The 8 Best Boutique Hotels in Colchester, England [2023]

Colchester is a charming English town in Essex, in the country’s southeast region. Known for its idyllic landscapes and its Norman, Georgian, and Victorian heritage, Colchester provides visitors with a charming stay enhanced by the captivating history of the area.

And Colchester has a selection of delightful boutique hotels ready to welcome guests — let’s take a look at our favorites!

The Best Boutique Hotels in Colchester

Baye House

Price: From $110 per night

The sophisticated Baye House can be found on Colchester’s West Stockwell Street, right across from Castle Park. This elegant Dutch Quarter boutique destination provides easy access to some of the best landmarks in town, including the Colchester Arts Centre, Mercury Theater, the Firstsite Gallery, and Colchester Castle.

The High Street is also only steps away, with its array of restaurants and charming shops ready to delight. In addition, the hotel offers access to a fully-equipped, shared farmhouse-style kitchen where breakfast is served each morning. Alfresco dining can be enjoyed in the manicured garden, where there are also barbecue grills to make the most of warm days in the sun.

The elegant rooms at Baye House include daily housekeeping, tea and coffee-making machines, and a writing desk.

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Colchester Boutique Hotel

Price: From $139 per night

Colchester Boutique Hotel can be found in the North Hill area, in the historic heart of the town. The hotel is only steps away from the shops on the High Street and a leisurely walk away from Colchester Castle.

This elegant boutique destination offers affordable luxury in a stylish Georgian heritage building that allows guests to fully experience the Colchester atmosphere. You’ll find free Wi-Fi throughout the property, as well as on-site parking and a complimentary breakfast that’s served each morning. There’s also a tapas restaurant on the property.

The beautiful rooms at Colchester Boutique Hotel include tea and coffee-making machines and an en-suite bathroom with premium toiletries and a walk-in shower.

The Crown

Price: From $131 per night

The Crown can be found in the charming village of Stoke-by-Nayland in Constable Country, just outside Colchester. This idyllic boutique destination is housed in a traditional-style pub on the border of Suffolk and Essex.

The homey atmosphere at The Crown is full of warmth, providing an ultra-comfortable retreat in beautiful surroundings. The luxurious culinary experience at The Crown features a constantly changing menu influenced by local ingredients and suppliers. Vegan and gluten-free options are available. The impressively stocked wine cellar features a curated selection of over 250 labels, with over 30 options available to enjoy by the glass.

Each cozy room at The Crown includes a king-size or super king-size bed, tea and coffee-making machines, a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a level wet room.

Dedham Hall

Price: From $112 per night

Dedham Hall is a sprawling countryside retreat, housed mainly in a heritage manor dating back to the 15th century. This family-run boutique destination can be found in the heart of Constable Country in Colchester.

The hotel is close to the High Street in Dedham, where visitors can enjoy the shops and eateries in the charming village. A short walk from Dedham Hall will lead guests to Flatford Mill and Castle House, some of the most important attractions in the area.

Art courses and painting holidays can be booked at Dedham Hall for the artists seeking to get the most out of this inspiring location. Each room features an individual design and views over the manicured gardens. Complimentary breakfast is included with the stay, and there’s also a fine-dining restaurant with a curated wine list.

GreyFriars Hotel

Price: From $170 per night

GreyFriars Hotel can be found only steps away from Colchester Castle, offering guests a privileged location that allows them easy access to the best landmarks in town. This East Hill boutique destination is located in a heritage building dating back to the 18th century.

Guests staying at GreyFriars can easily explore Colchester and the surrounding area during their time at the hotel. They can also enjoy the many delicacies on offer at the Baroque Bar and the on-site fine-dining restaurant.

Accommodation options at GreyFriars include club rooms, classic rooms, junior suites, deluxe suites, and signature suites. Each room features luxury in every detail and includes amenities such as a Nespresso coffee machine, a minibar, curtains and blinds by Voyage Indian Silk, and premium toiletries by L’Occitane.

North Hill Hotel

Price: From $101 per night

The North Hill Hotel is ideally situated in the center of Colchester, only minutes away from the best attractions in town, including the High Street and the Castle. The main building of the North Hill Hotel dates back to the 15th century, as does the fully refurbished barn and cottage at the back of the property.

This impressive boutique destination includes an on-site fine-dining restaurant featuring award-winning food focused on local ingredients and traditions with a modern twist. In addition, there’s plenty of event space across the property for guests looking to host during their stay.

The elegant rooms at the North Hill Hotel include single or twin options, as well as standard rooms and mini-suites. Each of them has a cozy en suite bathroom with a shower, tea and coffee-making machines, and more.

Pheasant Suites

Price: From $135 per night

The country escape found at the charming Pheasant Suites can be found 3 miles outside Colchester, on the non-working Balls Farm. Guests looking to unwind during their time in Colchester should opt for this unique boutique destination.

This heritage location dates back to the 17th century, but the suites have been fully refurbished to provide a luxurious experience in the farmland heart of Colchester. In addition, the facilities available to guests at the Pheasant Suites are fully separate from those used by the owners, which increases the feeling of exclusivity.

Each suite has its own entrance and parking and includes heated towel rails, plush bathrobes, a kitchen with a stove and a microwave, a fridge with bottled water, plush towels, and a huge bathroom.

Wivenhoe House Hotel

Price: From $127 per night

The Wivenhoe House Hotel can be found on the border of Essex and Suffolk, surrounded by glorious landscapes. The 18th-century heritage building can be found within the estate of the University of Essex, only a short drive away from the heart of Colchester.

The luxurious atmosphere at the Wivenhoe is full of romance and authentic charm, with opulence in every detail. This boutique destination treats guests to traditional afternoon tea, with fine dining on offer at the on-site brasserie. Accommodation options at the Wivenhoe include classic, superior, deluxe, and luxury guest rooms, all featuring an individual design.

Each room at the Wivenhoe House Hotel features a king-size bed, tea and coffee-making machines, and premium linens.

Final Thoughts

Visitors enjoying a stay in Colchester can experience centuries of history in the landmark locations around town. Make sure you book your stay at one of these charming boutique properties to make your stay even more memorable.