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Summary of reviewsDragonfly Hotel Colchester generally receives favorable reviews, particularly for its strategic and convenient location. Positioned near major highways and just a short drive from the Harwich port, the hotel offers easy access for both road travelers and ferry passengers. Despite being close to main roads, the setting is notably quiet and peaceful, featuring picturesque views of a lake and lovely surroundings. It serves as an excellent base for exploring local attractions such as the zoo, Flatford Mill and historic Colchester.
The breakfast experience at Dragonfly Hotel Colchester receives mixed feedback. Many guests appreciated the good, plentiful options, describing breakfast as excellent value for money. However, some reviews point to limited options and issues like cold food and staff shortages occasionally leading to delays. The calm and pleasant atmosphere during breakfast generally contributes positively to the stay.
Dinner at the hotel garners praise for the quality and taste of the food with commendation for dishes like steaks and gourmet burgers, often considered fantastic value for money. However, service speed and availability can be inconsistent with reports of long waits and unexpected restaurant closures. Despite these hiccups, the friendly and helpful staff leave a positive impression on diners.
Rooms at the hotel are noted for their spaciousness, cleanliness and comfort, featuring large beds and modern amenities. The clean and well-maintained decor contributes to a pleasant stay, though some reviews mention inconsistencies such as outdated decor and maintenance issues. Nonetheless, the spacious executive rooms and beautiful surroundings are standout features.
Cleanliness is another area with mixed reviews, though many guests find the rooms and public areas to be clean and welcoming. While some note issues like unclean corridors and outdated bathrooms, the hotel's clean and tidy appearance is generally maintained.
Staff at Dragonfly Hotel Colchester are often praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and efficiency. While there are occasional mentions of overwhelmed or unprofessional behavior due to understaffing, individual staff members like Adam, Monika, Tom, Chelsea and night manager Stuart receive commendations for their exceptional service.
Free WiFi at the hotel receives varied feedback. While some guests found the connection great and fast, others reported issues with intermittent service, slow speeds and connection difficulties. Despite these problems, the WiFi is appreciated when it works well.
Parking at the hotel is consistently praised for being ample, easily accessible and free of charge. The secure parking areas and availability of EV chargers for electric vehicles add convenience for guests. Despite minor issues like occasional confusion with the parking system, the overall feedback is highly positive.
For families, the hotel proves to be an ideal spot, offering spacious, comfortable rooms and a quiet, relaxed environment. Family-specific amenities such as extra beds and cots, along with friendly and accommodating staff, enhance the experience. The hotel's location near a main motorway and safe parking options make it a convenient choice for family gatherings.
In summary, Dragonfly Hotel Colchester is well-regarded for its convenient location, friendly staff, comfortable rooms and ample parking facilities. While there are areas for improvement, such as breakfast variety, room maintenance and WiFi reliability, the overall experience is positive with several standout features making it a preferred choice for many travelers. Show more
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Categories
Hotel with EV Charging Stations
Family Friendly Hotel
Accessible Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Room Types
Double RoomThis double bedroom is decorated in warm colours. All rooms offer a flat-screen TV with Freeview channels and tea and coffee making facilities. The room has arm chairs and a desk with lamp and connection to complimentary high-speed WiFi.
Twin RoomThis twin bedroom is decorated in warm colours. All rooms offer a flat-screen TV with Freeview channels and tea and coffee making facilities. The room has arm chairs and a desk with lamp and connection to complimentary high-speed WiFi.
Executive Double RoomOur executive rooms are more spacious modern rooms with a sofa bed, and are decorated in stylish warm colours. All rooms offer a flat-screen TV with Freeview channels and tea and coffee making facilities. The room has arm chairs and a desk with lamp and connection to complimentary high-speed WiFi.
Guest Reviews
7.4
Good
Location
Dragonfly Hotel Colchester enjoys a largely favorable reception for its strategic and convenient location. Perfectly situated near major highways, this hotel is ideal for travelers planning to explore both Colchester and the broader Essex and Suffolk regions. Guests find it particularly handy for those intending to catch a ferry from Harwich, being just a short drive away, which makes it an excellent choice for those traveling to or from the Harwich port.
The hotel's proximity to the A12 highway ensures easy access, allowing guests to navigate to and from the hotel with relative ease, although some found the signage to the hotel from the road a bit lacking. Despite being close to main roads, many reviews highlight the hotel's surprisingly quiet and peaceful setting, providing a calm place to stay with lovely surroundings, including picturesque views of a lake.
It's not just the convenience that guests appreciate. The location's tranquil environment and pleasant scenery make it a relaxing retreat. The hotel serves as a great base for exploring local attractions such as the zoo, Flatford Mill and historic Colchester with enough parking available for visitors.
However, the seclusion of the hotel has been noted—it's somewhat isolated which may not be ideal for those wanting to stay closer to the city center. Some guests have mentioned the hotel's proximity to an industrial area, but this was not a major issue for most as the positives, such as easy highway access and quiet surroundings, far outweighed this fact.
In summary, Dragonfly Hotel Colchester is excellently located for road travelers, ferry passengers and those attending local events. Its combination of convenience, quiet setting and accessibility makes it a preferred choice for many seeking both comfort and strategic positioning during their travels.
Breakfast
Dragonfly Hotel Colchester offers a mixed experience when it comes to breakfast with guests sharing a wide range of opinions. Many visitors appreciated the breakfast, noting that it was good, plentiful and included a variety of options from cereals, pastries and yogurts to a full English breakfast. Some even described the breakfast as excellent and loved the value for money, mentioning that the hot food was consistently replenished and the breakfast room was pleasant and calm.
However, there are numerous reviews that highlight areas of improvement. Comments frequently mention limited breakfast options, lack of vegetarian and gluten-free choices and food often being cold or overcooked. Some guests were disappointed by the absence of common breakfast items such as cheese, fruits and different types of bread. Additionally, staff shortages occasionally led to delays in replenishing the buffet and in some cases, guests reported a lack of plates, cups and essential items like coffee and orange juice.
On the plus side, the atmosphere during breakfast is generally noted as calm and pleasant. With so many varying experiences, it seems the hotel's breakfast offering can be hit or miss, but there’s potential for a satisfying meal if improvements in variety, quality and service are made.
Dinner
Dragonfly Hotel Colchester offers a mixed dining experience, but the positive aspects stand out, particularly regarding dinner options. Guests often praised the excellent quality and taste of the food with some notable mentions of delicious steaks, gourmet burgers and a varied menu. Evening meals were described as very nice and fantastic value for money with large portions and a good atmosphere contributing to the overall experience. Breakfast offerings also received positive feedback, being described as good and plentiful with some standout items like freshly baked muffins.
However, the dining experience has notable inconsistencies. Many guests experienced significant delays in service with meals sometimes taking over an hour to arrive. There were also numerous reports of the restaurant and kitchen being closed unexpectedly or running out of key menu items, causing frustration and forcing guests to seek alternative dining options. Despite these setbacks, the staff received commendation for their friendliness and helpfulness, which frequently enhanced the dining experience.
Overall, while the food quality at Dragonfly Hotel Colchester is commendable, issues with service speed and availability can impact the dining experience. For those planning a visit, it might be wise to check in advance about the restaurant's operational hours to ensure a seamless experience.
Rooms
Dragonfly Hotel Colchester receives mixed feedback regarding its rooms, yet positive remarks highlight key aspects worth noting. The rooms are generally described as spacious, clean and comfortable, featuring large beds and modern amenities such as big-screen TVs. Guests appreciate the overall cleanliness and well-maintained decor with several noting the helpful and friendly staff. The hotel's convenient location near the highway and ample free parking also received favorable mentions.
However, some reviews indicate inconsistencies. Issues such as cold temperatures in the room, outdated and worn-out decor, peeling wallpaper and occasional unpleasant odors were noted. Complaints about the lack of consistent room cleaning, broken fixtures and poor water pressure in showers also surfaced. Despite these drawbacks, the hotel's spacious executive rooms and beautiful surroundings, including views of the lake and well-kept gardens, stand out as particular highlights for guests seeking a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing stay.
Overall, while Dragonfly Hotel Colchester offers many positives with its large, clean rooms and convenient location, some areas would benefit from refurbishment and more consistent maintenance to ensure a more uniformly pleasant experience for all guests.
Beds
Dragonfly Hotel Colchester seems to have garnered a largely positive reception regarding its beds, which are often cited as being comfortable with many reviews highlighting just how comfortable and clean they are. Guests frequently describe the beds as good, large and spacious. The general consensus indicates that people found the beds provided excellent value for money with some even calling them super comfortable. While rooms were noted to be clean, spacious and well cared for, commenters have pointed out that the beds were a key factor in their satisfaction.
There are, however, a few recurring points of critique. Some guests mentioned that the pillows were too firm and in a few cases, guests found the beds to be too hard, leading to discomfort. The issue of beds being two singles pushed together instead of a proper double was mentioned, as was the occasional inadequacy of the duvets. Despite these minor issues, for many, the overall experience with the beds was positive, contributing to an overall pleasant stay at the hotel. This blend of comfort and cleanliness in both the rooms and beds seems to make Dragonfly Hotel Colchester a popular choice for travelers seeking a good night's sleep away from home.
Cleanliness
Dragonfly Hotel Colchester garners a mixed reception in terms of cleanliness from its guests. The consensus points to predominantly clean and comfortable rooms with many guests appreciating the tidy and welcoming environment. The public areas are frequently noted to be very clean, contributing to a pleasant experience for many visitors. The rooms are described as clean, modern and spacious with comfortable beds and well-maintained facilities. Guests often highlight the impeccable cleanliness of the rooms with numerous mentions of spotless and tidy spaces.
However, some reviews indicate recurring issues that detract from the hotel's otherwise clean reputation. Certain guests mentioned specific problems, such as unclean corridors and common areas, cobwebs in various locations and outdated bathrooms with rust and mold. There were instances where rooms were not thoroughly cleaned with complaints about dust, dirty cups and glasses not being replaced and lingering odors of cigarette smoke or dampness. The dining area also received criticism for unhygienic conditions.
The staff at Dragonfly Hotel Colchester generally receive praise for being friendly, helpful and polite, adding a positive dimension to the guests' stay. Despite the cleanliness concerns mentioned by some, the hotel maintains a clean and tidy impression overall with guests frequently emphasizing the comfortable and inviting atmosphere of their rooms.
Staff
The Dragonfly Hotel in Colchester has garnered a mixed bag of reviews when it comes to its staff. On the brighter side, the staff are frequently described as friendly, helpful and welcoming, providing a warm and pleasant atmosphere upon arrival and throughout the stay. Several guests explicitly praised the reception staff, noting their efficiency and attentiveness during check-in and check-out processes.
A few individual staff members like Adam, Monika, Tom and Chelsea were singled out for their exceptional service, professionalism and personal touches. The night manager, Stuart, also received commendations for his attentiveness. Several reviews highlight the staff's ability to handle multiple roles efficiently—from reception to bar service to housekeeping—all while maintaining a welcoming demeanor.
Nonetheless, the hotel seems to struggle with staffing levels, impacting the overall guest experience. Reports of long waits, unstaffed receptions and staff appearing overwhelmed or unconcerned suggest a strain due to understaffing. Some guests mentioned instances of rude or unprofessional behavior, which affects the consistency of the customer service.
Despite these challenges, the hotel staff's generally courteous and helpful approach leaves a positive impression. The recurring theme of friendliness and helpfulness underscores the staff's commitment to making guests feel comfortable, even when resources are stretched thin.
Wi-Fi
The reviews on the WiFi at Dragonfly Hotel Colchester present a mixed picture. Many guests appreciated the free WiFi with several noting that the connection was great and extremely fast, which made it useful while traveling. The ease of accessing WiFi was also highlighted positively by some. However, a significant number of reviews also pointed to issues with the internet service. Reports of intermittent WiFi, difficulties in connecting and slow speeds were common. Some guests mentioned that the WiFi didn't work at all or constantly cut out. Others noted inconsistencies in the internet strength across the hotel and mentioned that WiFi maintenance was required. Despite these issues, some guests still found the WiFi workable and even brilliant at times. Overall, while there are several positive remarks about the WiFi, the hotel may need to address the recurring connectivity problems to enhance guest satisfaction.
Parking
Parking at the Dragonfly Hotel Colchester consistently garners positive feedback from guests. The hotel offers ample, easily accessible and safe parking spaces, which are free of charge for guests. Many reviews highlight the convenience and abundance of parking spots, making it hassle-free to find a place to park. The large parking lot ensures that there is plenty of space, even for larger vehicles like vans and trailers.
Guests appreciate the added security of monitored parking areas, contributing to a sense of vehicle safety. The parking facilities are well-signed and straightforward to navigate and there are even EV chargers available for electric vehicles. Some guests did mention occasional confusion with the parking system and the need for slightly larger parking spots, but these issues appear to be relatively minor compared to the overall satisfaction.
The parking area is conveniently located close to the hotel, allowing for easy access to the main building. With the parking included in the price of the stay, guests find it to be a valuable amenity. The hotel staff are also available to assist with parking requirements, ensuring a seamless experience.
In summary, the Dragonfly Hotel Colchester provides excellent parking facilities, characterized by convenience, safety and ample space, which contribute to a stress-free stay for its guests.
EV charging stations
At the Dragonfly Hotel Colchester, guests have experienced positive aspects when it comes to electric vehicle (EV) charging options. The availability of EV charging stations on-site, specifically through Pod Point, has been consistently highlighted as beneficial. Guests appreciated the convenience of being able to charge their cars, particularly Tesla models within the hotel's car park. The presence of EV chargers has been an essential factor for many choosing this hotel, contributing to a better stay for those traveling in electric vehicles.
However, there have been some mixed reviews and issues reported. The number of available charging stations is limited, leading to potential concerns for guests who depend on these facilities. While some guests highlighted that the EV chargers were visible and worked well, others faced challenges, such as the chargers not being accessible or encountering problems that the hotel management could not resolve. Despite these occasional setbacks, the inclusion of EV charging stations remains a key feature of the Dragonfly Hotel Colchester, making it a practical choice for environmentally conscious travelers.
Family
Dragonfly Hotel Colchester is an ideal spot for a family break, offering a comfortable and clean environment that caters well to families. The hotel boasts family-friendly rooms of good size, often featuring spacious areas and excellent beds, making it a comfortable stay for both kids and adults. The staff are consistently described as friendly, helpful and accommodating with special mentions of individual staff members going above and beyond to ensure guests' needs are met.
The location is convenient, situated near a main motorway and in a quiet area, perfect for a relaxed family gathering. Safe parking adds to the convenience and the option for additional amenities, such as extra beds and cots, further enhances the family-friendly atmosphere.
Guests appreciate the value for money, highlighting the good service and facilities as contributing factors. The hotel features family-specific offerings, including smoke-free rooms and family eateries, which kids particularly enjoy. The hotel's overall ambiance is pleasant with a lovely lady named Chelsea at reception receiving particular praise for her excellent service.
While some moments are marred by noise issues or the occasional lack of specific family services, the positive aspects, such as helpful staff and a welcoming atmosphere, largely outweigh these concerns. For families seeking a comfortable and convenient place to stay with friendly service, Dragonfly Hotel Colchester remains a recommended option.
3 Star
The Dragonfly Hotel Colchester positions itself as a solid three-star hotel, generally delivering on the expectations tied to its rating. Guests frequently highlight its clean and spacious rooms as well as comfortable beds which contribute to its reputation for providing good value for money. This budget-friendly establishment is noted for being a great option for those looking for a quiet environment and a convenient location, suitable for brief stays.
While some guests have pointed out occasional shortcomings like a worn-out décor, limited room amenities and mixed service standards, these issues seem to be balanced by the reasonable pricing of the rooms and pleasant surroundings. Specifically, guests find the hotel’s cleanliness to be commendable, though there are calls for an improvement in staff numbers and service to better meet the three-star quality.
Dining experiences, though varied with some finding the breakfast and dinner underwhelming, are buoyed by the availability of user-friendly options in the open kitchen. Despite occasional noise and self-check-in issues, many guests express satisfaction with the overall hospitality, especially when factoring in the affordability.
In summary, the Dragonfly Hotel Colchester delivers a typical three-star experience, offering clean and comfortable accommodations at a price that reflects its rating. While there is room for improvement in service quality and amenities, the hotel stands out for its value-for-money promise, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Accessible
Dragonfly Hotel Colchester offers a mix of accessibility features, making it an option for guests with disabilities. The hotel's location is highly praised for being easily accessible from the motorway and near key areas like Harwick with good access to bus stops and nearby restaurants. Families find the hotel to be very friendly and accommodating with ample parking that features both standard and larger spaces, described consistently as good and safe.
The hotel's ground-floor rooms and overall layout provide ease of access and the presence of walkways, ramps and an accessible entrance and exit further enhance its appeal. Although the rooms are well-presented and clean with large spaces, there are some inconsistent facilities regarding accessibility. Some guests noted the lack of a lift and inadequate accessibility features in the bedrooms, which could pose challenges for those with mobility issues. Certain guests mentioned a need for better information on contacting staff and the amenities available.
While the hotel includes some disabled-friendly rooms and bathrooms designed with accessibility in mind, the overall experience can be mixed. There were reports of insufficient disabled parking and no elevators, which affected the ease of access for some visitors. Despite these issues, the staff has been noted to be helpful and eager to assist with disability needs. However, there is a consensus that a slight revamp and improvement in accessibility features would greatly enhance the guest experience for everyone.
No, Dragonfly Hotel Colchester doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Dragonfly Hotel Colchester.
No, Dragonfly Hotel Colchester doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Dragonfly Hotel Colchester.
No, Dragonfly Hotel Colchester doesn't have a gym.