Best Western The Rose & Crown Hotel, Colchester
About the Hotel
Best Western The Rose & Crown Hotel, built in the 14th century, is the oldest hotel in Colchester, housing a rich history while catering to modern guests. It features a blend of historic charm and contemporary comforts, making it a unique stay in Britain's first recorded city. The hotel offers serene accommodation amidst the bustling town, making it an ideal spot for both leisure and business travelers. Its proximity to Colchester's historical sites enhances its appeal for those looking to explore the ancient town's cultural heritage.
Location
Situated just 2.5 km from Colchester Town Centre, the hotel offers convenient access to the city's historical sites, including Colchester Castle Park and the Natural History Museum. Local transportation options are readily available, with a bus stop nearby and public car parks within walking distance. The hotel is also strategically located about a 20-minute drive from both Colchester Cemetery and Weeley Crematorium, making it a suitable option for funeral receptions.
Rooms
The hotel comprises 39 rooms, split between the original building and a modern wing, ensuring a variety of options to suit different guest needs. Each room is equipped with essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, and private en suite bathrooms. Special room types include Four Poster rooms, which offer a romantic touch with original oak beams and luxurious features. Accessibility is also a focus, with several ground-floor rooms available for those with mobility requirements.
Eat & Drink
Dining at The Rose & Crown is characterized by high-quality ingredients transformed into exceptional dishes, available at both the formal restaurant and the Tudor Bar Brasserie. The Tudor Bar offers a selection of chilled beers, ales, and wines in a cozy atmosphere with a real log fire. Breakfast features a range of options from a traditional full English to vegetarian choices, and caters to dietary needs when informed in advance. Additionally, guests can enjoy the option of local takeaway deliveries for in-room dining.
Leisure & Business
The hotel provides comprehensive facilities for both leisure and business guests, including unique meeting rooms accommodating up to 100 attendees equipped with audio-visual technology. Leisure amenities include easy access to local attractions like Colchester Zoo and Aqua Springs spa. The setting also caters for events such as weddings and funeral receptions, supported by an experienced team to facilitate every detail. The Tudor Bar is a casual space for guests to unwind throughout their stay.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- Security
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
Sports & Fitness
- Golf course
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Welcome drink
Dining
- Bar/ Lounge area
Business
- Business centre
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
Facilities for people with disabilities
- Toilet for disabled
- Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
- Live entertainment
Room features
- Heating
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- Direct dial telephone
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
The hotel had a good ambiance with comfortable seating and is located in East Street, Colchester, the oldest recorded town in Britain. The staff were friendly and helpful, though there were some issues with parking space and finding staff during the day. We liked having tea making equipment in our room, but the extra charge for wifi access was unforgivable.
The hotel offers great value for money with superb clean facilities but some rooms may face noise issues near the traffic roundabout. The service was very obliging and helpful with a few areas for improvement. The location, despite being in a run-down area, provides excellent service and is convenient for exploring. The dining experience is enjoyable, with a variety of options available. Overall, a comfortable stay with some noise concerns and excellent service.
I had a mixed experience at this hotel. The hotel is known as 'The Top Wedding Venue in Eastern England', but my stay was quite basic and lacked modern amenities. The location, although full of character, was not as pleasant due to its outskirts and busy surroundings. The service, however, stood out with the staff going out of their way to help despite some noisy disturbances. The dining experience had its ups and downs, with tasty hot plates but a bit of confusion among the staff.