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Colchester hotels from HK$503

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Where to stay in Colchester

Find the best Colchester areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Colchester
Learn more about Colchester

Dutch Quarter

Dutch Quarter is popular for its ample dining options, and you might make a stop by firstsite, a top place to visit in the area.

Stay near popular Colchester attractions

Learn more about Colchester

Britain's oldest recorded town showcases Roman history at Colchester Castle, where you can explore ancient ruins and handle real artefacts. Wander through Castle Park's gardens before visiting Firstsite gallery, or take a short trip to Mersea Island for fresh seafood.

Layer Marney Tower featuring heritage architecture

Top Colchester Hotel Reviews

More cheap stays in Colchester

Hotels in Colchester with star-rating

Find out more about Colchester

Top reasons to visit Colchester

  • Historic Attractions: Explore Colchester's rich history with captivating sites like the historic towers and the fascinating Colchester Zoo.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy a variety of family-oriented attractions, including thrilling outings at Adventure Island and scenic apple orchards.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Experience the beautiful parks and outdoor spaces perfect for relaxing strolls and picnics.
  • Cultural Events: Attend vibrant events like the Autumn Jazz festival that showcase local talent and culture.
  • Accessible Accommodation: Choose from a range of comfortable, pet-friendly hotels and lodges tailored for every traveller’s needs.

Find great hotels in Colchester

Discover the charm of Colchester with a range of accommodation options tailored to meet diverse needs. Whether you're travelling with family, on business, or bringing your furry friend along, you'll find pet-friendly hotels and lodges that offer comfortable stays. Explore options like Abbey Gate Hotels and accessible rooms on the Colchester campus for a convenient experience in this historic town.

  • Dragonfly Hotel Colchester: Embrace a charming stay at the Dragonfly Hotel Colchester, a delightful 3-star retreat situated in the heart of Colchester. This hotel offers a relaxed atmosphere with various dining options, including a restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch, as well as a bar and lounge for unwinding after a day of exploration. Guests can enjoy modern entertainment amenities like LCD and satellite TVs in their rooms. The hotel's proximity to nearby attractions, including a zoo, provides an adventure-filled experience for families and animal lovers alike.
  • Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG: The Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG is a sophisticated 4-star hotel that welcomes all guests, including those in the LGBTQIA community. It boasts a spa-themed environment, providing a sanctuary for relaxation with amenities such as a full-service spa, steam room, treatment rooms, and a swimming pool. Pet-friendly policies allow guests to bring their furry companions, with facilities including food and water bowls, making it an ideal choice for animal lovers. With a focus on comfort and inclusivity, this hotel promises a rejuvenating stay.
  • Holiday Inn Express Colchester by IHG: Perfectly designed for business travellers, the Holiday Inn Express Colchester by IHG offers a welcoming environment for all, including LGBTQIA guests. This property ensures a seamless stay with convenient amenities tailored for corporate needs. Though less extravagant than its counterparts, it provides essential comforts and a friendly atmosphere. The hotel's strategic location in Colchester allows easy access to local attractions and business hubs, making it an excellent choice for those on the go.

Where to stay in Colchester

Colchester, steeped in history, offers a delightful blend of family-friendly attractions and relaxing outdoor spaces. Visitors can explore the fascinating Colchester Zoo, stroll through charming apple orchards, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of the city’s areas. Nearby towns provide a perfect backdrop for those seeking a budget-friendly escape or a touch of academic excellence. With accessible accommodation options, Colchester is an ideal destination for a memorable vacation experience.

  • Mersea Island: Nestled off the coast, Mersea Island boasts a stunning beach atmosphere that attracts visitors year-round, particularly from July to September. The island is renowned for its outdoor activities and picturesque scenery, making it a perfect getaway for families and nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the beach, explore the family-friendly marina, or indulge in local shopping at the nearby centres. The island's charm lies in its relaxed vibe, where you can soak up the sun or savour fresh seafood at local restaurants, creating an unforgettable seaside experience.
  • Dedham: This quaint village, steeped in history, offers a delightful escape for those seeking a blend of culture and outdoor activities. Popular from April to August, Dedham is surrounded by the scenic landscapes of Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visitors can explore the historic village and enjoy the vibrant public market, which showcases local produce and crafts. The nearby national park invites outdoor enthusiasts to hike, cycle, or simply relax amidst nature, while the charming architecture and art galleries provide a cultural feast for the senses.
  • Stoke by Nayland: This picturesque village is an ideal destination for families and culture seekers alike, attracting visitors throughout the year, especially in the early months. Stoke by Nayland is home to beautiful golf courses and shopping centres, catering to various interests. The village is surrounded by stunning countryside, perfect for outdoor pursuits such as hiking and cycling. Local attractions include the historic monument and nearby beaches, making it a fantastic spot for a day out or a leisurely weekend escape, where you can enjoy the serene beauty of the English countryside.

Things to do in and around Colchester

Colchester offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures, making it an ideal destination for city-themed holidays. Visitors can explore educational attractions, enjoy shopping at local centres, and partake in affordable activities. Highlights include a thrilling day at Adventure Island and the vibrant Autumn Jazz festival, ensuring a memorable experience for all ages.

Shopping

In Colchester, you can shop at Assington Barn for unique gifts, just 14.5km away. If you're up for a drive, Braintree Village, 22.5km away, offers a range of shops and entertainment, while Felixstowe Market, 114.5km away, provides a vibrant public market experience.

Recreation

Experience the refreshing Brightlingsea Open Air Swimming Pool, perfect for families and outdoor fun. Enjoy a round of golf at the scenic Colchester Golf Club, or unwind at Cudmore Grove Country Park, where you can embrace nature and find relaxation among tranquil surroundings.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of water sports at Alton Water, located 19.3km from Colchester, where you can engage in activities like kayaking and sailing. For motorsport enthusiasts, Foxhall Stadium, 29.0km away, offers exhilarating racing events. Additionally, Rayleigh Indoor Karting Stadium, 40.2km from Colchester, promises adrenaline-fuelled karting fun.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Colchester offers a delightful mix of culture and fun. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Mercury Theatre for a taste of romance and entertainment. For a thrilling experience, visit Xtreme Gaming, where adventure awaits with exciting arcade games.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Colchester

To save money on your trip to Colchester, consider visiting during the off-peak months of December to February, when accommodation prices are lower. Take advantage of free attractions such as Colchester Castle Park and St. Osyth Beach. For transport, buses are a cost-effective option. Booking your hotel through Expedia can help you find affordable stays, especially if you use filters for budget and eco-friendly options. Lastly, aim to check in on a Thursday, the cheapest day, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Colchester are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Colchester is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay in Colchester is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices in ascending order, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay in Colchester with your flights and activities.

Find the best attractions in Colchester

Colchester, ideal for family outings and outdoor adventures, offers a delightful mix of attractions. Visitors can explore historic towers, modern universities, and beautiful beaches, catering to those seeking cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Whether you're wandering through the town's rich history or enjoying the scenic outdoors, Colchester promises an engaging vacation for all.

  • University of Essex: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this modern university, known for its diverse student body and innovative architecture. Wander through its beautiful campus, where you can enjoy contemporary art and engaging events that reflect the lively city vibes of Colchester.
  • Colchester Castle Park: Discover the charm of this private garden, rich in history and surrounded by friendly locals. Stroll through its picturesque pathways, explore the historic castle, and soak in the serene environment that showcases the welcoming spirit of the community.
  • Flatford Mill: Visit this iconic windmill, a perfect blend of history and relaxation. Engage with friendly locals while enjoying the scenic views, and take in the tranquil atmosphere that makes this budget-friendly spot a delightful retreat.

Best time to go to Colchester

The best time to visit Colchester is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.2°F (6.8°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.0°F (8.9°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July63.3°F (17.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.7°F (8.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

The nearest major airports for your trip to Colchester

Colchester can be conveniently accessed via several major airports. London Stansted Airport (STN) is situated approximately 43.5km away and offers excellent accommodation options, such as the 5-star The Linden Stansted, just 4.8km from the airport, and the 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel, a mere 322m away. London Luton Airport (LTN), located around 86.9km from Colchester, features the luxurious Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf And Spa, 3.2km from the airport, alongside other hotels like the Luton Vale Hotel. Lastly, London City Airport (LCY) is about 72.4km away, with high-end selections like the Sea Containers London, 11.3km from the airport, ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to stay in Colchester?
Talbooth House & Spa is a favourite with Expedia customers. This hotel offers a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Reviews from our site also recommend Woodview Bed & Breakfast and GreyFriars as top options for your visit. See all available top hotels, or vacation rentals in Colchester.
What are some of the best holiday rentals that Colchester has to offer?
Refurbished Victorian House: This highly rated holiday home rental in Colchester offers a garden, a selection of books and free WiFi to help you feel perfectly comfortable in your new surroundings. This holiday rental also comes with free parking to give you added peace of mind. Our travellers also rate Spacious Island beach house. w/Hot Tub as a favourite home for rent in Colchester. See all vacation rentals in Colchester.
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Colchester, will I receive a refund?
Yes! You'll find that most hotel reservations are fully refundable if you cancel prior to the hotel's cancellation deadline, which is usually within 24-48 hours of your scheduled arrival. If you have a reservation that's non-refundable, it may still be possible to cancel it and receive a refund within a 24-hour period of booking. Filter your search by fully refundable to find flexible hotel deals in Colchester.
What's the best place to stay on a budget in Colchester?
Based on our traveller reviews, University of Essex - Colchester Campus is a top choice for a less expensive stay. View all budget hotels in Colchester.
What's the best family accommodation in Colchester?
Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester is a hotel with an indoor pool and a restaurant, and it's a top choice on Expedia for families. Other good options to stay with the children include Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG and The Kings Arms, Colchester A120. Also, attractions such as Xtreme Gaming and Colchester Zoo are fun for children of all ages. Find more child-friendly accommodations in Colchester.
What is the top LGBTQ-friendly accommodation in Colchester?
Holiday Inn Express Colchester by IHG is a top LGBTQ-friendly hotel, and features free breakfast and free WiFi. Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG and Brook Red Lion Hotel are two other good options for your stay. See all available hotels listed as LGBTQ-friendly in Colchester.
What's the best dog-friendly hotel in Colchester?
Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester is a top hotel for people travelling with their pets, and offers a restaurant and an indoor pool for its human guests. Other good options to stay with your pet include Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG and The Kings Arms, Colchester A120. See more pet-friendly hotel accommodations in Colchester.
What's the best high-end hotel in Colchester?
Premier Inn Colchester - A12 is a luxury hotel with a restaurant, and a popular choice for Expedia travellers looking for an elegant place to stay. Find more luxury hotels in Colchester.
What's the best boutique hotel in Colchester?
Drapers Hotel is a favourite hotel with our travellers looking for stylish accommodation, and features 7 guestrooms, 2 bars and free parking. See all boutique hotels in Colchester.
What's the best place to stay if I'm looking to play golf in Colchester?
Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa is a top hotel that has a golf course and features free WiFi. Other good options if you'd like to stay near a golf course include The Essex Golf and Country Club and Drapers Hotel. Visit Colchester Golf Club, Gosfield Lake Golf Club or Birch Grove Golf Club to perfect your golf swing. See more golf hotels in Colchester.
What are some accommodation options with pools in Colchester?
Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester is a top hotel with an indoor pool, free WiFi and a sauna. A couple of other options that offer an on-site pool include Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG and Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa. View all hotels with pools in Colchester.
What is the best spa hotel in Colchester?
Holiday Inn Colchester by IHG is a top spa hotel featuring a fitness centre, a bar, an indoor pool and a restaurant. Treat yourself to a facial, body treatment or massage at the on-site spa. Other popular spa hotels in Colchester include Stoke by Nayland Hotel, Golf and Spa and The Essex Golf and Country Club. See all spa hotels in Colchester.
How is it to stay in Colchester?
History buffs will enjoy exploring Colchester, and visitors give high marks for the lively bar scene. Tourists can also enjoy the city's museums, art and theatres. In Colchester, there are 369 hotels and other accommodation options to choose from. Find out more about Colchester.
What should I do while I'm visiting Colchester?
Cultural venues include Colchester Castle Museum, Mercury Theatre and Colchester Arts Centre. Families come for attractions such as Xtreme Gaming, Colchester Zoo and East Anglian Railway Museum. Notable for its historic sites, landmarks like Colchester Town Hall, Layer Marney Tower and Flatford Mill are not to be missed. Take a look at what more there is to see and do in Expedia's Colchester guide.
How can I get around Colchester?
If you want to travel outside the area, take a train from Colchester Town Station, Colchester Station or Hythe Station. If you want to venture out around the area, you may want a rental car in Colchester for your journey.
What's the weather like in Colchester?
The hottest months are usually August and July, with an average temperature of 16°C, while the coldest months are January and February, with an average of 6°C. Average annual precipitation for Colchester is 727 mm.

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