Brook Red Lion Hotel Colchester Exterior photoBrook Red Lion Hotel Colchester Exterior photoBrook Red Lion Hotel Colchester Interior photo
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From78US$ /night
Check-in
27May2026Select date
Check-out
28May2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

High Street, Colchester, United Kingdom, CO1 1DJ
-
Near the historic Old Town
Nice
6.4
6.7
/10
3.3
3.5
/5

Rooms and Suites

The hotel offers 45 rooms and suites, each equipped with en-suite bathrooms. Guests can find charming elements like traditional wooden beams throughout their accommodations. The comfortable beds ensure a restful night after exploring Colchester.

Dining Options

The Brook Red Lion Hotel features an on-site restaurant known for its separate bar and lounge area. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a menu that includes seasonal ingredients. The restaurant provides a comfortable space for enjoying meals before or after a day of sightseeing.

Location

Situated in the center of Colchester, the hotel offers convenient access to local attractions. Guests can walk to the historic Colchester Castle, as well as the nearby Mercury Theatre. The train station is a short distance away, simplifying travel to London and other destinations.

Pet-Friendly Policies

This hotel welcomes pets, allowing guests to bring their furry companions along for the stay. Specific pet policies enable travelers to enjoy the company of their animals without worry. Upon request, additional pet-related amenities may be available for comfort.

Business Facilities

For business travelers, the Brook Red Lion Hotel provides meeting facilities suited for small gatherings or conferences. The dedicated spaces offer flexibility for various business needs. High-speed internet access supports productive work sessions during stays.

Highlights

Location: Center of Colchester with access to attractions

Rooms: 45 rooms and suites with en-suite bathrooms

Dining: On-site restaurant with seasonal ingredients

Business: Meeting facilities for small gatherings

“Brook Red Lion Hotel, in my opinion, presents a compelling case for travellers seeking a centrally located stay steeped in history. The building itself is a Grade I-listed Tudor structure from 1465, placing guests directly in Colchester's historic High Street. For those prioritizing location and character, along with the bonus of pet-friendly accommodations, this hotel warrants consideration.”
Hotel logo
Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels
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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals
Single Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Twin Room
2 persons
270 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Double Room
2 persons
270 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Double Room Four Poster Bed No Pets Allowed
2 persons
270 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
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Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking

General

  • No smoking on site
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Shoe shine service
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities
  • Rollaway beds

Bathroom

  • Bathtub
  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Direct dial telephone
  • Mobile phone charger
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

The Brook Red Lion Hotel features inviting onsite dining at The Parliament Restaurant, where guests can gather in a cozy atmosphere to savor meals designed for both comfort and enjoyment. With a bar and lounge available, it offers a welcoming space to unwind after a day of exploration.
Brook Red Lion Hotel Colchester Restaurant photo
Brook Red Lion Hotel Colchester Restaurant photo
Brook Red Lion Hotel Colchester Restaurant photo

The Parliament Restaurant

Casual dining menu with a variety of options
Ambiance
A warm and inviting space that combines a bar with a lounge for a relaxed atmosphere
Key Offerings
Indulge in delectable meals accompanied by a selection of craft cocktails and snacks from the deli
Reservation
Not required
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; hours may vary

Brook Red Lion Hotel Location

High Street, Colchester, United Kingdom, CO1 1DJ
Map view
High Street, Colchester, United Kingdom, CO1 1DJ
Nearby
Museum
Hollytrees Museum
1800 ft
Museum
The Castle Museum
1300 ft
Church Street
Colchester Arts Centre
1700 ft
High Street Cowdrey Crescent
Colchester War Memorial
800 ft
Gallery
firstsite
1600 ft
Town Hall High Street
Colchester Town Hall
600 ft
Church
St Helen's Chapel
700 ft
Church
St. Botolph's Priory
1300 ft
One Castle Park Right in front of the Castle
The Claudius Gateway
1500 ft
Dutch Quarter Apartments West Stockwell Street
Dutch Quarter
700 ft
Church
Lion Walk United Reformed Church
500 ft
High Street
Colchester's Natural History Museum
700 ft
74 High Street
The Minories Galleries
1100 ft
St. Johns Thorrington Road
St. John's Abbey Gate
1400 ft
63 High Street
Xtreme Gaming
600 ft
Mercury Theatre Balkerne Gate
Jumbo Water Tower
1300 ft
4-11 Trinity Street
Holy Trinity Church
400 ft
11A Eld Lane
The South Lanes
700 ft
East Stockwell Street
Peake's House
900 ft
Balkerne Passage
Colchester Roman Wall
1100 ft
Restaurants
Mcdonalds
200 ft
35-37 High Street
Pitta Lab
600 ft
Lion Walk Shopping Centre 77 Culver Street East
Dr Chippy's
1300 ft
3 St. Botolphs Street
The Purple Dog
900 ft
42 Eld Lane
Starbucks
800 ft
Sheepen Road Colchester Retail Park
Level Best Art Cafe
700 ft
Darcy House 3 Culver Street East
Christos Grill
900 ft
24B Long Wyre Street
Loofer's Food & Coffee Place
1000 ft
1 Culver Street West
Explore Colchester
Explore Colchester
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Hollytrees Museum
Hollytrees Museum
7 minutes' walk
Hollytrees Museum showcases local history and culture with engaging exhibits and charming architecture in a historic building.
The Castle Museum
The Castle Museum
5 minutes' walk
The Castle Museum features a range of exhibits related to Colchester's rich history, housed in a stunning Norman castle.
Colchester Castle Park
Colchester Castle Park
20 minutes' walk
Colchester Castle Park offers beautiful grounds, gardens, and historical insights, perfect for a leisurely stroll and picnics.
Roman Circus Centre
Roman Circus Centre
16 minutes' walk
The Roman Circus Centre highlights Colchester's ancient history with guided tours and interactive displays about Roman Britain.
Colchester Zoo
10 minutes' drive
Colchester Zoo provides an exciting day out with a diverse range of animals and special events, ideal for families.
Highwoods Country Park
Highwoods Country Park
30 minutes' walk
Highwoods Country Park features scenic walking trails and wildlife watching opportunities, great for nature lovers and leisurely strolls.
Abbots Activity Centre
30 minutes' walk
Abbots Activity Centre offers adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures like archery and climbing, perfect for thrill-seekers.
The Purple Dog
The Purple Dog
4 minutes' walk
The Purple Dog serves British cuisine in a relaxed pub atmosphere, featuring local ales and hearty meals, ideal for casual dining.
Dr Chippy's
Dr Chippy's
5 minutes' walk
Dr Chippy's specializes in traditional fish and chips with a casual vibe, popular among locals and known for generous portions.
Pitta Lab
Pitta Lab
3 minutes' walk
Pitta Lab offers fresh, healthy Mediterranean dishes with a focus on pitta wraps and customizable options, catering to dietary preferences.
Colchester Arts Centre
Colchester Arts Centre
7 minutes' walk
Colchester Arts Centre hosts a variety of performances, including music and comedy, in a cozy venue with a vibrant cultural scene.
Colchester War Memorial
Colchester War Memorial
5 minutes' walk
Colchester War Memorial offers a peaceful outdoor space for reflection and community events, often featuring exhibitions and concerts.
Getting around town
City Centre
Colchester2 min  ·  400 ft
Airports
London Stansted (STN)83 min  ·  34.2 mi
London Southend (SEN)102 min  ·  41.9 mi
Train
Colchester Town Railway Station6 min  ·  1700 ft
Colchester Railway Station17 min  ·  4600 ft
Bus
Bus stop2 min  ·  400 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP10 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2012
Number of rooms:
25

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Brook Red Lion Hotel enjoys a central location in Colchester, ideal for exploring the town. Housed in a beautiful, historic building with a Tudor feel, many guests found the rooms spacious. Some visitors noted noise from the surroundings, unsurprising given the central location. A variety of options were available for breakfast.
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Review score
Based on 650 verified reviews
6.1/10
Guest rating
49%
Recommend
Location
8.6/10
Staff
8.3/10
Breakfast
6.5/10
Facilities
6.5/10
Pros
Good breakfast
Helpful staff
Spacious restaurant
Central location
Cons
Tiny bed
Noisy nights
Inconsistent WiFi
Guest reviews
based on 650 reviews
6.1/10
based on 1164 reviews
6.4/10
Ethel from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:January 08, 2026
8.7/10

Charming Stay in Historic Hotel

helpful staffwide selection
The staff were helpful with local travel needs. My room was spacious. It included both a bath and a shower. The location is superb on the main street and close to the shopping center. It's ideal. Breakfast was excellent, with a wide selection of food. I particularly enjoyed the variety of egg preparation options.
Service
9/10
The reception staff offered quick assistance with luggage storage and provided directions. They answered questions about nearby attractions with patience and were always available at the front desk. It was much appreciated.
Rooms
8/10
My room included a comfortable queen-sized bed and a seating area with two armchairs. Blackout curtains effectively blocked outside light, ensuring restful sleep. The bathroom had a shower and provided complimentary toiletries. It was good.
Dining
9/10
Breakfast offered a selection of pastries, cereals, and hot items. The dining area was clean. It had large windows that allowed for pleasant morning light. The coffee was freshly brewed and flavorful, which I enjoyed.
0 Helpful
|
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hannah from united kingdom
Couple
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 26, 2025
8.7/10

historic charm, central location

central locationhelpful staffgood breakfastwide array
the location was indeed central, it made exploring the surrounding area simple. the staff helped us quickly with our baggage. i found the included breakfast a good start to each day. there was also a wide array of choices offered, catering to different tastes.
i noticed the room had some minor wear, mainly visible on the furniture.
Dining
9/10
The breakfast service featured an assortment of pastries and fresh fruit. hot dishes were prepared promptly. The dining area included ample seating for all guests. service staff maintained a tidy environment.
Facilities
8/10
the hotel's main lobby displayed historical artifacts, providing insight into its past. public restrooms were clean and well-stocked with necessary supplies. parking available nearby was convenient, it assured easy access.
Rooms
9/10
My double room included a king-size bed with soft linens. a television with various channels was available. the bathroom contained essential toiletries and a powerful shower. Everything was clean.
0 Helpful
|
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jayden from united kingdom
Single
double room
4 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:November 10, 2025
6/10

adequate stay with noticeable issues

lumpy mattresspoor sound insulation
I found several aspects of the room disappointing. the mattress was quite lumpy, and new ones are definitely needed. sound insulation was also poor. I could hear other guests walking and talking in the hallway. moreover, parking was inconvenient and added to the overall frustration.
0 Helpful
Georgia from United Kingdom
Single
double room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:October 29, 2025
7/10
helpful staffcentral locationsoggy paperearly noise
the staff was friendly and helpful i loved the building's history. the location was central and handy for walking about town
the loo wouldn't flush the loo brush was covered in soggy loo paper. there was early morning noise from traffic and bells chiming every 15 minutes from around 6am / 7am
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Brook Red Lion Hotel
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Brook Red Lion Hotel?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Is breakfast available at Brook Red Lion Hotel?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 10 GBP.
What are the nearby attractions to Brook Red Lion Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Colchester Castle (1 km), Colchester Zoo (3 km), and the University of Essex (4 km).
What dining options are close to Brook Red Lion Hotel?
Nearby restaurants include El Guaca Mexican Grill, Slug & Lettuce, and McDonald's, all located within 0.5 km.
What facilities are available for business travelers at Brook Red Lion Hotel?
The hotel features two meeting rooms and a business centre for business travelers.
What room amenities are offered in accommodations at Brook Red Lion Hotel?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a work desk, and tea/coffee making facilities.
What highlights can guests expect at Brook Red Lion Hotel?
Highlights include a bar/lounge area, 24-hour reception, luggage storage, and family-friendly features.
What is the distance from Brook Red Lion Hotel to London Stansted Airport?
The hotel is located 55 km from London Stansted Airport.
Are there golf facilities available at Brook Red Lion Hotel?
Guests can enjoy nearby golf at Colchester Golf Club and Forrester Park Golf Club.
Does Brook Red Lion Hotel offer any unique historical features?
The property retains original Tudor features and offers engaging historical narratives.
What services does Brook Red Lion Hotel provide for families?
The hotel offers interconnecting rooms, cots, children's menus, and cribs.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room