Dragonfly Hotel Colchester Exterior photo

Dragonfly Hotel Colchester Interior photo

Dragonfly Hotel Colchester Restaurant photo

Key details

About the Hotel

A12/A120 Ardleigh Junction, Colchester, CO7 7QY

Near Colchester Castle

Very good

7.7

7.6

/10

3.6

3.1

"Rooms were clean, tidybans spacious. Evening meal was good value for money."

Catherine from United Kingdom

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"The bedroom was a nice size with everything that we needed for a two night stay."

Harry from United Kingdom

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"The room is huge with a massive bed, clean and spacious with a lovely view over the lake."

Tony S from United Kingdom

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4-star comfortable hotel minutes from Colchester's historic center

Location

Dragonfly Hotel Colchester is conveniently located at the intersection of the A12 and A120, providing easy access to the historic town center and the scenic Essex countryside. Guests can explore local attractions, including the renowned Colchester Castle, just minutes away. This strategic location allows for both business and leisure travelers to enjoy the area effortlessly.

Rooms

The hotel offers a selection of spacious single, twin, and double rooms equipped with Hypnos beds for restful slumber. Each room includes a 43' flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, and tea and coffee-making options. The focus on comfort ensures that each guest feels at home while staying in Colchester.

Dining

On-site dining at Dragonfly Hotel Colchester features a variety of English and international dishes prepared by skilled chefs. The hotel's restaurant is open from 5 PM to 8:30 PM and offers a relaxed atmosphere for dining. Room service is also available, allowing guests to enjoy meals in the comfort of their rooms.

Business Facilities

Dragonfly Hotel Colchester is equipped with purpose-built meeting rooms designed for professional gatherings, including business meetings and social events. The hotel provides advanced IT and screen facilities compatible with various devices, ensuring smooth presentations. Guests attending events benefit from well-equipped rooms and on-site dining options.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

The hotel welcomes families, offering comfortable rooms that cater to parents and children alike. Business guests with families will find convenience in the close proximity to local attractions, suitable for family outings. Dragonfly Hotel Colchester combines comfort and accessibility, making it a fitting choice for family visitors.

Highlights

Location: Conveniently located outside Colchester

Rooms: Hypnos beds for restful slumber

Dining: On-site restaurant with English & international dishes

Business: Fully-equipped meeting rooms for professional events

Location: Great

8.2/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingHassle-Free Parking

Free onsite parking was a great perk. Registering the car was quick and easy using the terminals in reception.

George from Canada

Review on

DiningTasty and Hot!

The hot breakfast buffet offered tasty bacon and sausages. Dinner was also very good and reasonably priced.

Megan from Australia

Review on

BedroomSuper King!

The rooms are a decent size, with super king beds. The mattress was good and comfy!

Rajesh from India

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BathroomImmaculate bathrooms

The bathrooms seemed newly decorated. They were immaculate with lots of hot water and clean, crisp towels.

Isabelle from France

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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

Double Room
2 persons
185 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Twin Room
2 persons
230 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Executive Double Room
2 persons
260 sq. feet
1 Queen-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details

Room rates & availability calendar

See the best prices and book your dates today!

Amenities & services

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

Facilities: Very good

7.8/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Services

Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Mini-bar
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
Direct dial telephone

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Experience a delightful blend of American, British, and international cuisines at Dragonfly Hotel Colchester's onsite restaurant. With family-friendly vibes and an inviting modern decor, dining here promises something for every palate, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to cater to diverse tastes.

Restaurant #1

American, British, International

Ambiance

Modern, family-friendly environment perfect for gatherings and intimate dinners alike.

Key Offerings

Delicious breakfast selections, light lunches, and hearty dinner options that cater to various dietary preferences.

Reservation

Not needed

Open daily from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM for lunch and dinner.

Dragonfly Hotel Colchester Location

A12/A120 Ardleigh Junction, Colchester, CO7 7QY

Map view

City landmarks

Landmark

Colchester Castle Park

2.7 mi

Stadium

Weston Homes Community Stadium

1.7 mi

Park

Highwoods Country Park

1.8 mi

Landmark

Gnome Magic Garden

1.3 mi

Market

Ardleigh Car Boot Sale Site

3100 ft

Landmark

Church of St John's

4900 ft

Landmark

The Ark, Highwoods Methodist Church

4400 ft

Museum

Boxted Airfield Museum

1.2 mi

Landmark

Gnome Magic

1.1 mi

Museum

The Castle Museum

2.6 mi

Landmark

Parsons Heath Baptist Church

1.5 mi

Farm

Mclauchlan's of Boxted Berry Farm

1.8 mi

Landmark

Coolpedals Cycling Holidays

1.6 mi

Landmark

High Woods

1.7 mi

Church

St Matthew

1.8 mi

Gallery

firstsite

2.7 mi

Nearby

Virgin Balloon Flights - Colchester

900 ft

Restaurants

Barley + Graze Restaurant

100 ft

A12 / A120 Ardleigh Junction Dragonfly Hotel

The Crown

1100 ft

Old Ipswich Road

Table Table Balkerne Gate

2400 ft

Ipswich Road

Mimosa Restaurant + Deli

4700 ft

The Crescent

Explore Colchester

Gnome Magic Garden

25 minutes' walk

A whimsical garden featuring enchanting gnome sculptures, ideal for family visits and free fun.

Weston Homes Community Stadium

10 minutes' drive

Home of Colchester United FC, offering football matches and events like live music and community gatherings.

Colchester Castle Park

45 minutes' walk

A historic park surrounding an iconic castle with beautiful gardens, ideal for leisurely walks and picnics.

Boxted Airfield Museum

20 minutes' walk

A unique museum dedicated to WWII aviation history, featuring exhibits and artifacts relevant to the airfield.

Highwoods Country Park

30 minutes' walk

A vast park offering scenic walking and cycling paths, great for outdoor enthusiasts and families.

Local Market Days

10 minutes' drive

Seasonal local markets for fresh produce and handmade goods, perfect for those seeking cultural experiences.

Yoga Classes at The Ark

15 minutes' walk

Relaxing yoga sessions in a communal space, suitable for all levels. Pre-booking is advised.

Barley + Graze Restaurant

1 minute' walk

Stylish eatery focusing on fresh, local ingredients with a seasonal menu. Reservations recommended.

Mimosa Restaurant + Deli

17 minutes' walk

Charming deli serving Mediterranean-inspired dishes with vegetarian options available. Casual dining atmosphere.

The Crown

4 minutes' walk

Traditional pub offering hearty British fare, ideal for casual family meals. Gluten-free options available.

Colchester Arts Centre

50 minutes' walk

A vibrant venue for live performances and art exhibitions, hosting a variety of events suitable for all ages.

Local Pubs and Live Music

10 minutes' drive

Cozy pubs with regular live music nights and open mic events, perfect for couples and solo adventurers.

Getting around town

City Centre
Colchester 7 min · 2.8 mi
Airports
London Stansted (STN) 86 min · 35.6 mi
London Southend (SEN) 105 min · 43.2 mi
Train
Colchester Railway Station 6 min · 2.5 mi
Hythe (Essex) Railway Station 7 min · 2.6 mi
Bus
Bus stop 3 min · 700 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 16:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 12.5 per person.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Former name

Quality Hotel / Ramada

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay

Review score

Based on 3 verified reviews

8.9 /10

Great

100%

Recommend

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Comfort

8.1/10

Facilities

7.8/10

Free Wi-Fi

7.6/10

Location

8.2/10

Staff

8.6/10

Value for money

8.0/10

based on 370 reviews

3/5

Mason from United States

Family with children

Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 03, 2026

9.0/10

Happy Hotel Stay

lovely coffee comfortable bed

The breakfast had lovely coffee, which got my day off to a great start. My room felt spacious and it was presented well, it made for a relaxing environment. I found the bed very comfortable and had a good night's sleep. I think the inclusion of breakfast was a great bonus.

I noticed some dusty spiders webs in the room with residents. The room really needed a good clean.

Service

10/10

Staff are amazing, and I saw they always go above and beyond. The receptionist was excellent, she was helpful and very chatty. She talked about places to go, and I got helpful recommendations.

Rooms

9/10

The room was very comfy and tidy and very quiet. I found tea and coffee facilities in the room. The bath and shower were both great, I really liked the shower pressure. The hotel rooms are spacious.

Location

8/10

The location was excellent, and the view from my room was perfect. It was easy to reach the port early in the morning from the hotel. It is also good for easy access to the major road network, I found this useful.

Dining

9/10

The hotel provides very good breakfast and a lovely coffee. Breakfast service is pretty standard and nice. I thought the hot buffet offered bacon, sausages, beans, and eggs. Cereals, fruit, yogurts, and pastries were also available.

0 Helpful

William from United Kingdom

Business traveller

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 22, 2026

9.0/10

relaxing stay

helpful staff spacious room good selection

the staff were very friendly and helpful throughout my stay. the room was spacious and clean. breakfast offered a good selection of items, ensuring a satisfying start to the day.

the room key sometimes didn't work on the first try.

Dining

9/10

breakfast had scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon and beans. plenty of tea and toast were available. the restaurant was clean.

Rooms

9/10

the double room was large and spacious. the bed was massive. the room was clean.

Service

10/10

adam checked me in and was very friendly. he was helpful and informative. the staff were very good.

Location

8/10

the hotel is around 10 minutes from the city centre. access to the major road network is easy. it is close to major roads.

0 Helpful

Grant from United Kingdom

Family with children

Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 09, 2025

8.7/10

Easy Check-In and Good Breakfast

friendly staff excellent bacon comfortable room

Check-in was very straightforward due to the friendly reception staff. Breakfast included bacon which was excellent. The room was comfortable and very clean. I found the location very suitable for attending a local family event.

I noticed there was no chef available on Saturday night.

Dining

9/10

I enjoyed a great breakfast that had a nice selection. There was bacon available. I think it was delicious. The breakfast area provided a relaxed start to the day. I didn't need anything else.

Rooms

8/10

The room was an adequate size for my needs. I had a Twin Room with comfortable beds. The room was also clean. I felt that this detail allowed me to have a good nights rest.

Facilities

9/10

The parking was included. I just entered my registration into the system. The lounge and bar area offered a place to relax with a drink. I found the staff helpful. They were very friendly.

0 Helpful

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