Brook Red Lion Hotel

3.0 star property
Tudor inn with a 24-hour front desk and a restaurant

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Brook Red Lion Hotel

Executive Room (Four Poster) | 1 bedroom, individually furnished, desk, iron/ironing board
Exterior
1 bedroom, individually furnished, desk, iron/ironing board
Nightclub
Exterior

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Room service
  • Bar
  • Pet friendly
  • Laundry

Explore the area

Map
High Street, Colchester, England, CO1 1DJ
  • Colchester Town Hall
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Colchester Castle Park
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • University of Essex
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • London (STN-Stansted)
    ‪40 min drive‬

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Room options

Standard Twin Room

7.8 out of 10
Good
(7 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Executive Room (Four Poster)

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 Twin Bed

  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(7 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

About the neighborhood

Colchester

Brook Red Lion Hotel places you next to Colchester Town Hall and Tymperleys Clock Museum. This 24-room, 3-star inn has a restaurant and 24-hour room service, along with free in-room WiFi.

What's nearby

  • Colchester Town Hall - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Colchester Castle Museum - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Mercury Theatre - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • Colchester Castle Park - 10 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • University of Essex - 5 min drive - 2.3 miles

Getting around

  • Colchester Town Station - 8 min walk
  • Stansted Airport (STN) - 59 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Three Wise Monkeys - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Carluccio's - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Wagamama Colchester - ‬1 min walk
  • ‪Slug & Lettuce - ‬2 min walk

About this property

Brook Red Lion Hotel

Tudor inn with a 24-hour front desk and a restaurant
Brook Red Lion Hotel features free WiFi in public areas, meeting rooms, and a business center. The 24-hour front desk has multilingual staff ready to assist with tours or tickets, dry cleaning/laundry, and securing valuables. If you like to take your furry friend along on your adventures, this pet-friendly property offers food and water bowls. Additional amenities include a library, free newspapers, and laundry facilities.
Guests can expect free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with pay movies. Bathrooms have hair dryers and free toiletries. Coffee makers, free newspapers, and desks are also available.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Height restrictions apply for onsite parking
  • Offsite parking available (GBP 4.50 per night)

Food and drink

  • Daily English breakfast available 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM for a fee: GBP 10 per person
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • The Parliament Restaurant

Things to do

  • Library

Family friendly

  • Laundry facilities
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Business center
  • Meeting rooms

Accessibility

  • No elevator

More

  • 1 building
  • 2 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1465
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Tudor architecture

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Pay movies

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Desk
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Heating
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 9 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for GBP 15 per pet, per night
  • Food and water bowls are available
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for GBP 15.0 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Fee for English breakfast: approximately GBP 10 per person
  • Nearby parking fee: GBP 4.50 per night (1640 ft away)
  • Pet fee: GBP 15 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: GBP 15.0 per night
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Parties and events are allowed on site
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
  • Check-in: 3 PM
  • Check-out: 11 AM
The front desk is open 24 hours a day.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards. Cash is not accepted. 
  • Parties and events are allowed on site.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Some facilities may be restricted. For more details, contact the property. Contact information can be found on your booking confirmation.
  • There are no elevators.
  • Parking has height restrictions.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Brook Red Lion
Brook Red Lion Colchester
Brook Red Lion Hotel
Brook Red Lion Hotel Colchester
Brook Red Lion Hotel Colchester, Essex
Colchester Red Lion
Red Lion Colchester
Brook Red Lion Hotel Inn
Brook Red Lion Hotel Colchester
Brook Red Lion Hotel Inn Colchester

Frequently asked questions

Is free cancellation available at Brook Red Lion Hotel?

Brook Red Lion Hotel offers free cancellation on select room rates. For specific requirements, review the cancellation policy on our site.

What's there to see close to Brook Red Lion Hotel?

This inn is located in Colchester, just steps from Colchester Town Hall and Colchester Castle Museum, and within a short walk of Mercury Theatre. You'll also find Colchester Castle Park and Xtreme Gaming less than a mile away.

Will I be able to park at Brook Red Lion Hotel?

No, this inn doesn't offer parking.

Does Brook Red Lion Hotel have a casino at the property?

No, Brook Red Lion Hotel doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Brook Red Lion Hotel?

No, there is no indoor pool at this inn.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Brook Red Lion Hotel?

Couples staying at this inn will appreciate amenities like around-the-clock room service as well as a bar and a restaurant.

Does Brook Red Lion Hotel have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this inn.

Does Brook Red Lion Hotel feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Yes, Brook Red Lion Hotel serves an English breakfast for a surcharge each morning at The Parliament Restaurant.

Will Brook Red Lion Hotel allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at Brook Red Lion Hotel for a fee of GBP 15 per pet, per night. The property also provides food and water bowls.

Does Brook Red Lion Hotel have connecting rooms?

No, this inn doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Where is the closest airport to Brook Red Lion Hotel?

The closest major airport to Brook Red Lion Hotel is London (SEN-Southend), which is about 23.8 mi away. Another top airport is Stansted Airport (STN), which is around 27.2 mi away.

Are there rooms with balconies at Brook Red Lion Hotel?

No, there aren't any guestrooms with balconies at Brook Red Lion Hotel.

Does Brook Red Lion Hotel host weddings?

If wedding bells are in your future, take advantage of the wedding venue at Brook Red Lion Hotel.

Brook Red Lion Hotel Reviews

Reviews

7.0

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 80 out of 322 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 99 out of 322 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 70 out of 322 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 39 out of 322 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 34 out of 322 reviews

7.2/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Staff & service

6.6/10

Amenities

6.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Zumetoh

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Andrew

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

2/10 Terrible

Marian

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Verry dirty hotel bad smell
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Jean

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
I would never stay in this hotel again. It was absolutely terrible. It was my birthday on Thursday after traveling for 3 hours on bus and 2 trins i wanted a bath to freshen up. I turned the hot tap on the bath went to turn the cold tap on and it wouldn't turn so went to reception told the man who was very uninterested said he can't look at it till tomorrow which was Friday. I tried to sleep but had scalding hot water running all night so no sleep. You couldn't go in the bathroom because it was so hot. I had paid for 2 nights but left in the afternoon. It totally ruined my birthday as my family and i were going to an expensive restaurant on the evening and i couldn't even have a bath. I would likea full refund for both nights or im contacting my solicitor
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

We had a lovely stay and happy with the service.

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

6/10 Okay

William

Business traveler
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Very dated but ok if you need to get your head down a few junkies hanging about outside but i recon thats just the uk all over nowadays.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

4/10 Poor

Natalie

Traveled with partner
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unfortunately the hotel is in need of a makeover. It’s such a shame as it’s a lovely old building.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Louise

Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

4/10 Poor

Karen

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Alison

Business traveler
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

Ahmet

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

al

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

James

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort

Red Lion Colchester

I’m going to be completely honest. Do not go bro this hotel if you are expecting a 5 star treatment, mod cons and fine dining. But please stay here if you love culture , old buildings and history. The building is amazing , and Angela the manager is equally as amazing , she really went out of her way to take us around the building & tell us all the history linked to it. It is alleged to be very haunted so if you’re scared of things that go bump in the night , go and stay in a premier inn somewhere. Having said that, we stayed in the most haunted room and didn’t experience anything , if you’re over 6 feet tall I wouldn’t recommend the Four poster bed , I couldn’t stretch out as much as I’d have liked too but I was there for the experience and to go back in time and I’m really glad I did. Breakfast was amazing , I had the full English and didn’t leave a crumb. The bar/restaurant area when we stayed was empty… we had the place to ourselves, it just felt like home from home , some people may prefer a bit more atmosphere, I was happy to sit on the sofa and stare at the amazing wooden beams all around me wondering what secrets the walls hold. Overall , there is room for improvement in terms of cleanliness, bathrooms were a bit dated and scruffy… but at the same time you simply can’t ruin a building that amazing by turning it into a modern resort with shiney everything. Man up , and enjoy it for what it is. A piece of history you get to experience
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

Barry.

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Bed bugs I have been bitten all over
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

simon

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Worst hotel i ever been to

The reception lady was amazing really friendly,helpful and overall nice. Very warm welcome and good byes.Room was horrible dont even know were to begin. Floors wonky and very squeeky. Furniture and bed stained. Bathroom wonky toilet and bath just horrendous. Windows not double glazed and gap in between windows were cold air just came in. Curtains just falling apart bearly could close them because they were falling of the curtan rails and dont get me started on the noise coming from outside all day and night. Maybe got like an hours sleep all together. Everything in the room was outdated and just unbelievably horrible. Im so sorry but it was the worst hotel i have ever been too. The accommodation was bad but the service of one lady was just amazing.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Martin

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Lynn

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

4/10 Poor

Susan

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Historic hotel just dont take a street facing room

Have stayed here several times for its convenience as a great location for a stay in Colchester - right in the heart of the high street. I have always been very happy but on this occassion we left before sunrise & skipped the breakfast we had paid for. Had it not been for having had a few drinks, we would have in fact left in the middle of the night. Its an historic hotel with charm but it is what it is, old & lacking mod cons. Not a problem at all normalky but on this ocassion we had a room facing the High Street. The noise from happy party people, the pub which was open into the wee small hours, people waiting on buses & taxis was relentless & it was impossible to sleep one wink. I accept a High Street hotel in any city, particularly a builing of this age will not be soundproof but you could hear word for word peoples conversations in the street below. More significant though was a barely tepid shower as the water just never heated up. Additionally the room was not clean. There were cobwebs & dust in the beams & the bed was just awful. The divan base was splattered with some sort of liquid, possibly some blood. The matress had springs almost ready to pop out & my partner had an awful back ache as a result & could barely drive us back home pillows ( 2 squashed into one pillowcase each) were too big & lumpy. Ill stop there as you get the drift. Dont be put off stsying but do make sure you dont get a room at the front. We will only stay again in a room at the back
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Craig

Liked: Staff & service
Hot water fluctuated. Central location handy for walking about town. Staff helpful, especially at breakfast which was filling.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

8/10 Good

Kamran

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My great thanks goes to helpful and friendly staff. Breakfast was very good. Location of the hotel for me was excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

2/10 Terrible

Martyn

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Harlie

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024