The Mistley Thorn

Hotels
9.1 (266 reviews)
The Mistley Thorn Hotel High Street , Mistley , gb

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Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Heating
Pets allowed
Bar
Non-smoking throughout
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Excellent food
Friendly and efficient staff
Comfortable room
Great ambiance
Convenient location
Cons:
Limited parking options due to construction
Noisy from the road in some areas
Some complaints about breakfast choices
Temperature control issues in rooms

Categories

Cleanliness
8.73
Rooms were described as clean, but there were mentions of flies.
Service
9.7
Staff were frequently noted as friendly and efficient.
Location
9.24
Convenient and pleasant location mentioned by multiple guests.
Room Quality
8.69
Rooms were mostly comfortable, but there were some complaints regarding temperature control.
Amenities
8.72
Standard quality for this hotel tier.
Value for Money
9.18
Overall value was perceived as satisfactory based on the stay.
Food and Beverage
9.23
Food quality received high praise, despite a few mixed reviews on breakfast.
Overall Experience
9.3
General sentiment indicated high satisfaction with overall stays.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-11 03:24

Property Description

Charming Riverside Hotel
Nestled in Mistley, The Mistley Thorn offers a picturesque stay with a restaurant, free parking, and a cozy bar.

Modern Comforts
Each guest room features a flat-screen TV, ensuring entertainment and relaxation during your visit.

Convenient Location
Situated near attractions like Flatford and IP-City Centre, and just a short drive from Colchester Castle, our hotel is the perfect base for exploring the area.

To experience a delightful riverside retreat, book your stay at The Mistley Thorn today.

Important information:

Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

9.1
Based on 266 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.73
Service: 9.7
Location: 9.24
Room Quality: 8.69
Amenities: 8.72
Value for Money: 9.18
Food and Beverage: 9.23
Overall Experience: 9.3
O
Ossian • family_with_children • gb
5
Probably very nice in the Spring!
Pros:

It served its purpose for the trip.

Cons:

Unfortunately we went during a particularly hot time and the rooms / buildings are not equipped to deal with the heat (30+ degrees). We were provided with fans, but they were not particularly effective. Some of the staff also had a bit of attitude with us during the dinner (we were a large group, and they seemed to be overwhelmed).

2026-07-03 • via Nuitee
T
Tina • solo_traveller • gb
9
Pros:

We stayed in one of the new rooms, it was decorated lovely, nice size space and very comfortable bed.
The staff was lovely,friendly and helpful.
The dinner and breakfast was good .

Cons:

The only thing I would say is that, the staff could do with a little more training on things.
Like when we arrived they ever told us what time breakfast start and finish and what time we need to check out.

The other one is this morning, young girl was lovely we came down, just got told to sit where we like, which is fine, but never said someone will be over to you shortly to take your order for you.
We sat down but felt like we got forgotten it took them about 10/15mins before coming over to see if we like tea or coffee.

The staff are lovely just need a bit more training.

2026-06-28 • via Nuitee
D
David • couple • gb
10
This is a well designed business model, with well trained and happy staff. I can't fault it.
Pros:

My wife and I had a lovely one-night stay with the people at the Mistley Thorn, and enjoyed an excellent fish dinner there with friends. The Deluxe King Suite was superb, the bed king-sized and really comfortable, and I was able to park right outside. The breakfast was first class, and nothing too much trouble for their staff. They even gave us two complimentary bottles of water when it was time to hit the road. We shall certainly stay there again when we are in the area, and I have no hesitation in recommending the Mistley Thorn.

2026-06-21 • via Nuitee
T
Tracy • solo_traveller • gb
9
2026-06-15 • via Nuitee
J
John • couple • gb
9
Comfortable room with breakfast
Pros:

Large and very comfortable room

Cons:

Nothing

2026-06-14 • via Nuitee
M
Michelle • couple • gb
8
2026-06-12 • via Nuitee
J
Jane • couple • gb
9
Pros:

Very helpful and friendly staff.
Good facilities and location.

Cons:

Parking can be a problem

2026-06-06 • via Nuitee
A
Angelina • solo_traveller • gb
8
Pros:

Stylish little hotel

Cons:

Very slow service in the morning for breakfast

2026-05-31 • via Nuitee
C
Claire • solo_traveller • gb
9
Pros:

Beautiful comfy room
Great restaurant
Friendly attentive staff

Cons:

Nothing

2026-05-25 • via Nuitee
D
David • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-05-17 • via Nuitee
K
Kate • couple • gb
10
2026-05-17 • via Nuitee
P
Peggy • couple • gb
9
It is a very comfortable place. The staff are welcoming. The restaurant is excellent with an imaginative menu and good q
Pros:

Food was excellent. The staff are very friendly and attentive

Cons:

Parking

2026-05-10 • via Nuitee
B
Barbara Halsall • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-05-06 • via Nuitee
E
Ekiwe • solo_traveller • gb
10
Beautiful stay
Pros:

My stay was short but the service and room was absolutely top tier.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-05-04 • via Nuitee
M
Marina • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-04-26 • via Nuitee
I
IJUBOA • solo_traveller • gb
9
Beautiful hotel in a great location
Pros:

Location is great and the staff are very friendly and helpful

Cons:

Nothing

2026-04-15 • via Nuitee
J
Jeremy • couple • gb
8
A Brief but Enjoyable Stay
Pros:

This was a one night stay in early April, just before Easter. We had the deluxe room with a lounge, which is accessed from the side road. Stairs lead up to the lounge (with a sofa bed) and adjacent bathroom with a shower & loo. Further stairs lead up to the master bedroom and ensuite with a bath plus loo, up a short steep staircase, right in the roof (the ceiling's a bit low if you're over 6 feet tall). Checked-in at 5 pm parking in the quite small hotel car park at the back. The hotel had made us a provisional dinner booking, even though we hadn't asked for one. The reason being they were almost booked-up for dining that evening. Very thoughtful. The restaurant was about 75% full at 6.45 pm because people had come out ahead of Good Friday. The menu is predominantly seafood but with reasonable meat and veggie options. The grilled scallops were OK whilst my baked cod fillet on fresh peas with roasted leeks and garlic pesto was excellent. The wife's baked cauliflower veggie dish was also good although the portion size was a tadge too big. Good wine list. Top marks for dinner.

The hotel is located on the main road overlooking the Stour estuary. As our room was at the back it was quiet although the busy kitchen could be heard from the lounge. Not a big issue though.

The welcome and hospitality was good. I requested twin beds which was delivered without question.

Would I stay again. Yes.

Cons:

There's very little to complain about. Some fresh milk in the fridge and an extra sachet of coffee grounds would be nice.
Opening the front door at night was slightly tricky due to the lack of light. Then we found the porch light switch in the hall.
The owners know what they're doing and do it well.

2026-04-04 • via Nuitee
L
Lesley • couple • gb
8
2026-03-28 • via Nuitee
I
IJUBOA • solo_traveller • gb
9
Pros:

The room was very nice, good size and clean

Cons:

nothing

2026-03-13 • via Nuitee
S
Sara • couple • gb
10
2026-03-09 • via Nuitee