $103	23 $81	24 $113
25 $63	26 $114	27 $130	28 $134	29 $119	30 $83	31 $121