Top Boutique Hotels in Essex (2026)

This small, AA 4-star gold-rated boutique hotel with a motoring theme has a large American-style kitchen, unique bedrooms and Morgan sports cars to hire on site. There is free parking and Stansted Airport is just a 15-minute drive away. Melvyn and Sindy built The PitStop in 2009 and some of the windows were saved from the original Morgan factory. BREAKFAST: Guests can help themselves to a full continental-style breakfast from the American-style fridge at a time that suits them. The huge kitchen is styled as an American diner and can be accessed 24/7 exclusively by the guests. Room themes include Art Deco, Edwardian, contemporary and exotic Indian. Each has an private bathroom, a TV, free internet access and a computer. With free WiFi, all rooms are located on the first floor and there is elevator access. The PitStop hotel is also convenient for the M11 motorway, while Bishops Stortford is just over 3 miles away.

- "We loved it so much we came back from our party earlier" - "The location is delightful, set up with a fifties diner with added interest in Morgan cars. The facilities were terrific, everything you might want for a stay all available. The hosts have spent much time anticipating every need and it shows." - "The PitStop was amazing! We felt like time traveling to 1930s. The interior was full of interesting vintage things. Loved the help yourself kitchen concept. Definitely a 10 out of 10 experience."

Located in Heydon and within 6.4 miles of Audley End House, The Red Cow features a bar, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi. The property is around 14 miles from Stansted Mountfitchet Station, 14 miles from University of Cambridge and 25 miles from Knebworth House. At the inn, every room includes a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. All guest rooms will provide guests with a closet and an electric tea pot. Guests at The Red Cow can enjoy a continental or a Full English/Irish breakfast. At the accommodation you'll find a restaurant serving British cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and vegan options can also be requested. You can play darts at The Red Cow, and the area is popular for hiking and fishing. Hedingham Castle is 27 miles from the inn, while Freeport Braintree is 30 miles away. The nearest airport is London Stansted Airport, 15 miles from The Red Cow.

- "Everything. Everything is of the highest quality, the rooms (we had two), large high ceiling barn conversion(s), super slick and modern facilities, insane high quality throughout, highest quality beds and bed linens, amazing bathrooms (new/completely spotless), cool feature lighting, and an eye for fine detail, with ‘The White Company’ toiletries. Impossible to fault." - "Beautiful hotel" - "Everything" - "The bed and linen were super quality, the bathroom and room were well appointed, nicely laid out and very quiet."

An independent hotel with a continental feel, the Lion Inn has a bar, an elegant bistro-style restaurant and spacious air-conditioned rooms flat-screen TVs and free wired internet. For many years, the Lion Inn was a traditional pub. Now, after a sympathetic refurbishment, it has been transformed into a contemporary bistro and bar with luxurious rooms with attached bathroom. All of the deluxe air-conditioned rooms have modern flat-screen TVs, tea/coffee making facilities and free wired internet access. Some of the rooms have balconies overlooking the garden, while others have direct access to the garden via their very own terrace. Stylishly decorated with antiques and salvaged furniture, the bar has a vintage French feel. A natural extension to the bar area, the restaurant maintains a mix of old and new. The menu is based on traditional pub food with a modern contemporary twist, and the conservatory allows you to take in the picturesque views while you dine.

- "It was very cosy, quaint with a nice friendly atmosphere." - "The bedroom was specious and clean. The food in the restaurant was excellent. All the staff were friendly and professional" - "Excellent facilities. Food exceptional and the staff very welcoming. We were there for a meal to celebrate a retirement." - "Staff were amazing, room was beautifully presented with views over fields. The food was exceptional too! We had the Valentine’s Day special and the restaurant was so romantic and a perfect start to our evening"

Dating back to the 15th century, this Tudor house and converted stable block is set in the grounds of Channels Estate. The individually designed rooms and suites include original features, such as exposed wooden beams, along with modern comforts. Each room with attached bathroom offers a DVD player and free Wi-Fi. With ironing supplies and a hairdryer, the rooms also include bathrobes, slippers, a mini-bar, and tea and coffee making facilities with fresh milk and Costa Coffee. Channels Bar & Brasserie is renowned for its excellent food and friendly service. Channels Hotel guests also receive free access to the nearby Nuffield Health Center (in Chelmsford's city center), which features a swimming pool and fitness center. Channels Hotel is located close to the A12, and just 2 miles from Chelmsford. London Stansted Airport is only 20 minutes away.

- "Fantastic location, beautiful room with bags of character" - "The hotel was amazing beautiful area friendly staff food was amazing 5star I’m definitely going back" - "Breakfast was very good bacon was over done but otherwise excellent" - "Beautiful,comfortable hotel. Really fast check in and out. Room was spotless. Bed was really comfortable and massive. Lots of nice touches like an umbrella,clothes brush,robes." - "It is a very attractive site with nicely spaced rooms. Very comfortable. Everything worked. The breakfast room is beautiful."

Located in Colchester, 656 feet from Colchester Castle, this AA rated property features a garden. Located around 3.7 mi from Colchester Zoo, the hotel is also 6.8 mi away from Flatford. The accommodations features a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage for guests. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV. Rooms are complete with a private bathroom equipped with free toiletries. Some rooms at GreyFriars also offer a seating area. All guest rooms will provide guests with a desk and a coffee machine. A continental or buffet breakfast is available each morning at the property. At the accommodations you will find a restaurant serving British cuisine. Colchester Institute is 0.7 mi from the hotel. The nearest airport is London Southend Airport, 24 mi from GreyFriars.

- "Room exceeded our expectations, the staff were professional, and the breakfast was amazing." - "Location ideal in centre of town, next door to the Colchester Castle. Very high standard of service and food." - "I loved having a room with a sleigh bed & copper bathtub. It was all very tastefully decorated. The staff were lovely as usual. I went to see the exhibitions at Firstsite right opposite & saw 2 artworks on display done by someone I knew years ago, which was a nice surprise-GreyFriars is so handy for lots of Colchester’s attractions."

Set in the historic grounds of Wivenhoe Park, this 18th-century house is next to the University of Essex campus. It offers a unique brasserie restaurant, luxurious accommodations, free WiFi and free parking on site. The guest rooms overlook the manicured gardens and beautiful Essex parkland. Most rooms feature HD TV with Sky channels, designer toiletries, and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests can dine at the brasserie restaurant in the garden wing, which offers regionally sourced produce to bring a taste of France to this corner of the county. The small quayside town of Wivenhoe is less than a 5-minute drive or a half-an-hour walk from the hotel. The city center of Colchester, the oldest recorded town in Britain, is less than 10 minutes’ drive from the building. The surrounding Essex countryside is home to numerous rivers, walks, and charming sights.

- "Room was super cleanliness spotless breakfast was as ever fabulous bed was good if not a little o the firm side" - "The location and facilities" - "Clean room and staff was ready to help." - "Standard of rooms" - "Comfortable and modern" - "This was a very beautiful hotel, was clean and felt very comfortable would go again !! I booked this room to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday and asked if there is any extras that could do and they said they can place some petals, when I entered they really took his birthday in consideration and also put some birthday confetti on the bed and swan towels followed with a happy birthday card which I thought was lovely. Staff were very kind as well."

Located in old Harwich, The Pier offers historic, quay side hotel accommodations. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout. The Pier Hotel is set across 2 refurbished buildings, one dating from the 1850s and one from the 1700s. All rooms have their own bathroom and many have views over the estuary and sofa beds for children. Each room has a TV with satellite channels, a mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities. Taking advantage of its waterside location, The Pier Hotel has a restaurant on the first floor, and the Navyard Bar and Terrace on the ground floor. Further bars and restaurants are within a 5-minute walk, and the ferry to Felixstowe and Shotley leaves from next door to the property. Harwich Town railway station is 0.4 miles away. The Electric Palace Cinema is a 3-minute walk from The Pier Hotel.

- "Deliciously innventive fresh food was already a treat, but it was the friendly, attentive to every detail, staff that made our little holiday so memorable . The location - Harwich "for the Continent" - is so vibrant, tho this time we were bystanders of a December sea swim, the fresh sea air and easy promenade means everyone is included. Breakfast was such a treat - a perfectly poached egg in a bed of creamy haddock and leek yumminess and all the while the glittering sea shimmered with adventure... as the real hard work of Port and Fisheries buzzed in the morning sunshine. The mini milk churn of fresh milk in our very comfortable quiet room; the spacious Annexe Lounge to chat with visiting family - and the option of an Afternoon Tea cake stand ... just come and see for yourself :)"

Located 5.7 miles from Audley End House, The Cricketers Clavering offers 4-star accommodations in Clavering and features a terrace, a restaurant and a bar. The property is around 19 miles from University of Cambridge, 21 miles from Knebworth House and 25 miles from Hedingham Castle. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and Stansted Mountfitchet Station is 6.8 miles away. At the inn, each room comes with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. The Cricketers Clavering provides certain rooms with garden views, and rooms have a coffee machine. Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around Clavering, like fishing and cycling. Freeport Braintree is 27 miles from The Cricketers Clavering, while Hatfield House is 28 miles away. The nearest airport is London Stansted Airport, 8.1 miles from the inn.

- "Great pub with lots of atmosphere, good food and drink and comfortable room" - "Beautiful pub in a lovely village. perfect for an over night stay." - "The price was great and style of the rooms were nice. staff were friendly and the food was lovely." - "Ambiance good, breakfast excellent, Evening meal good , but, perhaps not enough attention to food for the elderly. At our age we do not require massive quantities and traditional grub is adequate in small portions."

This adults-only, luxury hotel is set within 130 acres of beautiful grounds and listed gardens, with 35 treatment rooms and an 61 foot swimming pool. A Mediterranean inspired menu is served in the restaurant and a shuttle service is available at an additional fee from Thorpe-le-Soken Rail Station. Overlooking the gardens or gravel garden, each room has free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen TV and free mineral water. Rooms at Lifehouse also feature a luxurious bathroom with designer toiletries, fluffy robes and slippers. Guests can also make use of the sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool and salt inhalation room between check in and check out times. A range of treatments are available at the beauty salon and pre-booking is recommended. The Lifehouse Bar offers specialty coffees.

- "The location. Grounds Pool amazing the colours at night. Staff. Environment. Food." - "I love the feeling you get as a whole, everything is calm, quick, affienct, positive. The staff are softly spoken and always greet with a smile." - "Amazing value with getting to use the spa facility’s. Check in and check out times give you enough time to enjoy and not get bored! The grounds were amazing as well. Loved opening the balcony door and getting to listen to the rain!"

Just yards from the river in Burnham-on-Crouch, The Oyster Smack Inn has an on-site bar, free Wi-Fi and free parking. It dates back to the 1800s, and is known for its fantastic food. The restaurant’s chef has worked in Jamie Oliver’s first restaurant, as well as Gorden Ramsey’s 3 Michelin Starred establishment. The diverse menu features Asian influences and British classics, with food made from seasonal produce. Rooms at The Oyster Smack Inn are individually designed, and each benefits from a flat-screen TV and an private bathroom with free toiletries. Tea and coffee making facilities with fresh milk are also provided. The coast at Southend is just 25 miles away, and the center of Chelmsford can be reached in 40 minutes’ drive. Historic Colchester can also be reached in less than an hour by car.

- "Very comfortable bed, nice warm room. Excellent location, and the restaurant is superb." - "Beautiful clean room and amazing staff ♥️" - "Convenience" - "Very clean, great facilities and comfortable. Very close to town centre." - "Self service continental breakfast was good, room very adequate and the dinner excellent" - "Clean , comfortable, good location" - "Location was perfect, my family live in Burnham, so was a great location. The evening meal in the restaurant was good, lovely atmosphere."