Name: Swan Hotel by Greene King Inns
Address: The Bull Ring, Thaxted, Essex, GB
Price range: $72–$150 per night
Rating: 8.4

What guests think

Many guests praise the friendly staff, comfortable rooms, and characterful pub at Swan Hotel by Greene King Inns, while noting a convenient village location for walks and Stansted stopovers, alongside some noise from traffic, church bells, or the flight path.

Rooms and bathrooms are generally clean and well kept, with occasional drain or damp smells and minor housekeeping or maintenance hiccups. The on-site restaurant and bar receive frequent praise for tasty, good-value meals, though breakfast service can be slow or uneven at times, and one review mentioned confusion over paying extra. Free parking is available, though a few guests found it crowded. Expect a cosy village-inn stay with historic character and practical convenience.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

The on-site pub/bar is lively and popular, and free parking is available; some guests reported the car park getting crowded or blocked.

Related guest reviews

10

Jason

May 9, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice friendly bar staff lovely food great

8

LEE

Oct 14, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely hotel ( reminds me of old coaching inn) the room I stayed in was a good size, clean and comfortable, and had everything you could need with both a bath and shower, breakfast was delicious with lots of options, and the bar/restaurant welcoming and all the staff I interacted with were knowledgeable and friendly Even though it was a little further than I wanted to stay I will be back because of the whole experience

10

Thomas

Aug 19, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great hotel. Restaurant and bar below which was busy. Free parking at back of hotel. Bedroom was very clean and comfy and a size. Pleasant staff Would stay again if in the area

8

Jason

Jun 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Only stayed for one night but a beautiful place Our room was lovely n comfortable the staff were excellent and great atmosphere n a live band so thoroughly enjoyable and a lovely village with a fantastic church and old buildings.

10

Jason

Aug 31, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

What was nice was the location to the town and local attractions. However it is on the flight path so noisy. Our room ( 17) was nice and comfortable but the bed was hard as were the pillows so do take your own if you have a particular type you like. The bath was nice and the staff were friendly as was check in. Parking was terrible as it is the pub car park people were blocking others in and this is quite a locals bar so I think they seemed to all know the system. Sad as there is on road parking so why they don't use this surprises me and keep the car park for hotel guests only. I would stay again as it is the only one really in the town. The local Airb is terrible so avoid that! Overall 4/5 I think. I would stay again.

10

Mrs S

Jul 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Arrived mid evening, parking available. We were able to leave car in car park the next morning to have a quick walk around the town. First room we were showed to was unbelievably hot (it had been a hot day) but found that the towel rail was on in the bathroom, and couldn't be turned off and was like a furnace. Also room was only laid up as a double, no facility for a third bed (we were 3 people). This was quickly resolved at reception where we were given a family room, which was much better and cooler! Lovely fluffy towels, hair dryer in the room as well as tea and coffee making facilities. Didn't eat in the hotel/pub but did have a drink at the bar. Lots of regulars eating and also hotel guests. Great hotel, very friendly staff.

10

Mark

Feb 22, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great pub/hotel, stayed here several times over the last 10 years and each time it’s being terrific. Rooms have been up dated and the service and food are exceptional.

8

Elaine

Feb 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

A very well maintained old pub friendly staff and good food .

10

Nick

Nov 25, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

A lovely old hotel and pub - very popular and convenient for other restaurants etc

10

R S

Mar 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great stay, amazing food and very comfy sleep and easy parking.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Rooms and bathrooms are generally clean, though a few guests noted drain or damp smells and an occasional housekeeping lapse.

Related guest reviews

8

LEE

Oct 14, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Lovely hotel ( reminds me of old coaching inn) the room I stayed in was a good size, clean and comfortable, and had everything you could need with both a bath and shower, breakfast was delicious with lots of options, and the bar/restaurant welcoming and all the staff I interacted with were knowledgeable and friendly Even though it was a little further than I wanted to stay I will be back because of the whole experience

10

Cristina

Dec 24, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

The room was very clean and warm. Comfortable bed and lovely food served downstairs. Definitely will stay again.

6

Hicham

Mar 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room had a funny smell to it, like a damp smell. The floorboards from the room above was too noisy, kept me awake.

8

Margaret

Jul 20, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We liked the layout and décor of the room. Unfortunately we had to ask twice before a full bin in the bathroom, found on arrival, was emptied, 24 hours after our arrival. We had to wait longer than other breakfast diners for a vegan and vegetarian breakfasts on the occasions we ordered (Friday and Saturday). It was tasty, but we to ask for extra bread as only a small slice was provided.

8

Melissa

Apr 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly staff, nicely decorated and very comfortable bedroom for our overnight stay before heading to Stansted airport. Unfortunately, there was a bit of a drain smell in the bathroom and the church bells tolling on the hour every hour meant that I wasn’t very rested when I got up for my early flight!

10

Thomas

Aug 19, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great hotel. Restaurant and bar below which was busy. Free parking at back of hotel. Bedroom was very clean and comfy and a size. Pleasant staff Would stay again if in the area

8

Caroline

Oct 21, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Bedroom was a little bijou, but nicely decorated and en suite was very clean. Staff lovely. Breakfast was slow and a bit haphazard.

10

Mark

Jan 30, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

I enjoyed my stay, I stayed a few years back and had a good experience, so chose to go back. My room was clean, and well equipped. The food offer is good and reasonably priced. The breakfast menu has some good options. The staff were great and I found the locals welcoming. Overall it was a great experience

10

Paul

Mar 15, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great welcome the moment I walked in. Bedroom absolutely fantastic; clean, spacious, so comfy. Food great. And all the staff just so friendly. Thank you for such a wonderful stay.

8

Alan

Jan 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great staff and a lovely pie for the evening meal. The room was comfortable and warm with a good bed. Only slight negative on the room was the bathroom smelled (village plumbing I guess) and was a little cold as the window didn’t close properly. Breakfast was OK too.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are comfortable and attractively decorated, though sizes range from small to very spacious, and several reviews mention noise from road, church bells, flight path, or internal sounds. Wi-Fi is available and generally works.

Related guest reviews

10

Margaret

Jul 11, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Very comfortable attractive bedrooms and free wifi

10

D

Apr 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great value for money, comfortable room (slightly on the small side), comfy bed and en-suite with bath. Had supper in the on-site pub which was also great value for money

10

Daren

Feb 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Another great stay - Wifi could be better given the lack of mobile signal in the area but it did work. The hotel is excellent value for money

8

Melissa

Apr 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly staff, nicely decorated and very comfortable bedroom for our overnight stay before heading to Stansted airport. Unfortunately, there was a bit of a drain smell in the bathroom and the church bells tolling on the hour every hour meant that I wasn’t very rested when I got up for my early flight!

8

Thorsten

Jun 25, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Beautiful Hotel with a great Pub inside. Very authentic. The staff is outstanding. Only minus is the noise from the traffic from the street. But if you are not too sensitive it will be a great stay.

8

Jane

Feb 21, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

AMAZING SIZE ROOM A SEPERATE LOUNGE AREA - GREAT IF YOU DONT WISH TO DISTURB ANYONE RESTING

2

Richard

Mar 6, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Terrible stay. When you stay in a room that faces the main road it’s extremely noisy. You have a church that chimes at 4am on wards. A terrible man hole cover that get his by every car, it’s opposite a junction so you hear the acceleration at all hours. Staff are friendly, the manager was very miserable. She closed the bar an hour early. I wouldn’t recommend this hotel, especially with the current management

10

Liz

Sep 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing place to stay x quality room and food x very good value

10

Warren

Sep 21, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Noise from the road but mainly in the morning.

8

Daren

Feb 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Small but lovely rooms and very up to date bathrooms. Service was very good too

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Staff are consistently friendly, helpful, and efficient, though a few guests experienced slower or less polished table service and one abrupt interaction.

Related guest reviews

10

Wade

Mar 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great place for me whilst working locally, this was my second stay and both times I have had excellent service and a very comfortable stay. Great location, lovely village.

10

Daren

Feb 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Service was good, food was good and the room was lovely

10

Mark

Aug 5, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fantastic location great staff .

8

Gary

Dec 1, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

a lovely , location for a great family get together. Overall the assistance and staff where very professional except at table service, which was a bit short of the necessary standard. perhaps some of the waiting/serving staff could be trained to a more acceptable standard.

4

Peter

Feb 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I was very disappointed that I had to pay extra for breakfast. The lady at the desk was rather abrupt!

10

Rosemary

Aug 16, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We spent three nights at this lovely friendly hotel and can highly recommend.

10

Paula

Jun 14, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely experience and obliging staff. Warm and welcoming.

8

pauline

Apr 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The swan is a lovely historic hotel, service and food were both very good , all staff were really helpful and attentive, we had to leave early but this is in no way a reflection of our stay , we had a lovely time while we were there

8

David

Mar 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Really nice staff and comfortable

8

Daren

Feb 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Small but lovely rooms and very up to date bathrooms. Service was very good too

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Charming, walkable village setting that is convenient for Stansted stopovers and local sights; some guests reported noise from traffic, church bells, or aircraft.

Related guest reviews

10

Sharon

Mar 25, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great stay for Stansted airport wold stay again

10

Wade

Mar 1, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great place for me whilst working locally, this was my second stay and both times I have had excellent service and a very comfortable stay. Great location, lovely village.

10

Paul

Nov 29, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Staying over for a flight, lovely place but further from the airport then I realised

10

Mark

Aug 5, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Fantastic location great staff .

10

Joe

Aug 14, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent pub/hotel with lovely staff. Nice little village

10

John

Aug 24, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great option for Airport stopover. Good choice of food and friendly efficient staff.

10

Rebecca

Jun 8, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

It was walkable to all the places we wanted to see. Very friendly and helpful staff.

10

Jason

Aug 31, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

What was nice was the location to the town and local attractions. However it is on the flight path so noisy. Our room ( 17) was nice and comfortable but the bed was hard as were the pillows so do take your own if you have a particular type you like. The bath was nice and the staff were friendly as was check in. Parking was terrible as it is the pub car park people were blocking others in and this is quite a locals bar so I think they seemed to all know the system. Sad as there is on road parking so why they don't use this surprises me and keep the car park for hotel guests only. I would stay again as it is the only one really in the town. The local Airb is terrible so avoid that! Overall 4/5 I think. I would stay again.

8

Darren

Jul 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Nice location in a lovely little village just a 2 minute walk into the village centre.

10

Judith

Jun 25, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Stayed one night because we were flying from Stansted airport in the morning.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Food in the pub/restaurant is widely praised for taste and value, with a good breakfast selection. Breakfast service can be slow or inconsistent at times, and one review mentioned confusion about paying extra.

Related guest reviews

10

Mike

Nov 28, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great check in, nice room, and good food served in the restaurant

8

Margaret

Jul 20, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We liked the layout and décor of the room. Unfortunately we had to ask twice before a full bin in the bathroom, found on arrival, was emptied, 24 hours after our arrival. We had to wait longer than other breakfast diners for a vegan and vegetarian breakfasts on the occasions we ordered (Friday and Saturday). It was tasty, but we to ask for extra bread as only a small slice was provided.

10

Steven

Dec 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good range of fruit and other options in addition to cooked options

8

G S

Aug 17, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very pleasant accommodation and welcome from receptionist. Reasonable price. Food not so good - apparently chef on holiday.

8

pauline

Apr 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The swan is a lovely historic hotel, service and food were both very good , all staff were really helpful and attentive, we had to leave early but this is in no way a reflection of our stay , we had a lovely time while we were there

8

Caroline

Oct 21, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Bedroom was a little bijou, but nicely decorated and en suite was very clean. Staff lovely. Breakfast was slow and a bit haphazard.

10

Liz

Sep 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing place to stay x quality room and food x very good value

10

Mark

Jan 30, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

I enjoyed my stay, I stayed a few years back and had a good experience, so chose to go back. My room was clean, and well equipped. The food offer is good and reasonably priced. The breakfast menu has some good options. The staff were great and I found the locals welcoming. Overall it was a great experience

8

Alan

Jan 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great staff and a lovely pie for the evening meal. The room was comfortable and warm with a good bed. Only slight negative on the room was the bathroom smelled (village plumbing I guess) and was a little cold as the window didn’t close properly. Breakfast was OK too.

10

R S

Mar 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great stay, amazing food and very comfy sleep and easy parking.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

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 $115	20 $142	21 $104	22 $95	23 $95	24 $150
25 $81	26 $149	27 $138	28 $122	29 $86	30 $86	31 $102

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
1 $73	2 $76	3 $81	4 $75	5 $74	6 $130	7 $116
8 $75	9 $75	10 $75	11 $97	12 $75	13 $75	14 $108
15 $76	16 $75	17 $82	18 $78	19 $72	20 $73	21 $110
22 $72	23 $72	24 $81	25 $80	26 $72	27 $72	28 $99
29 $72	30 $72

Swan Hotel by Greene King Inns

About this property

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Guest reviews of Swan Hotel by Greene King Inns

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