Name: Holiday Inn Express Colchester by IHG
Address: Birchwood Road, Dedham, England, United Kingdom, Dedham, Essex, GB
Price range: $59–$132 per night
Rating: 7.93

What guests think

Across recent reviews, Holiday Inn Express Colchester by IHG is praised for friendly staff, good value, and clean, comfortable rooms, while common drawbacks include paid parking, variable mattress and sofa bed comfort, occasional noise, and inconsistent Wi‑Fi and air conditioning.

Breakfast is frequently noted as good with a decent selection, though some mention missing items, lukewarm food or weak coffee during busy periods. The location just off the A12 is convenient for Colchester and Harwich ferry trips, but there is little within walking distance. Cleanliness is generally solid, yet reports of cobwebs, worn corridor carpets and occasional missed servicing appear. Expect a good-value stopover with practical comforts and trade-offs typical of a budget hotel.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

On-site parking is typically paid, with some confusion about IHG member exemptions, and Wi‑Fi reliability is inconsistent. There have been occasional lift, power or heating issues, and a bar is available.

Related guest reviews

8

Ranbir

Aug 4, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It is a nice hotel, could be better if they improve their internet/wifi which was hardly functional during my trip.

10

Julie

Aug 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Speedy check-in. Check in first before you pay to park & as long as they take your email it is free. Comfy beds, clean room, decent toilet rolls, dove body wash & a great cooked breakfast. WiFi a bit sketchy & carpet in corridors has seen better days. That said didn’t put us of at all, would recommend & would definitely stay again.

10

Jeff

Mar 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Good stay here again - breakfast was hotter this time which was appreciated. Room comfortable and shower was good. I don't appreciate being charged £8 for parking which was previously free, but overall it's still an OK hotel for a business one-nighter.

8

Anthony

May 12, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I’m disabled and the lift was out of order.

6

Nik

Aug 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel is currently having some renovation work done to it and i was lucky enough to have an excellent newly refurbished room with air conditioning that was an absolute godsend on a day that topped over 30oC However, there was no wifi available and my phone signal wasn't the greatest, so it meant working on my laptop a slow process. I'm sure that in time, the wifi will be sorted out once all the refurbishment work has been carried out.

6

Steven

Apr 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Paying for car parking

8

Angela

Nov 23, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

It was very good location for what we needed. Parking was good but no lights were working in the carport Did not feel safe.

6

paul

Oct 9, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

£16 to park at an out-of-town hotel, next to the motorway is just shameless.

8

Steve

Oct 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Excellent room, bed and breakfast but unfortunately I was (illegally) charged £8 for parking when the Hotel.com website promised free parking. The receptionist refused to honour this and said the Hotel.com administrators had failed to update their listing.

10

Hannah

Apr 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Great stay great staff great breakfast just a shame about paying to park

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Cleanliness

Rooms and bathrooms are often clean, but recurring issues include cobwebs or dust, stained or tired hallway carpets, occasional smells, and missed servicing or unclean in-room items.

Related guest reviews

6

Nathan

Aug 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The window, curtains and headboards were dusty. Some lights in the room were missing or broken. Hotel staff were friendly and assisted with the cleaning of the areas highlighted. The hotel is located near the motorway and a shell service station which is great.

8

Sarah

Jul 4, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I didn’t really see any staff members during my stay! On the day I arrived I checked in quickly and the young man was really helpful. The room was lovely and had all the amenities I required. It was quiet and the beds were comfortable and clean. The bathroom was newly refurbished I think and I loved the blue light so my daughter could find the bathroom during the night. The breakfast the next morning had good choice and good quality items. We enjoyed the breakfast a lot! The late check out was great for us and the location was convenient as we could drive to Colchester in 10 minutes, but it felt remote and quiet. I would definitely stay here again due to the location and the price was amazing compared to others in the area. The only downside was the amount of dust and cobwebs! So many in all areas which was a little disgusting , but we saw no staff members to inform them about it!

8

Karen

Mar 24, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

The hotel was a little tired, and there was a bit of a drain smell in the bathroom. The staff were excellent and nothing was a problem for them.

6

Barry

Nov 19, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The room was clean and tidy but it wasn’t cleaned on our second days stay nor was the Tea,coffee etc replenished Dining room could do with a good clean to remove many Cobwebs hanging from lights and pictures, tables were sticky and unfortunately we were on a floor with very noisy people who can’t shut a door quietly. Apart from that the Breakfast was plentiful and the Bed comfortable

4

Now

Jan 25, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Shower was dirty. Lift out of order. Breakfast food was poorly cooked and the car park lighting was not working.

4

Karen

Apr 23, 2024

·

Stayed 4 nights

Booked in for 4 nights and every day after arrival on returning to the hotel room I had to go to reception and complain about something. Air conditioning in the room didn't work. 1st day return - opened our bedroom door and myself and daughter and even the 2 grandkids complained that there was a smell of smoke - no smoking allkwed in the rooms and none of us smoke and the windows were closed - reception advised that the hotel was fully booked now and that no spare rooms were avail - I only asked for an air freshener. Day 2 return - out all day from early morning and returned late evening - returned to room and noticed door was not pulled closed (we always check we close and ensure the door is locked before leaving the room) also the towels hadn't been changed, room not made up and the bins not emptied. (advised hotel was busy and they cannot always do all rooms). Day 3 return - with 2 girls and 2 adults, we were left with 1 bath towel and 1 hand towel - again went to reception to ask for more towels, advised that someone would deliver us more towels in about 10 mins, 90 mins later I decided to go and ask again as no towels had appeared. Breakfast was the only good thing I'd have to say about this hotel.

8

Mike

Nov 26, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

On the whole, a nice hotel. Fantastic staff, always helpful. There were a few issues that let the hotel down. Carpet on ground floor corridor to rooms was loose and tended to bunch up. This would be a trip hazard to those not steady on their feet. The carpet in our room (63) was stained in a number of places, and was looking tired. The door to our room did not close due to rubbing on the carpet. The door to the toilet made a tremendous squeel when shutting and opening. There were stains on the door and wall around the hinges and wall where staff had tried (lazily) to fix the noise. The noise is due to the hinges being stressed and no amount of lubricant will help. Other than these few points, our stay was very good. Disappointed that the lighting was not using led's.

8

Gaynor

Jul 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms clean, bathroom a little dirty in areas, carpet in the hallway near doors poor condition, stained and loose fitting carpet, family room small kettle so not big enough to make three drinks , not enough milk no decaf tea bags or selection of teas, coffee machine gives terrible coffee in the breakfast room.

6

Kevin

Jun 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Overall it looked a nice hotel for a one night stay whilst visiting the local zoo. The room was comfy and generally clean however when we woke up on Sunday morning and wanting a nice fresh cup of tea it was very disappointing to see that firstly there was already water left in the kettle but more shockingly the two cups available had both been used and not cleaned after last visitors. A small thing but never the less not something I would expect and also pointless to complain at the time as we were going to breakfast shortly and then checking out. The breakfast was ok, hot food was good with a reasonable selection. Unfortunately no mushrooms or any small pastries which many many hotels do for the same price.

8

Jessica

Nov 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean rooms lovely shower

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are generally comfortable with good showers and adequate space, but mattress comfort varies and sofa beds are frequently reported as uncomfortable. Some guests note corridor or outside noise and patchy Wi‑Fi or A/C performance.

Related guest reviews

6

Jason

Oct 16, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Rooms nice and stylish. Bed was comfy, good pillows. Only gave it a three as the sound proofing from the windows is non existent. Even at night you would struggle without ear plugs or white noise

8

Emma

May 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Stayed one night with two adults & children aged 11 & 14 Parking was £8 a day which I hadn’t noticed before but given proximity to A12 understand why but would be been nice to poss have barriers and free parking Check in was polite and quick, room and bathroom spotless. We were in room 146 which back onto fields so could not hear motorway, although we did have air con on (which we could not seem to turn down to more than 22, probably just could not work this out) Sofa bed for kids was not comfy for them, maybe this was due to their age/size Breakfast was quick and easy and noticed they did a take away service. Polite friendly staff, clean and good for what we needed.

8

Ranbir

Aug 4, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It is a nice hotel, could be better if they improve their internet/wifi which was hardly functional during my trip.

8

Stuart

May 31, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Almost perfect only gripe was aircon, not sure it worked at all but was noisy.

10

Boyd

Sep 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Friendly welcome, late arrival. Quiet hotel, comfortable and large rooms. Strong shower Good breakfast.

6

Amanda

Mar 17, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great hotel, central location. Nice staff. Great breakfast. Room was clean. But big let down were the beds. Sooooo uncomfortable and small. Duvet barely covered the bed so scaring it with my husband was interesting! The sofa bed for the children was horrific. Doings sticking out everywhere. Such a shame as the stay would have been excellent if we could have slept!

6

Russell

Mar 31, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

We would stay here again only if you could have the same mattress’s as premier inn it’s a shame as everything was excellent but the mattress’s were terrible no support at all 🙁

8

Adenike

Jul 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel was nice but a little bit dated. Stains on the carpet but sheets were clean and the bathroom was clean. Beds were definitely used and saggy but if you like soft mattresses that would work for you. Area only has a petrol station near it but I believe there may be a bus nearby to get elsewhere. Not far from town centre with a car, about 20 mins. Breakfast is adequate. Friendly staff. Join the rewards program and get free parking. I would stay there again.

8

Christopher

Oct 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff very welcoming. Room overall was well equipped. Sofa bed a bit worn and toilet seat loose. A heated towel rail would have been nice.

10

Ebony

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Beds are so comfy, so clean, shower is so spacious, breakfast was delicious

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Service

Service is widely praised as friendly, welcoming and helpful, with quick check-in and staff resolving issues or arranging room changes. Some reviews note understaffing or unresponsiveness at times, including unmanned desks late at night.

Related guest reviews

8

steven

May 28, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

On return to the hotel on which would have been our 3rd night stay, we found the hotel in darkness apart from emergency lighting and torches. Apparently there was a power outage in the local area including the hotel. The reception staff being very professional explained the situation and gave us the choice of staying with no electricity or move on to another hotel which has been organised by the hotel. We decided to go to the other hotel, nearly 10 miles away. These things happen, situations beyond the control of the hotel. They could not of made this inconvenience any easier for us to continue our trip. Thanks Holiday Inn Colchester.

4

William

Jul 23, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Had problem with sink, reported to desk and nothing done for 2 days (we left). Room not serviced, ran out of toilet paper. Front desk not manned, waited over 15 minutes for someone to appear. No one answered the phone, etc. breakfast was good and plenty available. Would not stay here again.

10

Mez

Sep 7, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I Loved the property as a whole, and the great price compared to other hotels in the area. I didn't like the Sofa Bed, the mattess was too thin, and had to.ise towels so kids are not hurt. Service wasn't great, no concierge staff, they are always in the back or doing 6 other jobs, not enough staff to serve the cusromers needs. One concierge was serving drinks at the bar next to the desk, while also being a concierge. Absolutely crazy, felt sorry for the staff.

4

Jessica

Jun 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I was really disappointed with my stay I usually rate IHG hotels and travel for work but I only managed about 2 hours of sleep because I was in a room opposite and between groups of men who messed around in the corridor and slammed doors until midnight! I tried to call reception as as solo female didn't feel safe or as though I could challenge, unfortunately got no answer. The outside noise isn't great either. Maybe more mindful allocation of rooms for solo guests would help and keeping an eye on unruly guests.

10

Kelly

Aug 19, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Fantastic staff we had a little problem with our room which couldn’t get fixed right away so got a room change/upgrade. Dinner and breakfast onsite was very nice

8

Tanya

Jul 28, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

We had a problem with the room we were given then swapped and had very good service from a member of staff (think his name was eddie). He did everything to make our stay enjoyable. Breakfast was lovely but could do with more tables for it. Will stay here again.

8

Qass

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Amazing check in service with Ester. She was so lovely and polite. Informed us of busy periods because of the local ed Sheeran concert. Helped get us free parking. And was smiling and genuine throughout. Great start to the hotel experience.

10

Tabassum

Sep 8, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Thoroughly enjoyed my stay. My room was clean, comfortable, and the hotel is conveniently located next to a garage for quick purchases. The staff are amazing and helpful. Breakfast was lovely. Thank you for great service!

10

Peter

Jul 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The check in and staff were amazing. They offered a welcome pack of a bottle of water and chocolate bar and breakfast bar. This wasn’t expected and due to the heat it was very welcome. We stayed as we had travelled for an Ed Sheeran concert and they had all the info of the show available and just went above and beyond ensuring the stay was pleasant and made a bond with their guests. I would thoroughly recommend staying and Kate (manager) was exceptional and so welcoming.

10

Sachin

Oct 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast was very good and had variety of options. Staff was welcoming and service was amazing.

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Location

Just off the A12 beside a petrol station, the hotel is convenient for Colchester and Harwich ferry travel and is often quiet at night. It sits out of town with little in walking distance, so a car helps.

Related guest reviews

6

Nathan

Aug 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

The window, curtains and headboards were dusty. Some lights in the room were missing or broken. Hotel staff were friendly and assisted with the cleaning of the areas highlighted. The hotel is located near the motorway and a shell service station which is great.

10

Nigel

Nov 10, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The hotel was clean and very welcoming. The staff were ALL excellent. Very quick to help and have laugh with you. Our room was very spacious, clean and extremely comfortable. Despite being next to the A12 the hotel is very quiet and relaxing. We look forward to our next stay.

10

Jonathan

Aug 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This was a surprising good hotel and placed near enough to town for convenience

8

Adenike

Jul 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel was nice but a little bit dated. Stains on the carpet but sheets were clean and the bathroom was clean. Beds were definitely used and saggy but if you like soft mattresses that would work for you. Area only has a petrol station near it but I believe there may be a bus nearby to get elsewhere. Not far from town centre with a car, about 20 mins. Breakfast is adequate. Friendly staff. Join the rewards program and get free parking. I would stay there again.

10

Peter

Jun 18, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Perfect for our overnight stay before getting the Harwich ferry. Staff friendly on check in which was ideal after an 8 hour trip to Colchester. Ideal for what we needed travelling with our wee one. Included breakfast was great and free parking was ideal.

10

Gill

May 16, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Absolutely excellent. Clean, well appointed, great value for money and the staff were super friendly. Great location. Maximum 20 minutes to Colchester town centre and 30 minutes to Mersea Island

10

James

Apr 28, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

This hotel is located just off the A12 and it’s quiet at night for sleeping the staff are very friendly and polite no task to hard to sort no hesitation in recommending this hotel

8

Jan

Oct 1, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Convenient for Colchester, Dedham and Ipswich.

10

Lars

Aug 20, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

We used it for a quick getaway to the Harwich ferry and for that it was very convenient and also nice grap and go breakfast options available.

8

Lindsey

Aug 2, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very new so modern and clean, not much around area so travel needed to get everywhere, even though off motorway was quiet backing onto fields Staff very friendly Room was quiet, couldn’t hear people in other rooms

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Breakfast is generally well liked with a decent hot buffet and grab-and-go options, though several reviews note missing items, lukewarm food or weak coffee during busy times. Evening options exist but the menu feels limited and quality varies.

Related guest reviews

10

Jeff

Dec 9, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Good stay again. Nice staff, room has everything you need. Breakfast could be improved - not hot enough and the orange juice is not good quality. Overall it's a great hotel for a business stay though and I will use it again.

6

Frederik

Aug 31, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Hotel right next to Petrol Station. However quite calm during the night. Good stopover If arriving with fhe ferry in Harwich. Awful breakfast room, Not cosy and very cold. Poor choice of breakfast Options, well it was inckuded, but don't expect too much

10

Sharon

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Booked as a stopover heading to Ipswich for the Ed Sheeran concerts. So pleased I booked this hotel. The staff were friendly. The room was excellent. The breakfast was extremely good & they also offered bags to take it away. Would definitely go back here again

8

Jaimi

Aug 26, 2024

·

Stayed 3 nights

Hotel itself was fab, clean. Breakfast good but during busy times the lay out means it takes a while. Kids sofa bed not the comfiest but for the price… Need a car to get about as nothing in walking distance

8

IAN

Aug 17, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

No mushrooms with breakfast!!

8

Gaynor

Jul 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Rooms clean, bathroom a little dirty in areas, carpet in the hallway near doors poor condition, stained and loose fitting carpet, family room small kettle so not big enough to make three drinks , not enough milk no decaf tea bags or selection of teas, coffee machine gives terrible coffee in the breakfast room.

2

Steven

Oct 22, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Food not very good limited menu

10

Den

Jun 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This was an ‘extra’ overnight stay on our way to a golf tournament at another venue. The receptionist, Charley, was very polite and helpful and apologised for the fact that Hotels.com had not mentioned in my booking that car taking needed to be paid for separately…the only ‘fault’ we could find was that the breakfast only catered for scrambled eggs - no fried or poached options! :-(

10

Clare

Aug 4, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Good service nice and clean easy to park and good breakfast

10

Sachin

Oct 18, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Breakfast was very good and had variety of options. Staff was welcoming and service was amazing.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$64
February	$71
March	$75
April	$79
May	$83
June	$91
July	$95
August	$96
September	$97
October	$89
November	$77
December	$71

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4 $86	5 $132
6 $81	7 $96	8 $114	9 $109	10 $90	11 $90	12 $101
13 $68	14 $88	15 $101	16 $96	17 $77	18 $80	19 $104
20 $64	21 $84	22 $99	23 $96	24 $76	25 $81	26 $105
27 $70	28 $85	29 $96	30 $90

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $70	2 $76	3 $103
4 $64	5 $83	6 $91	7 $77	8 $72	9 $72	10 $86
11 $59	12 $82	13 $86	14 $86	15 $68	16 $72	17 $91
18 $60	19 $82	20 $96	21 $82	22 $68	23 $72	24 $86
25 $68	26 $75	27 $87	28 $86	29 $72	30 $72	31 $87

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

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Good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

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