HOLIDAY INN COLCHESTER BY IHG | Dog Friendly Hotel in Colchester | Pet Friendly Comfort

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Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg Exterior photo

Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg Room photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Abbotts Lane - Eight Ash Green, Colchester, United Kingdom, CO6 3QL

Near Colchester Zoo

Great

8.2

8.4

/10

4.8

3.6

Loved by Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg guests

Friendly staff
Comfortable beds
Clean environment
Good breakfast
Adequate parking

"Loved the pool, the staff were all lovely, breakfast was a great selection and replenished regularly."

Emma from United Kingdom

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"The health club have heated swimming pool, dedicated sauna room for each gender, and a steam room."

Suzana from United Kingdom

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"There was a great selection at breakfast, fruit, yogurts, pastries, cereal and full English."

debs_59England from United Kingdom

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The 4-star Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg is located in Colchester, 6 km from the Colchester Arts Centre, and offers an indoor swimming pool. Guests can enjoy the British menu and a steam room, a Jacuzzi, and a sauna while staying in the inn, nestled in a green-covered area.

Location

This Colchester hotel is conveniently situated 15 minutes by car from firstsite Contemporary Art Gallery. The zoological garden "Colchester Zoo" can be reached 3.2 km from the Holiday Inn.

The accommodation is only 550 m from Holiday Inn bus stop and 10 minutes by car from Colchester Town train station in Colchester. This smoke-free hotel is notable for the convenient location within a 37-minute drive to London Stansted airport.

Rooms

The modern property has 82 rooms appointed with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as self-catering options such as coffee/tea making facilities. Bathrooms inlude a separate toilet and a shower, and such fine comforts as hair dryers and bath sheets.

Eat & Drink

Guests can enjoy a meal at à la carte Traders Grill restaurant or a drink at the lounge bar. Guests can also try burgers and grills at the onsite bar.

Leisure & Business

Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg offers options for sports and relaxation in a full-service spa and a spa salon or in a gym area. The availability of a golf club guarantees guests an active stay at this hotel.

“This property strikes a solid balance for families and business travelers, offering practical amenities alongside a convenient location near Colchester Zoo. I particularly note the hotel's family-friendly policy where children eat free, coupled with meeting facilities, makes it a versatile choice. While some may find the beds lower than expected, the health club and accessible location provide considerable value.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels

Location: Great

8.7/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Sports & FitnessActive Escape

The swimming pool was a perfect temperature, great for both adults and kids. They even provide pool toys.

Marcus from Canada

Review on

DiningBreakfast Bonanza

The breakfast buffet was expansive, offering everything from a full English to gluten-free options.

Chloe from Australia

Review on

Spa & LeisureRelaxing Spa

The spa area was a real treat, with a good-sized pool, sauna, and steam room for unwinding after a long day.

Rajesh from India

Review on

BedroomSound Sleep

The bed was very comfortable. The dark room allowed the best night's sleep I've had in a long time.

Ingrid from Sweden

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Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers

Standard Twin Room Disability Access

2 persons

15 m²

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Standard Double Room

2 persons

13 m²

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Standard Room Two Single Beds

2 persons

13 m²

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Premium Room Two Single Beds

2 persons

14 m²

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

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Rates & availability calendar

See current prices and availability for your chosen dates!

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable

Facilities: Great

8.3/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Locker room
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Golf course
Yoga class
Sports trainer

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Pet amenities available
Room service
Housekeeping
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Board games
Children's menu
Children's play area

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Indoor swimming pool
Garden area
Sauna
Steam room
Jacuzzi
Shallow end

Room features

Heating
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries
Sink

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At Holiday Inn Colchester By IHG, dining is a blend of comfort and traditional British flavors. Trader's Bar and Grill serves up hearty meals in a welcoming environment, perfect for families and solo travelers alike, ensuring a delightful dining experience from breakfast to dinner.

Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg Restaurant photo

Trader's Bar and Grill

British

Ambiance

Family-friendly and informal with traditional features, suited for both casual dining and quality family moments.

Key Offerings

Indulge in classic dishes like fish and chips, and enjoy the special offer where up to two children aged 12 and under eat free from the main menu. For a delightful family outing, savor two large pizzas paired with four drinks.

Reservation

Not needed.

Open for breakfast and dinner.

Hotel location

Abbotts Lane - Eight Ash Green, Colchester, United Kingdom, CO6 3QL

Map view

Abbotts Lane - Eight Ash Green, Colchester, United Kingdom, CO6 3QL

City landmarks

Zoo

Colchester Zoo

3.4 km

Landmark

All Saints

620 m

Landmark

Iolare Memorial

1.6 km

Landmark

Iron Latch

1.0 km

Church

Parish Church of St Albright

1.1 km

Landmark

Stanway Evangelical Church

1.2 km

Church

St Michael & All Angels Church

2.2 km

Landmark

Springwood Sun Club

2.3 km

Landmark

Lexden Methodist

2.0 km

Landmark

Assembly of God Praiseway

2.0 km

Landmark

Catholic Church Of St Teresa Of Lisieux

2.1 km

Landmark

Lexden Earthworks

2.2 km

Landmark

Kingsland Church

2.3 km

Landmark

Gosbecks Archaeological Park

3.3 km

Church

Church of St Margaret and St Catherine

2.7 km

Church

Church of St Leonard

2.7 km

Golf Course

Lexden Wood Golf Club

3.2 km

Church

Church of St Michael and All Angels

2.8 km

Landmark

West Bergholt

2.9 km

Landmark

Water Trough Frederick Joshua Richardson

2.7 km

Landmark

St Mary the Virgin

3.0 km

Landmark

English Heritage

2.9 km

Church

The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints

2.9 km

Landmark

Lexden Earthworks and Bluebottle Grove

2.9 km

Landmark

Copford Green

3.2 km

Landmark

Lexden Tumulus Iron Age barrow and associated cemetery area

3.2 km

Church

St Mary's West Bergholt

3.0 km

Nearby

All Saints

620 m

Restaurants

Frankie and Bennys

1.3 km

Tollgate West

Explore Colchester

Local Attractions and Activities

Colchester Zoo

40 minutes walking, 9 minutes driving

Home to over 260 species, the zoo features animal encounters and daily talks. Perfect for families and wildlife lovers.

Iolare Memorial

20 minutes walking, 5 minutes driving

A commemorative site honoring local heroes, with scenic surroundings ideal for quiet reflection and leisurely strolls.

All Saints

8 minutes walking

Historic church with stunning architecture and serene gardens. Often hosts community events and quiet services.

Lexden Wood Golf Club

35 minutes walking, 10 minutes driving

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy an 18-hole course set in beautiful woodlands. Booking is essential during weekends.

Gosbecks Archaeological Park

35 minutes walking, 10 minutes driving

An ancient site featuring Roman remains and stunning views. Perfect for history buffs or a peaceful nature walk.

Harvester Stanway

17 minutes walking, 5 minutes driving

Family-friendly restaurant known for fresh salads and grilled dishes. Reservations recommended for busy evenings.

Iron Latch

15 minutes walking

Cozy pub with a seasonal menu focusing on local ingredients. Known for its warm atmosphere and craft beers.

Local Music Venues

15 minutes driving

Various venues host live music events weekly. Check schedules for genres and special collaborations.

Colchester Arts Centre

10 minutes driving

Offers diverse performances from theater to comedy. Engaging events scheduled for all ages throughout the year.

Local transport and travel tips

City Centre

Colchester8 min · 4.7 km

Airports

London Stansted (STN)72 min · 47.6 km

London Southend (SEN)90 min · 59.9 km

Train

Colchester Railway Station8 min · 4.8 km

Colchester Town Railway Station9 min · 5.6 km

Bus

Bus stop3 min · 200 m

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP16.95 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Languages

English, German, French, Polish, Lithuanian, Latvian

Number of rooms:

Former name

holiday inn colchester, an ihg hotel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests often appreciate the spacious rooms at Holiday Inn Colchester, which are well-appointed and comfortable, and enjoy access to amenities like the health center featuring a pool, jacuzzi, and sauna. The hotel's location is convenient, with easy access to the zoo and a short drive to both the town center and Harwich port. Many also enjoy the extensive breakfast buffet; however, some guests have found the beds too soft for their liking.

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Review score

Based on 1414 verified reviews

8.0/10

Great

80%

Recommend

Staff

8.9/10

Location

8.7/10

Paid Wi-Fi

7.0/10

Value for money

8.2/10

Pros

Convenient location

Comfortable bed

Quick check-in

Swimming pool

Wooden restaurant

Cons

Wet changing room

Worn furniture

tom from united kingdom

Business traveller

standard double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 26, 2025

8.8/10

fantastic stay!

quick check-inlovely waitressgreat alcohol

check-in was quick. the waitresses were so lovely. the selection of alcohol was great! jo and jess were very kind and asked about costumes. trinity was also very helpful.

my room was a little warm, but the heating was easy to adjust.

Service

9/10

the staff was very friendly. reception personnel were efficient. housekeepers were attentive to requests. they all contributed positively to my visit!

Dining

9/10

breakfast had a wonderful choice! full english options were available. there were also continental options with cereals and fresh fruit. i especially liked the pain aux chocolate!

Rooms

9/10

the room featured comfortable beds. a clean environment was ensured. i got a good night's sleep. adequate parking facilities are on site.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel provides a gym. it also provides pool facilities on site. electrical charging points are available. these additional perks.

Location

8/10

the hotel location is easy to get to. this makes it an ideal stopover. the hotel has convenient access roads. these features assisted travel plans!

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Alex from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 18, 2025

6/10

Acceptable stay, but issues with the room

good breakfastjammed flush buttonstuck sink plug

The breakfast was very good.

The room had some irritating details. The flush button jammed and the sink plug stuck shut.

0 Helpful

Elijah from Israel

Business traveller

Standard Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 03, 2025

7/10

wide selectionefficient check-inwell-kept saunadusty cornerslimited equipmentdated exterior

The check-in was very efficient, even though I arrived quite late. The breakfast offered a WIDE selection. I really appreciated that. The SPA facilities also impressed me. The sauna was particularly well-kept.

The room cleaning was below expectations. I noticed some dust in the corners. The gym had limited equipment. ONLY a few machines were functional. The hotel's exterior looked a little dated. SOME refurbishment would greatly improve its appearance.

0 Helpful

Cameron from Canada

Business traveller

standard room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed:November 22, 2025

7/10

balanced stay

smart tvspacious roomexpected standardspoor serviceextended waitdelayed order

the room was spacious. it had a smart tv. i enjoyed the tv features. the room standards matched the hotel group expectation.

i found the dinner service quite poor. it took a long time to be served. it took forever for someone to take our order. i had to go to the bar and wait.

0 Helpful

FAQs

About Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg

Which airport is the closest to Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg?

The closest airport to Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg is London Stansted airport (50 km) and it is reachable with a 37-minute drive.

What payment methods are available in the Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg?

At the Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg, you can pay using American Express and Visa.

What are the room types offered by Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg?

Premium Double Room, Standard Ground Floor Room, and Standard Queen Room are among the room types available at Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg.

Is the staff at the inn multilingual?

Yes, the staff of the inn can assist you in English, Latvian, Lithuanian, German, and French.

Does the Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg offer facilities for business travellers?

The Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg conveniently features conference equipment and a photocopier as well as a meeting room on-site.

Are there any cleaning services provided at Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg?

Yes, Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg provides dry cleaning and housekeeping.

Which facilities are available in the Colchester inn?

Top locations of the Colchester inn include a luggage room and a restaurant, whereas guests' safety will be ensured with luggage storage.

What are the spa options at Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg?

At a full-service spa and a spa salon featured at Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg guests can receive such spa procedures as spa service. Additionally, a steam room, a Jacuzzi, and a sauna are offered on-site.

Is there a swimming pool in the Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg?

Yes, the Holiday Inn Colchester By Ihg features an indoor swimming pool.