Name: Drapers Hotel
Address: High Street, Colchester, CO6 2PB, GB

6/10

Pleasant

26 Jul 2026

Simon

Boiling hot rooms
No breakfast

6/10

Pleasant

26 Jul 2026

Tracey

We stayed here a few years back and it has definitely gone downhill since then. Bathroom was not clean, particularly around skirting board, edge of shower, shower tray, toilet. Broken tiling behind toilet. Bedding was clean but would say floors, walls etc needed cleaning to remove cobwebs etc. No water provided in fridge, no biscuits with coffee and tea tray. Would say that generally cleaning needs to be more thorough and hotel area needs refurbishing. Ok for a quick one night stay as bed and towels were clean.

4/10

Poor

12 Jul 2026

Ian

In general this was a lovely stay and would have considered returning.
However as fate had it, there was a late night England World Cup match vs Mexico scheduled for 01.00 in a Monday morning. This was being screened outdoors by this hotel just outside our room so no sleep was going to be had. The reason we know this as we experienced this for the previous England match. To compound the importance of myself and my wife getting sleep was that our son was getting married on that Monday.
We gave the hotel 2 - 3 days notice of us vacating our room after day 4 of our 5 day stay via the hotel message app and notified the local staff. They understood our situation and would pass the request on.
1 week after the match, we've had no reply or refund for that 1 night stay.
As the hotel runs the sports bar, they have sacrificed our stay for that 1 night while keeping our money. Needlessly leaves us with a sour taste.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2026

Victor

Clean room with tea,coffee facilities but no breakfast included in this stay, but great Garden Centre Cafeteria close by as stated in room information.
Would definitely stay again.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

29 May 2026

Holly

Ok but do NOT book in the summer!! Only one room has air con and the heated towel rail can not be turned off! Even with the fuse removed (owner advised we remove). This made the bathroom ridiculous hot which filtered through to the room.
Room wasn’t the cleanest, stains up the walls from coffee (I hope)

Aircon in all rooms would make it much more comfortable and the rest could be overlooked.

Staff were fantastic though.

4/10

Poor

25 May 2026

Stefano

Asked for early check in with them which was accepted by them . Got there only to be told couldn’t have room till 2 which made us late for wedding . Towel rail was full on which made room unbearably hot went to reception asking them to turn it off which they never did no sleep as room was sweltering.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2026

Alex

A popular hotel with nice food, and I loved the characterful decor. Staff were great annd a very comfortable bed.
Only down point was my room was a bit noisy, being next to some fan or refrigeration unit or something. I’d definitely stay again, but would ask for a different room.

4/10

Poor

15 Apr 2026

Robert

No food Monday or Tuesday, the only food available is a Chinese in the village that doesn't take card (cash only).
Not sure about other rooms but room 4 the Internet is terrible on all the networks and no phone signal either.
Room is not made up or restocked during the day.
The pub car park is small and the patrons seem to abaddon their vehicles all over the place which mean you can't get parked. There is a fridge in your room🌟
Would I stay again 🤔 doubt that very much. I wish the owners well but lots of niggles that mean your stay ends up unsatisfactory.

Self

8/10

Excellent

16 Mar 2026

Roger

All the rooms seem very spacious and the two that we have used also have excellent bathrooms

6/10

Pleasant

23 Dec 2025

Katherine

The bar staff at check-in were friendly. The rooms are upstairs in old characterful Essex pub in a pretty village. There are only four parking spaces which were taken so we parked behind the local co-op a short walk away.
The room itself was small but clean and well equipped. However, the biggest issue is the lack of ventilation in the room which was hot and airless without the radiator being on. We had to have the fan on all night (in December) as couldn’t open the window and the extractor in the bathroom did not work.
This is the second time we have stayed here to visit family. The first time was a few years ago in a different room which was also extremely hot and airless. Sadly, we wouldn’t stay again.

6/10

Pleasant

08 Dec 2025

Duane

Parking was difficult, the pub operates until midnighton weekends with plenty of street noise and activity. My room had no heavy duty curtains to block the outside light.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

15 Nov 2025

Neil

Not enough parking but hotel really good

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

05 Nov 2025

Tracy

The room was dusty, there was limescale and mould in the kettle - the bed sheets and duvet were stained - TV never worked all in all a very bad experience

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Sep 2025

Susan

Liked the decor, room was comfy but snug, bed was comfotable. only downside was no breakfast served so had to travel to nearest garden centre for breakfast hense 4 stars.

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

24 Aug 2025

George

Bad never let me in want a refund

10/10

Exceptional

22 Aug 2025

Michael

Friendly staff, beautiful rooms

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

12 Aug 2025

Joanne

The property needs updating rooms are dark bathroom very dated
Bar staff showed you to your room and no clear instruction for fire drill etc given
No parking had to park in nearby supermarket

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

08 Aug 2025

Roger

Excellent food. Comfortable bed. Staff excellent.

6/10

Pleasant

29 Jul 2025

Roger

No parking due to a opened back tranist full of rubbish bocking car park for two days also they have reduced there car park to only 6 parking space

8/10

Excellent

07 Jun 2025

Thomas

Nähe zu Home meiner Tochter

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

20 May 2025

David

Limited parking, no breakfast at property

8/10

Excellent

27 Apr 2025

Alan

Very comfortable room very clean and also friendly staff would stay again

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

11 Apr 2025

ivan

Parking is none existent. 5 spaces at pub. Public parking 800yrds away. Not ideal.

8/10

Excellent

07 Oct 2024

Maria

Unusual and quirky room.Decorated really well.Above a pub but quiet. Only quibble, no one around when checking out as pub closed at 10 am.No instructions where to leave the keys.Had to leave them in the door lock.

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

02 Oct 2024

Michelle

Great room, loved the décor, bed comfortable and great value for money. Ease of registering, staff friendly and polite. My room had a fridge, which is so helpful. Despite and event on below my room, I heard nothing, really quiet. I booked due to location for my work, will definitely be booking again.

Only downside: parking, due to working late, the car park was busy twice, the first night a customer in the bar offered to move her car and the second evening the owner moved their car for me to park - as I said amazing venue. I believe if you arrived at a normal work time, this would not be an issue.

Business Self

4/10

Poor

26 Sep 2024

BRENDA

Reception staff dismissive & unwelcoming. No longer serves breakfast & dining room closed Monday & Tuesday but no indicated on website - would not have booked had I known.
Room clean but curtains very old & weary.

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

17 Sep 2024

paul

Nice room, bed was comfy and location was good. Staff were pleasant. Hardly any parking though. Nice stay although shame there is no breakfast.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

13 Sep 2024

Amanda

I chose to stay here given the high score and positive reviews left by others. I must say my experience was not the best.
It started with parking issues. I arrived to find the car park is tiny and can really only fit about 4 cars in it (5 at a squeeze) and was full. Not knowing the area I had no idea what my options were. I could see that there is allocated street parking but all of this was full too. I had to find somewhere to pull over and call the property. I was directed to a public non-paying car park situated behind them - having arrived there that was full. I went back to the hotel where a very friendly member of staff got one of the regulars to move their car to let me in the car park as they could not advise me what any other option was.
I was shown to my room which was quirky but quite small. I wasn’t given any instructions about use of the wi-if or what the arrangements were for leaving keys in the morning and had to ask 2 different members of staff to get the correct information.
The bed was comfortable but there was a constant noise in the room all night which sounded like a fan or something, so I didn’t have the best sleep. In the morning, the water pressure was terrible in the shower and the water was not hot - just warm at best. Also the water did not drain away.
Overall not great - would I stay again, unfortunately not.

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

07 Sep 2024

John

Lovely little place , friendly staff and super comfortable and clean room . Would def go back

10/10

Exceptional

08 Aug 2024

John

A value for money, spacious, clean and well appointed room in an old pub. Our room had a bath as well as shower. Good pub food. Staff were friendly and efficient.
It is an old pub so it has steep stairs, creaky floorboards and some noise from patrons but that comes with the venue. Free parking was available but limited parks at the pub itself. Would definitely stay again if in the area.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jul 2024

Michelle

Lovely place to stay. Staff were really helpful, nothing was too much for them.

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

23 Jul 2024

Adhil

Good interior decoration

Business_and_leisure

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jul 2024

Andrew

Always good!!!

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2024

Stephanie

Lovely quaint rooms which were very comfy and in a nice little village … would definitely recommend

Business Self

4/10

Poor

16 Jun 2024

Teresa

We had no hot water for our 2day stay and trying to find someone to talk to was very hard after speaking to a member of staff nothing was done to resolve the situation .The room we booked online was not the room we ended up with .The service was terrible but having Sunday lunch in their restaurant was spectacular bit would not recommend anyone to stay there

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2024

James

Great stay would highly recommended.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 May 2024

Andrew

Good staff and friendly too. Lots of options to choose from for type of room required. Wes and June do an amazing job all round including food, entertainment and accommodation.

10/10

Exceptional

17 Mar 2024

Joanna

Honeymoon suite superbly comfy. Spotless and stylish. Shower could do with an overhaul but plenty of hot water. Very helpful staff and warm welcome. Great stay. Thank you

Leisure

4/10

Poor

29 Feb 2024

Ian

Restaurant not open Monday or Tuesday, no cafe. This needs to be shown on the hotel write up as misleading.
Room no fridge working, kettle had mould inside so could not make drinks.
Shower no hot water, shower mat mouldy.
Deluxe windows leaking water down the wall and bedboards,cobwebs and dust everywhere not good, decor dated and peeling off walls. No remote control for tv.
No food Monday or Tuesday unless you were a friend or staff???
No direction for initial registration on arrival as door.locked had to guess re entry and find bar entrance

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

23 Jan 2024

simon

The room was lovely, and re entry decorated. The bath and shower was not functioning properly. The water didn't run hot, and on the first day we had a tepid shower. The tap fell off in my hand. The shower head was full of timescale and which meant water went at odd angles.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

18 Jan 2024

Dawn

The location was right for us to attend St Andrew’s church.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Dec 2023

Andrew

Friendly staff, nice room and great location on High Street.

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

24 Nov 2023

L

This is a hotel attached to a sports bar. The car park is tiny. Had to park outside a shop and walk to hotel.
Check in was so noisy and loud could not hear what was said.
Restaurant was closed for private wine tasting. This was not on website.
Music played loudly until 02:05am when I rang the pub and asked how much longer the music would play. The person who answered said they were not aware anyone was in.
This was worrying as booked via website and completed registration form, had hotel needed to evacuate during the night, would I have been forgotten.
Loud, noisy place. Room was nice as was person at check in, but lack of Restaurant and noise level means I would not recommend.
It should be made clear that one of the bars is a sports bar

Business Self

4/10

Poor

29 Oct 2023

Phillip

Good location. No breakfast.

8/10

Excellent

01 Oct 2023

Tony

Parking very limited breakfast would have been nice

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Sep 2023

shirley

Comfortable

Very good, except the Restaurant was closed. Friendly, helpful staff.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Sep 2023

Verified traveler

Very pleasant staff, helpful.

Partner

2/10

Poor

29 Aug 2023

Verified traveler

Poor Service.

The hole room wasn't clean and it wasn't the same room that we asked for. And omg the only thing that was clean was the bed sheets, TV didn't work and the money it cost isn't worth it not for £280 not for only 3 nights, we stayed there as we had business in the area.

Never will we both be staying here again all pictures will be going onto Google reviews.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

20 Aug 2023

Tony

The hotel was lovely and clean. We can't remember the ladies name that checked us in but she was ever so polite, she also ran the bar, took our food order and cleared the tables as well. She was amazing at her job. The meal we had was great and very reasonably priced. Would definitely stay here again

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Aug 2023

Chris

Great value. Friendly staff.

Leisure

6/10

Pleasant

10 Jul 2023

Alison

Room was very comfortable, clean etc but no breakfast (luckily I don't eat breakfast) and absolutely on-one around when I left in the morning. All doors were locked. If I had needed anything it would have been difficult.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2023

Margaret Jean

I was made welcome by caring staff
The room was beautiful and the bed very comfortable
I have since had a very helpful email exchange with Team Draper. I appreciate as they explained that the lack of individual toiletries was to rightly avoid plastic waste but they have agreed to look into providing shampoo and conditioner to supplement the basic hand and body wash

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jul 2023

Mark

I'm a returning guest - it's a great place to stay if you want to be in this area. Great staff.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

06 Jul 2023

Elizabeth

There was a mix up over the booking but the staff were friendly and helpful, even though it took a little while to sort it out.

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

28 Jun 2023

Theresa

I have stayed here twice, but did not realise until I arrived a year later (travel with work so stay out a lot).
No parking on site
No breakfast available
No comfortable area to sit and work
No food on Mondays / Tuesdays

I also requested someone help with the TV settings, a message was sent, but no-one confirmed they were not going to help, or did anyone attend to this need.

Very disappointed- I’m not going to stay again.

Business

6/10

Pleasant

22 Jun 2023

roger

we arrived at 3.pm and the room had not been made

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jun 2023

Jacqueline

A very uniquely decorated property , quirky and inviting, was a nice experience and stay over.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 May 2023

Jaap

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2/10

Poor

04 May 2023

Mary

Like nothing. No breakfast on offer. Tiny room and bathroom. Stayed 5 nights, no housekeeping at all. Room wasnt ready when we arrived from a 24 hr trip at gone 3pm. Had to sit in scruffy sports bar with the very young adults and huge dog. We are all in our 70's. No food and no after hours drinks for residents!

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

21 Apr 2023

Charles

The hotel was very clean and our room was adequate but overpriced and did not include breakfast.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Apr 2023

Georgina

Nice large room with a large comfy bed.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Apr 2023

Mark

Quirky deco

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 Mar 2023

Robert

The room was lovely. Car park gets quite congested and we were not able to park on the Saturday evening, so if you want a parking spot get in early.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

21 Feb 2023

tony

Over priced for quality you get

First time we had stayed at the Drapers hotel, from the outside it looks very nice, they have a big outdoor seating area which is under a canopy and a big screen.
We were shown to our room which was supposed to be a deluxe room with a queen bed, although the room was ok it was very small and it was definitely not a queen bed.
There was cobwebs literally all over the room, you didnt have to go looking for them they were very visible and the room had obviously not been cleaned very well.
The bathroom was nice but when i flushed the chain it broke and wouldn't flush, we went out for the night and told one of the girls about the toilet, when we came back it had not been fixed, nobody came the following day either, in fact nobody came the 3 days we were there. The room never got serviced no clean towels or bed sheets.
For the money you pay you would expect alot more if im honest. Sadly we will not be returning.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Feb 2023

Tristan

Stayed in the African themed room for two nights, comfortable and quirky as always, a real personal feel to the hotel as it should be with small boutique hotels. I always rnjoys staying at Drapers, no complaints from me.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

04 Dec 2022

Dave

Although the bed was comfortable and I slept well I found the room disappointing considering I paid £97. I found cobwebs in the room, water stains on the wall, grime in the bathroom sink and a broken bath plug. Again parking was an issue I went out for the evening and came back after midnight and couldn’t park in the car park. My only option was to park outside the Coop which I found unacceptable. I have stayed here twice but there won’t be a third stay.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

23 Nov 2022

Verified traveler

The hotel was adequate, however on arrival there was a mix up around our booking furthermore there was not an option for breakfast as the hotel didn’t provide such service. The only place to get breakfast was either a car drive or the cafe across the road. This was however only one on certain days and had a very limited menu.

The bar staff on the Sunday was not very friendly and lacked enthusiasm to serve us.
The hotel cleaner and owner however were extremely friendly and chatty.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

13 Nov 2022

Rebecca

Arrived at 2.30pm - no obvious checking in desk and difficult to find staff as there was a party going on. Once I found a member of staff they were very helpful and polite and check in was good. Room had no toilet paper - requested some before I went out but when I returned at 9pm there was still none so had to go back down to the bar and ask for some. Bed very comfy. Room overlooked courtyard and although people were out there it didn’t disturb me. Several lightbulbs not working in the room including one of the ones over the bed. Having read other reviews was prepared for the fact that there is very little parking and I parked easily enough on the High Street. Shower very powerful but no complimentary shampoo, only conditioner. Overall though good value for money and suitable for my needs.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

15 Sep 2022

Dave

The room itself was very pleasant the decor was quirky there was tea coffee milk and sugar, there was a fridge but I didn’t see how it was switched on., My only criticism would be the lack of parking for paying guests, you can only get food Wednesday to Sunday and they don’t do breakfast at all and finally the shower in the room didn’t have any pressure at all.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Sep 2022

Sian

A very surprising find! Loved the room, very spacious and quaint. Staff were friendly as were the locals. Sorry we only had one night here. Was a lively place on a Friday night which suited us but also heard no noise when we went to our room. (1). Would love to stay again.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

05 Sep 2022

Jane

Enjoyed our one night stay. Food was lovely. Staff helpful, no hot water to start with, something had tripped out, but was sorted out. Bed was comfy. Thankyou

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 Aug 2022

William

did not like the fact that the TV had to be SIGNED into prior to being able to watch anything. BBC needed to be signed in via my computer (didnt have!) or phone etc...WHY!!! any other hotel etc that have stayed in ,you just turn on the tv switch to your program and watch....this needs to be mentioned on entering the hotel and after being shown the room.
No one was available to get this sorted, as staff were sorting out the bar and customers in the yard area and wereb not able to stop!!...Bill Sims

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

26 Aug 2022

Jane

Dont visit the Drapers Hotel

Drapers hotel was a mistake we wont be making again....to be told to park my car up the road somewhere was not helpful...then to be told the kitchen was closed Mon and Tues really put the tin hat on it...and the road outside was like a race track...avoid this place at all costs...

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 Aug 2022

Trevor

Great hotel

Really nice Hotel, room was brilliant. Not a problem to us but the hotel restaurant not open Monday and Tuesday.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Aug 2022

claire