The Essex

Negative experience: Shocking, lack of communication from the hotel completely. Turn up early for check in so we could use the pool only to be told no children after 2pm (despite phoning in advance to enquire) Then to be told that the bar and restaurant closes at 4 pm. None of which was mentioned in any booking emails. Staff and so called "Duty Manager - Verity" couldn't of been any less helpful if they tried. Looking at previous reviews, looks like we had a lucky escape and won't be returning.

Positive experience: Nice room bed very comfortable and I liked the pillows. Just a shame that people cannot shit doors quietly and constantly hearing banging either doors or people jumping around

Positive experience: A nostalgic trip back to the Essex for a round of golf. We had stopped going there a number of years back as it was suffering from poor investment, and the golfing side of things was suffering. Three years on, and we were pleasantly surprised to see the results of new investment. The course was in good condition, especially considering the poor weather, and the facilities were much improved. Service was good. Friendly staff, and the food was excellent. We will return - hopefully soon

Fantastic experience: Had a brilliant time here with my family was my youngest daughter birthday the staff was so good for us food was good room lovely and cosy and very clean definitely would go again next year

Negative experience: 23rd/24th December Worst experience Booked one night stay at the hotel in there best room Once in the room there was smell of sewage and off milk mixture Found rubbish all around the room from the previous guests and skid marks all around the toilet The manager come to the room and offered me 2 free drinks vouchers I explained to the manager i would rather leave and book in to another hotel Manager then informed me I would have to contract booking.com to get my money back And was asked to leave Once at another hotel I rang booking.com and was then told the hotel is only offering 50% back and have not replied to any emails since Unable to get any money until they get back to booking.com

Fantastic experience: Love this place

Negative experience: We have recently cancelled our family membership here. The changing rooms do not have a child friendly changing area and none of the men in the locker rooms seem care if your child sees their genitals. Some seem to go out of their way... The pool is usually cold. Sometimes it takes as little as 20 minutes for the children's lips to go blue. Do not use the jacuzzi... Not clean. Whenever we turned up to use our membership there was always a delay getting in due to an administrative error on their system which for some reason we always got the blame for??? One member of reception staff in particular has always been extremely difficult and rude - think "computer says no..". Sometimes it took more than 10 minutes to gain entry. We asked for the head office telephone number but apparently they do not have one! We managed to get their email address but they did not respond to our complaints It's been around 2 months and still no response. We have now cancelled the direct debit so I expect all hell will break loose there end and legal action will ensue. Is that sort of place.... We have now joined the David Lloyd in Colchester and even though we've only been there a handful of times, they already know our names and the kids names and we are treated like "members".

Negative experience: It’s actually becoming a joke at the amount of problems this place has. For weeks now the mens showers have almost been unusable. Out of 6 showers only three work. The toilets in the men’s changing rooms you sit on them and they almost feel as if they’re about to fall apart. Let’s not talk about the constant breakdown of the steam room. This is supposed to be a health club yet they seem like they really don’t care about the problems they're constantly having and expect their members who pay a lot of money to put up with it. The women had the luxury of their changing rooms being updated, yet them mens has remained the same for years! Some of the lockers don’t even work properly. In the showers there are sometime wood lice crawling the walls and the stench which comes from the clothes spinner sometimes is beyond repulsive, you only have to walk into the changing rooms to smell it. The jacuzzi, sometimes to levels of chlorine which is in there is enough to burn your eyes. I can only stand being in it with the bubbles on for a matter of moments before I have to sit out on the ledge or get out completely. You really need to get on board with these problems and sort them out before your members start leaving

Fantastic experience: Great for business trips.

Positive experience: Myself and fiance visited your hotel this weekend, customer service was great! Cute little room, comfy bed, we made use of all facility’s which were extremely relaxing. Only thing we was disappointed with was the cleanliness of the rooms, I have a cleaning company myself so I understand what the cleaning standards need to be, there was old milk spillage on our bin, dust throughout, smears all over the mirrors, limescale on the bathroom glass, dust and water marks on handles and heat railing and soap still on all walls. There was also someone else’s hairs on the side of the bath, I just think you need new or fully trained cleaners. But based on everything else we had a lovely stay!

Fantastic experience: Had a three night stay here in a pet friendly lodge with my partner.The lodge was lovely and had everything we needed for our stay the the double bed was so comfortable with lovely bedding and a great hot tub on the decking which is enclosed and gated so perfect if you are taking a dog. We found the reception staff very friendly and helpful as well as the bar staff in the restaurant which we ate in twice during our stay and had a very nice meal on both occasions and the bar had lovely atmosphere. Can't wait to go back in the new year can highly recommend

Negative experience: This place has gone so downhill 2 mens showers out of order lukewarm water steam room out of order passed on 3 messages for someone to call me I came home 3 days in a row and showered at home total shambles funny they still take your monthly membership me and 6 others who go there are looking to leave looks like no one cares about the place us as members are the ones who are suffering

Negative experience: Very unprofessional customer service from an 'Emma' from customer membership services. I had not used the club for 4 months for health grounds and tried to keep membership active to see if can continue to use in the future. When it became clear to me I would no longer to use the membership, I gave my 1 months notice on 7 September. I was then informed I would then need to give nearly 2 months notice upto 1 November. I then offered to pay upto 7 Octoberand was replied to I have to pay upto 1 November or in 14 days I will be sent to recovery collection agency. I just want people to know my experiences and decide whether you want to deal with a gym with so little compassion or decency. I have decided to fight this on principle.

Positive experience: Nice rooms Good food Golf course in great condition

Positive experience: Rooms are good Bar service very slow and menu is quite limited

Positive experience: Good golf course, rooms are excellent, shame bar shuts at 10.30

Fantastic experience: Stayed for a golf weekend. The course was in great condition. The room was small but was fit for purpose. Made use of the pool and spa facilities, which were nice and clean. Would recommend.

Fantastic experience: We booked to stay here for 2 nights in a standard room & had issues with our room when we arrived (which were out of their control ) . The manager Barry resolved it quickly & made sure we were upgraded to a deluxe room . We have just came back a second time and the staff were brilliant ! They were friendly , the food service was quicker , the food itself was lovely & would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking to stay here !

Fantastic experience: Had a lovely stay. The room was warm, welcoming, modern and clean. And the service from the staff was excellent.

Fantastic experience: Nice venue to relax and also catch up with friends.

Negative experience: This is my 2nd time of visiting and was disappointed. The room windows was blown and dirty. Think these need an update. The noise and couldn't tell where it was coming from In the evening it was a mechanical noise was horrendous. The jacuzzi was so hot couldn't go in it. The food was OK took too long to get it. The breakfast some was overcooked and cold. There was an event where some children were very disrespectful and caused an unpleasant experience. The staff were very friendly and polite . Overall wasn't a pleasant stay.

Fantastic experience: Went here for food only, 4 adult meals just over £70. Nice food. Attended with members of the club as it is members only. Unless you stay at the complex.

Fantastic experience: We had a brilliant nights stay & thought the service was exceptional. Stayed in the garden suite, it was lovely. Breakfast was great & on the table within 10 minutes of sitting down. Can’t comment on the evening meals as we went out for dinner but overall everything was great, We would definitely stay again!

Fantastic experience: There to play Padel ,what an impressive place

Negative experience: Cancelled my membership. Continued to charge me for two months. Still haven’t resolved this 8 months later.

Fantastic experience: Beautiful hotel with stunning views across the golf course. Great choice for meals and very tasty.

Fantastic experience: I visited the Essex Country Club for lunch with my sister , as the last time we went when it was my auntie and uncle had their 50th Wedding Anniversary 9 years. The meal was lovely and inexpensive too , we thought it was going to be expensive being a Country Club but no , the menus were reasonably priced. The views from the restaurant were amazing. Definitely recommend them and will come again .

Fantastic experience: The pizza here is better than pizza express!!

Fantastic experience: A great venue which we hired for a business event

Positive experience: Very slow service, no pro shop. The course is in good condition apart from the bunkers which are full of stones. The mens toilets on arrival were not in the best of shape. The course is also very busy at weekends so be prepared for a long and slow round of golf.

Positive experience: Rooms are great, showers lovely. Course is really good apart from the sand in the bunkers, very compact sand with lots of grit/stones. Food was lovely, bar service very slow (short staffed) and stops serving at 10pm.

Positive experience: Hotel is fine in itself , they just don't take cash not even the vending machine ,and the foods far from good and expensive

Fantastic experience: I stop at the Essex during the week due to work commitments. After trying other near by accomodation this hotel ticks all the boxes. Good facilities and especially after the recent refurbishment. With regards to staff, they are all a very friendly bunch including Maria who goes beyond her job role!

Negative experience: I am here to give a feedback for the spa area. Since I have been a member of Benton hall (another place for the same company), I believe the Essex place needs a proper development regarding the swimming pool, jacuzzi, changing room and shower area. Everything is outdated, few broken closets, and strange smells.even my boy said I do not want to come here again

Fantastic experience: 2 games of golf overnight stay with dinner bed and breakfast this was great value, room was fantastic, golf course was in fantastic condition, and all the staff brilliant

Fantastic experience: Friendly helpful staff, well appointed rooms, recommended

Negative experience: We left after 4 hours after checking in. Room was dated (even though we chose the ‘deluxe room’ option as we had read these ones were updated. They weren’t.) The bed was concrete and we could hear EVERY noise people made in room next door. People were smoking outside our window which came into the room. Horrible. We rang to complain and the staff didn’t care. We lost all our money, after being refused a refund for not even staying, they offered for us to come back for another stay. Why on earth would we after our experience and the rudeness of the staff?? Do yourself a favour AVOID. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.

Positive experience: Only visited for 9 holes of golf. Welcoming and pleasant employees. 9 hole course not as well kept as Chesfield Downs in Graveley, Herts.

Fantastic experience: Love this place. Nice rooms, friendly staff and great facilities. The only downside is good offering and the fact that there are not many food options nearby. Everything within a driving distance. The good at the hotel is not bad, serving your standard options like burgers and mainly comfort food but not enough variety to accommodate long stays. I still love the experience here and would definitely recommend if you are looking for a night stay.

Positive experience: Golf course was brilliant, very well kept and not too busy. Food was good (the pizzas are amazing - as recommended to us by the waitress). Only downside was in the evening, it took an hour to get my food when everyone else on the table had already eaten. Would happily return however!

Negative experience: Overall my stay was poor. The gym and pool areas are the only saviour of this place!

Positive experience: Stopped on the 15th for work. Very much a mixed bag. The good. The staff were courteous, friendly and efficient at all times, a credit to the club The food was better than expected and fairly typical pricing for a hotel. Overall i enjoyed the food. I had a pint at the bar as well and it seemed well kept. The bad. I had a standard double room and it was not good at all, it is desperately in need of refurbishment. The windows had either dirt or rot on the insides (i didnt touch it) and when the wind blew the curtains blew also. The bed base was badly stained, no idea what had stained it. The toilet sounded like it was going to explode when i flushed it. When i checked for insects under the pillows - happily i didn't find any but i did find a number of hairs under the pillow. There was what looked like bits of food down the side of the chair at the work table, making me not want to use it. I am going to be spending a lot of time in the area over the next 12 months and now need to decide whether to try the deluxe rooms or find somewhere else.

Fantastic experience: Fabulous time ,had spa day and stay with evening meal and breakfast. Very friendly service and relaxing.

Fantastic experience: Great welcome, swift check-in. My room seemed recently refurbished to a high standard. Bar and restaurant was pleasant enough, good choice of beers, good choice of food from the main menu and the specials board, food was good, service pleasant. Location isn't the best but once there it's very good.

Fantastic experience: We played golf here as it was open when many others were closed. Overall the place is getting incrementally better over time

Fantastic experience: Really lovely place to stay, amazing golf course which if you play golf you would enjoy. The service provided by the staff is incredible lovely team and the spa which has a pool, sauna, steam and hot tub will make you relax ready for dinner or drinks

Negative experience: Never played on such a waterlogged course in my life. It was like a quagmire in most places, didn't need a trolley I needed a jetski. The greens are below average. Course needs to be rested but money is money and that's the Club Company Way, sadly, I probably won't be returning. On a positive note the staff in the bar were polite and friendly.

Negative experience: Took ages to get a sandwich in the bar. When it came I had to send it back as it was a complete rip-off.

Positive experience: If you love golf this is the hotel break for you, if not they have a very good spa and gym facilities, and Tennis courts (indoor & out) When I arrived it was dark, so it was not until the morning that I got the see grounds. The room was nice and welcoming, there was a tea tray complete with kettle, Tea, milk sachets, Coffee bags (loved that), and biscuits. This stay was part of my birthday gift from my husband, I asked for a little cake in advance, sadly they could not do this however I was given vouchers for a complimentary drink and 10% off next visit. TV has LG channels and access to Netflix which was wonderful. The spa facilities where very good, and the gym excellent, if your staying in the hotel, in order for you to get to either the gym or the spa area. You have to walk outside and round back in through the main reception. Or you can take the balcony which you can access from the first floor of the hotel, however again you have to go outside. Very frustrating if the weather is nasty There was not buffet breakfast, you had to order at the bar, I asked for toast, scrambled eggs, with mushrooms and beans, when my breakfast eventually came, the knob of butter was hard and the toast no warm enough that the butter would not melt, and I was given "one" mushroom... Gutted is an understatement, I was sooo looking to be able to have yogurt, fruit and pastries with my breakfast as standard, sadly not here. This is a nice hotel - free parking and electrical charge points available, however I did expect more.

Negative experience: Absolute shambles. Got put in a room with a door in to get to the room next to us. This meant you could hear absolutely everything going on next door. Could literally hear them breathing. Crap

Negative experience: Stayed a few months back for a family funeral. The good things were friendly staff on reception. The room was clean and fairly new. Nice tv. Bad things were the food upstairs in clubhouse was very poor. Cold. Took absolutely ages to recieve it and Breakfast was cold and tasteless with very little options. Also extremely difficult to get a cab out of this hotel. Rang several numbers given by receptionist and found it very difficult to get one as its a fairly remote area. Overall decent room and nights sleep. Poor food and poor service in clubhouse

Positive experience: The not so good things: the room that we stayed is dated and not that clean as we would expected from the photos. The restaurant area was also not clean. Ordered some meals for dinner, but not all options were available (we were later informed to select something else), the food was either overcooked or greasy. Paid for breakfast, but definitely not worth the money. English breakfast was okey, Belgian waffles were overcooked. Glass, cups and coffee station were dirty. Went into steam sauna and it smelled of sewage. Mens changing rooms def needs refurbishment. The good things: staff was friendly and helpful. Liked the pool, jacuzzi and sauna. Women's changing rooms were okey and tidy.

Positive experience: Plenty to do in the area and in the hotel but the interior needs improvements. The room we stayed in was from the 90s. Old wooden mirrors, desk and cabinets without doors were very outdated. Only modern piece in the room was two pictures on the wall much bigger than the TV with 4 working channels. However it was very clean including the sheets of the bed. Pillows not comfortable at all and also there was building work going on in the hotel which made the afternoon and morning unpleasant. Don't expect alot of options from the bar/caffeteria besides a lovely stuff with nice smiles for which I am always thankful for! For food expect the traditional English breakfast and few choices of mains for dinner and no buffet. I do suggest the sweet potato chips and any tea which comes with lovely shortbread cookie. The bar itself is quiet and comfy with a touch of children friendly section with some toys. Overal if you like golf, tennis and swimming I suggest you go there but do not expect much on the comfort side of your stay.

Positive experience: Stayed here new years eve 2023. Room tidy and clean. Nice hotel. Bad bits, super king-size bed was extremely hard. Was meant to have single for 9 Yr old and got an uncomfortable sofa bed. No mirror near plugs to dry and style hair. Shower was broken. Breakfast was from 7.30am got to restaurant eventually, poor signage, sat there nothing out noone around, someone appeared at 7.45am amd said oh Breakfast is at 8am today it's signed around the clubhouse. Unfortunately we had no reason to go in the clubhouse and the receptionist had said it was from 7.30am. Eventually Breakfast was ready, fried breakfast was bacon sausage fried egg hash brown and beans. No cereal option for children, just muesli and bran flakes. Got our food sat down to enjoy and it was all freezing cold. Very disappointed with choice available and the fact it wasn't even warm. Husband had a cappuccino from machine and got a black coffee instead. Did get refunded for Breakfast but overall couldn't use pool as it was closed from 4pm Sunday and didn't open untill 11am Monday checkout was 11am, check-in was 3pm. Overall very disappointed and in agony from sleeping in the bed, the floor would have been softer!

Fantastic experience: Stayed in the Luxury Lodges,they are really nice.

Fantastic experience: Held our works Christmas Party here again this year. The food was excellent and was nice and hot when served, excellent DJ and music. Drinks are pricey.

Positive experience: TV in my room was a good 16". Mounted on the wall about 100m away from the bed so I hope You've got some good binoculars not a bad hotel if your working away. The Bar/restaurant was very quiet, nice pint. Food wasn't fantastic but cheaper than other food places near by.

Fantastic experience: We went as a group for a Christmas dinner party and stayed overnight in the upgraded rooms. Had a great time, all the staff were friendly and helpful, food was good in both the clubhouse for lunch and breakfast and the dinner party food and service was very good (very well decorated function room), the rooms were clean and modern. Would recommend.

Fantastic experience: Amazing return place service and area yesterday sat evening

Fantastic experience: Played golf these on Saturday obviously a bit wet but in pretty good condition bar staff

Fantastic experience: Lovely place , great gym, friendly staff and nice evening meal set in lovely surroundings

Fantastic experience: Exceptionally clean room and spa facilties, gym was fully equipped with THE most modern treadmill I've ever used! Every single member of staff was friendly and happy to help. Looking forward to returning

Fantastic experience: Amazing place. Came here for our wedding anniversary and the girls on reception was helpful and A+ at there job.

Positive experience: The hotel is okay, but extremely dated. The spa was lovely, the breakfast was nice and the staff were friendly, however, the rooms were very very old fashioned. Good price but just be prepared for a no frills experience.

Negative experience: I stayed for two nights and didn’t get any sleep on both nights due to noise from the room above. I complained to the duty manager who was rude and unhelpful. The hotel is overpriced for the state of the rooms which are tired and dirty and honestly it was embarrassing bringing my family here. I wouldn’t stay here again nor would I recommend it

Fantastic experience: I only used the bar area to buy lunch. The people were friendly and helpful. The area was neat, tidy, and clean.

Negative experience: I had been a member of The Essex Golf & Country Club for a number of years. The gym is decent and the tennis facilities good. The pool is ok but the men's changing rooms are in desperate need of an upgrade - the showers have broken tiles, and give off quite an odour. I really didn't use the club enough this year to warrant keeping my membership open. I informed the reception staff of my intention to cancel my membership within the 30 days notice period detailed within the t's & c's, and cancelled my direct debit. Because I didn't do this in writing they have hounded me by email for an extra month's payment, culminating in sending me a threatening email about half an hour after wishing me a happy birthday via email. Absolute jokers. I suggest they spend as much time training their staff as they do chasing debt. Avoid.

Positive experience: Rooms are ok but could do with a brighten up,the exterior decs need a freshen up looking tired. Our evening meal was really nice ,a good choice on the menu ,the breakfast was really good and very hot ,cereals , fruit, pastries were there as well tea and coffee and juices very nice

Fantastic experience: Used the Essex Club for the swimming pool while we were staying in one of their luxury lodges. Pool and changing rooms were lovely and clean all the amenities you'll need after a workout or swim. Jacuzzi, sauna and steamroom was nice to as they have a shallow pool for the kids to play in, we could take in turns to make use of these while other one looked after the kids.

Negative experience: The best part of this stay was the extraordinary location so green an relaxing and the spa facilities (swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi) all clean and well kept. But unfortunately we had a really old room and uncomfortable stay in the room that we paid for almost £100.00 for just one night stay. The toilet was so old and not kept well at all, I always showered in the spa facilities because the shower in the room was old and no good pressure at all, the tap was separated for cold and hot water which really shocked as for a big hotel such The Essex, the Tv was so old and tiny even if we booked with a description saying flat screen and view but in reality the screen was flat but super old and the view was dry bushes that blocked the view of all the beautiful surroundings. So disappointed of how the room was and we went there for our anniversary, so the bad room lowered the mood.

Positive experience: Fine but, as a health club member paying almost £90 a month, disappointing to have to pay for a towel when using the pool.

Negative experience: Multiple time stuck in traffic trying to get back to my hotel because they hosted functions that shut down the roads and stopped you from being able to park near your hotel room. Cars were endlessly revving engines and children at functions wandering around the hotel with smokers wandering behind the hotel meaning leaving your bedroom windows open was not ideal. Golfers smoking next to your windows first thing in the morning too. No notice of that during the booking process or the check-in process. Rooms are sub-par, without a fridge, unless you go Deluxe the TV is atrocious tiny thing barely viewable. Gym is fantastic, and great spa and facilities, cleaning staff and other employees all fantastic and a great location. Highly recommend going to Earls Colne to 'The Lions Inn' for food, on-site kitchen/bar is overpriced for the quality as expected with most hotels.

Fantastic experience: Fabulous stay… gorgeous lodges.. Paul and he’s staff were super accommodating.. nothing was to much trouble.. we will be back

Positive experience: Booked 3 rooms for a golf break, 2 night's bed breakfast and evening meals. One of rooms had ant's in it and in the bed. Moved the following day to another room which was not really clean. Simple thing's like dust inside and on top of wardrobe , enough to draw your initials in. First day's evening meal was OK however waited nearly 2 and half hours for all 3 couses, next night it was if it was cooked by another chef. One morning there were no eggs for breakfast although the manager drove out in his car to collect some localy. Golf course it's self was excellent. All in all considering we paid around 1000 quid for this break I'm afraid to say it was NOT good value for money.

Positive experience: Excellent golf course but food a bit indifferent unfortunately. Just lacks that little polish. Would still recommend

Fantastic experience: We stayed at The Essex as we had a wedding to attend and were not from the area. The staff were super helpful and friendly. Thank you for a lovely stay.

Positive experience: I'll just talk about the rooms and the dining as I didn't use the gym, pool, golf etc. I stayed in a deluxe room that has been recently refurbished and can say that it has been done very well with a good large screen TV, decent decor and a firm bed. The room could do with the addition of a fridge and the windows don't shut properly but otherwise very comfortable and well appointed. Warm in winter and lots of hot water too. The rooms don't have any details of any facilities opening times including restaurants and breakfast times and the phone I had in my room didn't list the reception button to press, you have to guess (it's the # key). You wouldn't know it because reception or the website or the rooms don't tell you but the restaurant opens at 7pm with a slightly bigger menu than the bar one. Before 7pm there's a bar menu with bar food, burgers, salads, jacket potatoes, sandwiches etc. The food is well prepared, fresh and mostly tasty (although pesto pasta was awful). For some reason your room key doesn't let you through the barriers in reception up to the bar area, you have to get a receptionist to let you through and although they're right there they often don't 'notice' you waiting which was annoying. Other than that the staff were pleasant and helpful. Definitely a disjointed stay, didn't feel like I was staying in a hotel and that's because it isn't, it's a golf club with rooms.

Negative experience: We stayed at the hotel for 1 night as we had a wedding nearby, looked nice from outside, The room was freezing cold, the water was hardly warm for the showers also no bottled water in the room most hotels put complimentary water we get back from the wedding late and no water available, if we would have know we would have brought some with us, nothing at all in the bathroom no little cotton wool pads soap all the bits you normally get at hotels the room was £100 so would of expected it to have a few little bits in it, very basic, bathroom very tired, overall very very basic also the bed was so small and no extra blanket available, we won't be staying here again in a hurry......

Positive experience: Really good experience for a one night stopover. Easy to check-in and dinner was pub fare but good. Chicken salad was well-priced and substantive. The gym is very good with plenty of machines and dbs. It is certainly big enough. Pool was again really good with excellent sauna and steam rooms. I had to take a suite as there were no other rooms available. It had a single and double bed and was very spacious. The tiny shower cubicle was the only let-down. Good parking available.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely my second favourite place from home. Would recommend to everyone and anyone. Definitely going to be a regular 'go to' well-being place! Great for children of all ages too - plenty to see and do in nearby Colchester.

Positive experience: Lovely golf course, rooms are a bit tired, but a good size.

Fantastic experience: Amazing facilities. Best in area. 12 for 100 balls. Only problem is, the ball tracer only says 265 yards….. swear it was 340! Lol

Positive experience: Staff were lovely, welcoming and friendly, spa area (pool, steamroom ect) are lovely and clean, rooms were nice too. Only issue for us was, the guest rooms are in a separate builting to the spa, gym and bar/restaurant. This means that you either take clothes and change in the changing rooms in the main building(lockers provided) or, walk to and from outside in the robes provided. Overall lovely place.

Positive experience: Would have helped if staff actually listened to what you ordered. We ordered chicken wraps grilled not breaded and crisps instead of chips. We got breaded chicken and chips. No time to change the order. Food was perfectly lovely but not what we ordered.

Fantastic experience: Excellent experience. Lovely pool are and golf centre just next door. Tennis courts were also very nice. The staff were brilliant (Emma especially!)

Negative experience: Came here at the weekend for our Christmas party the food was inedible undercooked meat raw vegetables and gravy that looked more like dishwater we came as a party of 18 got sat on two separate tables either end of the hall.Over 100 people attended that night yet they only had one person on the bar I ordered a vodka and lemonade it was served in a pint glass full to the top with lemonade, the wine was warm the toilets where disgusting staff didn’t have a clue!!! overall absolutely terrible would never go back what a waste of money!!!!

Negative experience: New management has significantly improved the reception area and Strike Shack. However, they now should look towards staff training since some members of staff are actively hostile to children and rude to longstanding members of the club. Until this is addressed, I cannot recommend family membership to others considering joining the club.

Fantastic experience: This is a great club I've been a member for over 5-years friendly people great facilities good golf course couldn't be better really

Negative experience: Filthy. These aren't double beds either, yes I'm sad, I had a tape measure with me, so i checked, small. Even thiugh the rooms are big. That gives you an idea of the cost cutting going on here. Rooms are boiling hot, no a/c, but if course no fan to go in the room because why would you want your guests to be comfortable? I mean. . .REALLY hot. Oh the bathroom extractor fan doesn't work properly, so you get a lovely sauna effect in the bedroom. Jsut for a bit more heat. Dated and damaged furniture all over. Floor tiles in the bathroom all wobbly and not set but cant be from cleaning as it looks like theyve never been cleaned. Windows dont open enough to get air in but because of the massive lights in the car park right outside all night you need the blind and curtains shut to TRY and get some darkness to sleep in, but that stops what little air movement there is so long and short of it, prepare to sweat like you've never sweated before. No breakfast even for extortionate prices of the rooms. It's also in what seems to be the busiest road in Essex. Don't even wish for any sleep between around 6.30am and 9am even if you wanted the lie in, traffic is constant and its not just cars but lorries, vans, bikes, the lovely golf club petrol buggies? Oh and cos there's lots of keen golfers, be prepared for the car park door slamming golf chats and loud people to start EARLY too with no respect for paying hotel guests. Just. . . Horrible. Horrible at half yhe price but at £105 per night? Sleep in your car. You'll enjoy it more.

Negative experience: Nice location. Friendly and helpful staff‍♀️ Very dated and worn out furnishings and decor, tiny TV for size of room. Other guests doors slamming all night from adjacent and opposite. Shouting and swearing all night in rooms around you from drunks(Presumably contractor's) You pay for what you get. Would I stay again? NO

Fantastic experience: Great place for the family to get fit. Lovely staff, good gym and a nice pool. Plus 18 hole and 9 hole golf courses.

Fantastic experience: It has been a pleasure to work in the Golf Club tonight whilst supporting various commitments and undoubtably, it is by far the best venue that I have ever supported a party in. The team who worked under Alex and Jessica were exceptionally helpful & in particular, Lorna. Lorna is a bright, confident and an extremely driven individual who has potential to go very far with her career. Lorna assisted me to provide a 5 star service and literally went above and beyond to meet the needs and expectations of the dance floor; her hard work and sheer dedication is truly valued and it was great having her around. She is a credit to the company! Despite how busy the venue was, this did not faze the team to answer any of my questions at such short notice. Ascribed with excellent foresight, it was impressive that they were constantly thinking ahead, envisioning issues and addressing them before they come to fruition. I highly recomend this venue as it's beautiful and the experienced team of staff produce top class results to ensure success of any private party. They have huge bursts of energy which is infectious to the guests and a total pleasure to be around too; their moral is EXCELLENT! I have already received unimpeachable feedback from across the floor and an acknowledgement of merit in recognition of the adept skills that they have. I will most certainly look forward to future parties at this venue!! Best regards, Danny - 247 Mobile DJ's Best Rated DJ Colchester 2022

Fantastic experience: Friendly staff they are very helpful, lovely facilities and restaurant

Negative experience: Pace of play - dreadful. Shouldn’t let a 5-ball out on the course Greens - slow. True enough, if your putt avoids the many, many unrepaired pitch marks Bunkers - more stones than sand. Should be declared GUR until they sort them out. I now have 2 clubs that need gouge marks repairing after 1 round Shame, coz the course was always tough and a challenge - just seems to have been let go a little

Positive experience: The spa and facilities were great, the food and service in the bar and restaurant (can't really call it that) was terrible. All staff were all very friendly but not very well trained. We had to clear our table at breakfast so we had somewhere to sit and that was just the start of the worst breakfast I have ever had in a hotel. We went for my daughter's 18th for the spa, that's was great but will not be returning to the hotel and restaurant x

Fantastic experience: The place was lovely but asked for a twin room but was made up for a double had to separate the beds and 1 had too sleep with the sheet only

Fantastic experience: Lovely place beautiful views, friendly and helpful staff, a comfortable and clean room, you couldn't ask for more , we will be back

Positive experience: We had a really nice stay here. We played the 18holes or should I say my husband I had a go, the course was simple to follow, clean & challenging. My husband enjoyed playing the 9 the following morning whilst I spent over 2hrs in the gym which had a very good selection of equipment, very clean a male member of staff was very friendly We also had massarges mine was a full body and to be honest it was one of the best I've had, room was comfortable. Food was nice, bar staff and cleaners all very helpful. We also visited the Top golf sort of place accross the way again very lovely & ended up staying for a coffee n game as very welcoming. Parking secure and on arrival they put an anniversary card with some discount & drink voucher which was a nice touch. The lady who took the booking and I see on the visit seemed to have her finger on the pulse. We will definitely be visiting again. Just thing while we were there a couple was finding it very hard to get cabs so worth checking that out if you have an event

Fantastic experience: Nice facility, well equipped, some of the friendliest staff i have encountered would stay again

Negative experience: We’ve just returned from a 2 night stay in a family room at this hotel. The room was very disappointing and did not meet expectations. The room was dirty and dated. There was mould on the bathroom ceiling , a bedside table missing , no back to the TV remote control and the batteries were held in by tape. Stains on the side of the bed . Broken toilet seat and leaking toilet brush holder. But the most disappointing thing was that no action was taken to rectify the issues of concern after we reported them.