The Mistley Thorn

Hotels
9.1 (287 reviews)
The Mistley Thorn Hotel High Street , Mistley , gb

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Free
Children allowed

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 287 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
E
Emma • couple • gb
8
A traditional, popular local hostelry with a very comfortable room and friendly staff
Pros:

This is a really pretty pub on rather a narrow busy road beyond which is the tidal river Stour - sadly we only saw it at low tide so the lovely river view we had hoped for was pretty impossible. It was busy when we visited which is always a good sign and the atmosphere was very welcoming. The food was good solid pub grub but not exceptional. Our room was lovely, simple but super comfortable and there was a good plug in fan PLUS a gorgeous ceiling fan too, which was a life-saver as it was very hot when we were there.

Cons:

The bathroom needed a good shower screen as the curtain wasn't really enough to contain the excellent pressure of the shower, hence the floor got wet and there was a slightly damp smell in the room on arrival. Tiny thing, overall very nice indeed.

2026-08-18 • via Nuitee
D
David • extended_group • gb
8
2026-08-16 • via Nuitee
A
Ann • couple • gb
10
Great
Pros:

Comfortable room. Great evening meal in the restaurant and such a peaceful atmosphere at breakfast. Lovely waitress could not have been more helpful. We really enjoyed our stay

2026-08-13 • via Nuitee
C
C • couple • gb
7
2026-08-08 • via Nuitee
A
Amanda Dawn • family_with_children • es
9
Beautiful, comfortable hotel fabulous for a short stay
Pros:

Amazingly comfortable bed, great location for people without a car, super friendly staff - helpful and attentive. It is a beautiful location and breakfast is amazing!

Cons:

Not the fault of The Mistly Thorn but very hot temperatures made dinner a little uncomfortable, but room was made cooler with air con.

2026-08-07 • via Nuitee
C
Cheryl • couple • gb
8
It was a lovely hotel, especially the restaurant. The frugal supply of tea, milk and no biscuits made us question the co
Pros:

The room was lovely and the bed very comfortable. Great restaurant. We thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast and the staff on duty were excellent.

Cons:

My husband and I typed in ‘Frinton-on-Sea’ (Booking.com and Trivago) and Mistley Thorn came up for both of us, without the usual distance added. We were shocked to find it was a 35-minute drive away. Nice to wander around once there.
Only 2 breakfast teabags, 3 tiny milks, so no morning tea after having had a cup on arrival. No biscuits either.
Luckily we were able to navigate the rather steep stairs.

2026-08-06 • via Nuitee
T
Tracy • solo_traveller • gb
10
Highly recommend
Pros:

Clean rooms and friendly staff

Cons:

Nothing

2026-08-06 • via Nuitee
S
Shauna • couple • au
10
2026-08-03 • via Nuitee
R
Richard • solo_traveller • gb
7
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Sloped ceilings in bedroom and bathroom

2026-07-24 • via Nuitee
R
Richard • couple • gb
9
Very pleasant, very good food and drink
Cons:

The leaky bathroom window would make things very cold in winter!

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
G
Gary • couple • gb
9
very nice hotel, would stay again
Pros:

Food was good, location great, staff very helpful

Cons:

wouldn't let my wife have a cappuccino at breakfast as only filter coffee was included in the breakfast package, bathroom not properly clean, no air conditioning (although there was a fan)

2026-07-22 • via Nuitee
A
Alan • couple • gb
10
Beautifull rooms in a wonderful setting.
Pros:

Excellent breakfast with unusual dishes available.

Cons:

Nothing.

2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
P
paddy • solo_traveller • nl
5
2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
C
Carolyn • solo_traveller • gb
10
Wonderful stay in a lovely hotel, has had an extension some I last stayed which is beautiful.
Pros:

Perfectly positioned for what I was doing, lovely, helpful staff, wonderful food, and such comfy beds👏👏👏

Cons:

Nothing

2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
S
sarah • couple • gb
10
So pleased and will return
Pros:

Beautiful setting
Excellent facilities
Excellent staff
Food amazing
Catered for gluten free and vegetarian superbly

2026-07-17 • via Nuitee
T
thomas • couple • gb
8
relaxed and comfortable.
Pros:

beautiful views . exultant food. real coffee in room. Good plumbing. Real Ale. Oysters lovely.

2026-07-15 • via Nuitee
I
Ian • couple • gb
9
Lovely hotel and restaurant...would return
Pros:

Great breakfast, lovely salmon and scrambled egg

2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
H
Helen • family_with_children • gb
10
Lovely overnight stay in a great location
Pros:

The bedroom had just had a refurb and had a lovely, cosy feel whilst still being a great size with a big, very comfy bed. It's probably the best nights sleep I have had away from home. The bathroom facilities were great, room was lovely and clean and had good tea and coffee making facilities. Check in / check out procedures straight forward. Lovely breakfast served in the pub restaurant. Will be returning and would definitely recommend.

Cons:

We liked it all - nothing bad to say!

2026-07-12 • via Nuitee
N
Nicky • solo_traveller • gb
7
Ok overall kitchen could do better (dinner and breakfast)
Pros:

Not many diners which was good but hoped kitchen would have got fried eggs right. 2 eggs over easy came out hard yolks such a shame, it’s such a simple attention to detail. Sausage half cooked brown only on one side etc. bacon over cooked. It comes across as not fleshing made but cooked before like a buffet at a cheaper hotel. Would also recommend advertising on website that parking is available fox opposite if car park at back busy. I didn’t know and got a little stressed as there was no where to park that I knew about. Staff member helped out.

Cons:

As above

2026-07-09 • via Nuitee
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