Premier Inn Colchester (A12)

The hotel itself was fine. We were lucky to have an air conditioned room which was very welcomed. There are no lifts which is a bit of a pain when carrying luggage. The service and cleanliness in the hotel itself was fine but the food, especially breakfast was a real problem. The restaurant is woefully understaffed and although the staff that were there worked hard, there just weren’t enough of them and evening wait times were huge. Even just to get a drink! We paid for breakfast for both mornings of our stay but then didn’t actually get to have it on the first morning as there was no chef! We did manage to get a breakfast on the second morning but they were understaffed yet again and we got it late, having to throw it down and leave rather than enjoy it. The staff that they had were lovely, there just weren’t enough of them to provide a service.

Amazing staff, well kept hotel , very clean and very high standards here, staff are well trained and courteous as well as polite and friendly.

Decent room, friendly. helpful staff, a good place to stop overnight on both our outward and homeward bound journeys. The staff at the restaurant next door were also friendly and helpful, but we didn't enjoy breakfast on our outward stop, so shan't bother eating it this time. I do have a gripe about the rather foolhardy decision to remove the vending machine that sold water, and, I think fruit juice, if I remember correctly. The only option now just sells Fanta, Cola or Lucozade, and poor quality snacks. Not everyone wants the sweet, sticky, unhealthy choices, and my opinion of overall management (because I doubt it was local staff) has now plummeted. To remove completely the healthier options turns a 'premier' Inn into something slightly below average, and I hope people will object loudly until the better option is replaced.

The room was very dusty, the room was for 2 people, only one towel and had to ask for toilet paper, the dispenser was practically empty

I’d like to give a big shout out to Denise, one of the kindest, most helpful people I have ever met. My wife and I were actually booked into the town Premier Inn by the castle and were walking from the station to the hotel when my wife had a terrible back pain and could hardly walk. We saw another Premier Inn just down the road and thought if we could reach it they may let ring a taxi to their sister hotel. Denise saw the trouble my wife was in and insisted that she would take us in her own car. When we arrived she helped my wife out of the car but would not take a penny for her. Thank you Denise

Very standard Premier Inn. We didn’t opt to have our room cleaned but collected fresh towels each day. Only two story so no lift and we were a long walk from reception beyond 7 fire doors! Our room looked out at the back of the hotel. Not much of a view but nice and quiet. We had air conditioning which was a bonus but only half the rooms do at present so worth asking when you book. Hotel was very clean. Premier Inns usually are. Reception only staffed some of the time but always helpful. There is a separate restaurant next door. We had a nice meal each night and breakfast each morning(no cooked buffet) but we always got we ordered. The restaurant / bar was short staffed throughout our stay but the staff on duty worked jolly hard and kept cheerful. Not a place to dine if you are in a hurry..And parts of the restaurant could do with a general clean and some TLC. The menus is a bit limited and you would soon get fed up if you were staying for a long time. Another time we would probably not opt for the meal package. It is good value but there are plenty of places to eat out. The hotel access brings you into an industrial estate which might be a bit off putting but plenty of parking. Just make sure you register at reception. This hotel is close to the park and ride which gives you easy access to the city centre and near the A12. Would be happy to stay here again