Premier Inn Colchester - Cowdray Avenue

Hotels
Premier Inn
8.6 (40 reviews)
Cowdray Avenue,Colchester,Essex , Colchester , GB

Facilities

Parking
Air conditioning
Restaurant
Breakfast available (surcharge)

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great service
Welcoming staff
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Limited dining options

Categories

Cleanliness
7.18
Several reviews mentioned issues with room cleanliness, including unmade beds and dirty cutlery.
Service
9.65
Most reviews highlighted welcoming and helpful staff, making for a positive service experience.
Location
9.19
Good location received positive sentiment in a number of reviews.
Room Quality
8.64
Some feedback indicated that while the rooms are clean, there are issues like malfunctioning showers.
Amenities
8.17
Limited restaurant and bar options were noted as a downside, impacting the overall rating.
Value for Money
9.13
Overall value received positive sentiment despite some concerns about amenity quality.
Food and Beverage
7.68
Various reviews mentioned a reduced menu and long wait times for food service.
Overall Experience
9.15
Despite some issues, many guests enjoyed their stay and would consider returning.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-21 12:04

Property Description

Discover the perfect getaway at Premier Inn Hotel Colchester Cowdray Avenue (A133), your gateway to the charm of Essex.

Explore Nearby Attractions
Dive into adventure with easy access to the historic Colchester Castle and picturesque nearby villages. Enjoy cozy strolls or explore stunning beaches that offer relaxation and natural beauty.

Culinary Delights
After a day of exploration, indulge your taste buds at our on-site Beefeater restaurant, where mouthwatering dishes are prepared with care, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

Comfortable Accommodations
Rest easy in our comfortable rooms designed for relaxation. After your day of activities, retreat to a peaceful oasis, complete with all the amenities to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

Don't miss out on an unforgettable experience – book your stay with us today!

Important information:

65 spaces, including 6 disabled bays. No spaces for large vehicles/lorries/coaches.
From London (A12) take J7 joining A133. At roundabout take the 2nd exit, A133. Cross 2 roundabouts Hotel is on the left. From Ipswich (A12) take J29. At roundabout take 2nd exit to join Ipswich Road, A1232. At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto A1232. At roundabout take the 2nd exit A133, Cowdray Avenue. Hotel is approx. 0.5 mile on the right.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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

Location

Guest Reviews

8.6
Based on 40 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.18
Service: 9.65
Location: 9.19
Room Quality: 8.64
Amenities: 8.17
Value for Money: 9.13
Food and Beverage: 7.68
Overall Experience: 9.15
S
sandrabD3362UH Solo travel
10
Great service
Pros:

I had a lovely 2 night stay, good restaurant and plenty of free parking.
Phil and the team are very welcoming and helpful.

2025-11-29 via Tripadvisor
T
traceypJ5653IM Couples
10
Denise id the best
Pros:

Had the best time in here Denise was absolutely amazing we came here last week and chloe amd maddie were so lovely made us wantto come back this week but honestly Denise is an asset to the company 💙

2025-11-18 via Tripadvisor
S
simoncO8816VT Family Sutton, Greater London, England
10
Latest visit to a hotel we've visited countless times over the last decade
Pros:

A regular place for us. All good again as per usual. Alison and her staff always great,particularly Martin and Drew. Ideal venue for all we have to do. Check on quick and easy as always as was check out. Nothing is too much trouble for all staff. Always ready to help regardless of what is asked. We'll be back next year

2025-11-10 via Tripadvisor
P
Pioneer33520624059 Friends getaway Cobham, Kent, England
10
Great stay
Pros:

Staff were very helpful and happy. the room and bathroom were very clean. The breakfast was hot and tasty. An older building but can see they are trying to update it. Roll on a refurb

2025-11-04 via Tripadvisor
P
Passenger39592880659 Family West Sussex, England
2
Very poor
Pros:

Very poor. One of the worst premier inns we have stayed in. Our room was not ready on arrival and there was no toilet for us to use or reception facilities to wait in. The child’s bed was not made up. There was a fake eyelash on the bed. The bathroom floor had not been cleaned. I was told “sorry about that madam”
from the reception staff and that was it.
The attached “restaurant” is now closed to the public and under staffed even for the handful of hotel customers. Dinner took 2 hours and that was despite chasing for our food several times. Cutlery was dirty. Good location but for the price we paid I was not happy.

2025-11-03 via Tripadvisor
C
colmm336 Business
10
Excellent customer service.
Pros:

We had a great experience staying at the Premier Inn in Corby. We were only staying for one night but were given a warm welcome and were looked after very well by Martin.

2025-10-25 via Tripadvisor
4
42abbieg Solo travel Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, England
10
Cannot Recommend More
Pros:

Really easy check in, staff were friendly and always on hand to help. Room was well-kept and had everything needed for a comfortable stay. Will definitely be back

2025-10-25 via Tripadvisor
K
kayleahampson NONE Oldham, Greater Manchester, England
10
Lovely staff
Pros:

Lovely staff and great hospitality. Would definitely go back and have breakfast again. The option to order as much as you like and not worry about any extra chargers was very nice.

2025-10-24 via Tripadvisor
M
mikey_P7 Business North Yorkshire, England
10
A comfortable stay
Pros:

I stayed here for a couple of nights whilst working in the area.

The hotel was clean and the room was very comfortable. The staff were friendly and polite too.

There is ample parking (remember to enter your registration at reception when checking-in).

I would happily stay here again.

2025-10-23 via Tripadvisor
B
brianwC356CH NONE
4
Sleep but don't eat or drink there and check the shower works before you unpack
Pros:

had to change rooms as shower not working, another room was unavailable due to flooding issues.
Attached restaurant has very restricted menu for evening meal, and only small area available to sit in.
No atmosphere at all.
Attached bar has very restricted drinks available.
No sign of refurbishment which we were told was planned for the future.
Three quarters of the restaurant/bar, closed off, and room functionality seems to be deteriorating.
Was told by staff that the site is up for sale, but still charging Premier rates.

2025-10-09 via Tripadvisor
5
593barbora_ Business
10
Recomend
Pros:

Love it! Amazing service, rexeptionists were amazing!
Staff very profesional and attentive, specially Paster went above and beyond.
Really pleasant experience.

2025-10-03 via Tripadvisor
R
raylewing Business Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England
6
Hotel good dont bother with resturant no choice
Pros:

The hotel was of premier inn standard albeit dated bit clean and suprisingly smelt a lot better than some of the newer ones. Check in staff was great happy and chearful.
Resturant ex beefeater after a long day got greated by a greatly reduced menu app 6 mains plus 2 pizza options 2 deserts not good for premier inn standards totally gone down hill since the shift away from linked resturants

2025-10-02 via Tripadvisor
A
andrewJ1855BQ Business Derby, Derbyshire, England
10
Brilliant
Pros:

Stayed here a few times now and have enjoyed it every time staff are brilliant and accommodate ever request with a smiling face i look forwards to coming back next month

2025-09-17 via Tripadvisor
6
673tamb Business
10
Crisps and dinners
Pros:

Denise is truly a very kind hearted person. Lovely wine and vibes.
Ragu and cheesy pasta, juice and beer.
All the emotions tingled tonight.

2025-09-08 via Tripadvisor
Q
Q9070KIjamesm Business
8
Quiet and relaxing
Pros:

Had a nice stay in the hotel, the staff in the restaurant were lovely mainly Denise. Great service with friendly staff, would definitely come again

2025-08-26 via Tripadvisor
C
Cabbytel NONE London, England
8
A good stay
Pros:

The hotel was very clean and quiet with comfy beds , The staff were really nice, large car park, breakfast was delicious and unlimited, not too far from the town center, shame the bar wasn't open a bit later,

2025-08-25 via Tripadvisor
2
224davee NONE Maidstone, Kent, England
4
Below expected PI standards
Pros:

Allocated room 209 accessible was tatty, no WiFi, no USB points, cobwebs in bedroom, soap dispensers runny and coming off wall.

2025-08-22 via Tripadvisor
C
clairecP9621VE Family
10
Great all round
Pros:

Went for breakfast with family. Staff were very friendly and polite while being helpful with anything we needed. We were very satisfied with with our food and service

2025-08-22 via Tripadvisor
K
karenmA8150AE NONE
10
Excellent hotel for money
Pros:

Excellent value for money. Comfortable bed and very clean and quiet. Super helpful staff. A bit out of town, but taxi is reasonable.

2025-08-16 via Tripadvisor
J
jja988 NONE
10
Great stop off or short stay location
Pros:

Great place, easy access services - beefeater, Mcdonalds, peri chicken , large garage services, access to a Aldi great area and not too loud either - air con in rooms too

2025-08-14 via Tripadvisor