The Essex Golf and Country Club

Fantastic experience: Thank you to Kevin and Simon for the fantastic hospitality and organising a brilliant golf society day for us. The course was in excellent condition… interesting and testing holes for all handicaps.

Negative experience: We stayed here on the 22.10.2025 for one night. On first arriving in the room it appeared nice and clean. The bathroom, however, was another matter the toilet was disgustingly dirty , the flush was poor considering the water pressure was fine. The bath plug was heavily rusted and corroding and the bath was chipped. The bathroom floor was marked badly with limescale. When laying in the bath and looking up at the ceiling there was a lot of staining, from what appeared to be water damage. On the whole there seemed to be a lack of maintenance and cleaning. We had breakfast included and the food was dry and poorly presented. The doors did not close quietly and so there was a lot of banging until late and early the next morning.

Fantastic experience: Played a round of golf there and used some of the facilities. Extremely clean and tidy throughout. The staff were nice and helpful. The coarse is long and has some tricky holes it's very well maintained by the ground staff. They have just launched paddle tennis there and has several nice indoor courts. There's also indoor and outdoor tennis courts, gym, pool and hotel. Very impressive indeed.

Fantastic experience: Invited for a round by a friend, lovely course, well maintained and greens were superb.

Fantastic experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Essex Golf & Country Club ⛳‍♂️ Such a great spot for both sport and family time! ‍‍‍✨ ⛳ Golf course is beautifully kept, relaxing to walk and play – a real gem in Essex. The tennis courts are perfect for the kids – safe, well-maintained, and a great place for them to improve their game. ️‍♂️ Nice bonus having the driving range close by for a quick practice session. We still need to try the food and the pool, but from what we’ve seen so far, this is definitely a place we’ll keep coming back to. Friendly atmosphere, good facilities, and lots to offer for the whole family. #EssexGolfClub #FamilyFriendly #GolfLife #TennisForKids #CountryClubVibes

Fantastic experience: I stayed here for two nights as I had a wedding to attend in the local area. I had requested for twin beds on the booking but on arrival there was a double bed in the room. This was due to requests not being forwarded to the hotel by the third party booking website. However I called the reception and spoke to Davina who rectified this very quickly and the beds were rearranged. The hotel room was very spacious and clean and the beds were comfortable.

Fantastic experience: Nice clean room very helpful staff and a good golf course

Negative experience: The monitors on the machines can only show tv or freeview. It would appear that there is no internet on their machines so far this century. The staff hold back on the hidden extra costs and the contract small print - it turns out it'll take a minimum of 2 months if you decide to leave their 'easy to leave' contract. Also turns out there's a signing on fee that they probably won't tell you about. Edit: why doesn't management respond to my review?

Positive experience: We had a lovely stay for our anniversary at the hotel- the staff were all lovely but special thanks Rebecca and her team who were amazing and accommodating and Gary was so helpful despite being super busy!

Positive experience: Beautiful building and facilities, but Regularly go for business meeting days and the company I work for pay for facilities.rooms look outdated. Lunch always disappointing. everything is clearly made hours ahead … sandwiches dried out and taste stale.staff really friendly. Huge car park

Fantastic experience: A wonderful hotel full of character and a lovely nod to the military. We stayed here for two nights as we were getting married nearby. We stayed in the county suite. It was huge and perfect for the bridal party to get ready. The staff were very welcoming in reception and were so accommodating when the make up artist needed extra tables and extension leads. We booked out several rooms for the family too. A wonderful stay.

Fantastic experience: Lovely hotel with spa facilities. Unfortunately the pool was closed during our visit but that just means we’ll have to return. Hot tub, sauna and steam room were lovely though. Room was very hot but a fan was provided and we are having a heatwave! Price amazing for what we got! Nice location a short drive away from Braintree Designer Village too. Relaxed and refreshed!

Fantastic experience: My son and I stayed here for 1 night after a day out and it was lovely. Staff were so friendly. The pool was out of service during our visit but they offered us a complimentary visit to their sister club not far from here which we used. I would recommend anyone trying this hotel, even if golf is not your thing. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: My family stayed in the luxury lodge on site, not hotel. The lodge was definitely luxury.lt had every possible thing required,and comfortable beds. The added bonus was, that we could use the pool, gym and bars,restaurant all inclusive of the lodge hire. The staff were extremely friendly and very helpful at all times. We had a very good time thank you. Lynn Summers.

Fantastic experience: Outstanding service. Lovely, clean facilitates.

Positive experience: Stayed a couple of nights for adult holiday with friends. The hotel is good. The staff were amazing and friendly and the food was lovely too.

Positive experience: Stayed in one of the hot tub lodges for the week Frustrating would be how I would describe it. Lodge is great so very well equipped and to a very high standard with the hot tub built in. Now the downside Cleanliness the lodges as others have said must get a deep clean, at best they appear to get a quick cloth wiped over them but stains everywhere, sticky floors and work tops and hot tub dirty not to mention cigarette burns on sofa and door handles temperamental, it has the potential to be so much more but the maintenance/cleanliness of them let it down. Reception staff were great when went to them with issues with hot tub being cold, had someone attend that day and fix it. I would definitely stay again for location that allowed us to do London, Thorpe Park, LegoLand, Chessington World of adventures all within a few hrs drive. If going to London stop at Elm Park station and use the tube (Only an hour or so from this location) Will be back but hope it’s cleaner than on this occasion as spent hrs cleaning on arrival which really isn’t good enough

Positive experience: Just spent 3 day playing golf, the course was great loved it. Will not be back because the food was dreadful, breakfast was worse had to keep asking for more sausages, bread, egg, orange just! These are basic breakfast foods. The Bar run of lemonade, Guinness, lager for shandy again basis. The rooms were not made on the second day, no shower gel, no toilet paper no towel change. No lifts to get on the second floor!

Fantastic experience: Used the Essex Club for the swimming pool while we were staying in one of their luxury lodges. Pool and changing rooms were lovely and clean all the amenities you'll need after a workout or swim. Jacuzzi, sauna and steamroom was nice to as they have a shallow pool for the kids to play in, we could take in turns to make use of these while other one looked after the kids. The bar over looking the golf course was nice in the summer evening's.

Fantastic experience: We had a great evening celebrating our 15th work anniversary. Thank you to the team who made it all possible.

Fantastic experience: Great friendly service, thank you.

Fantastic experience: Had a great time. Good food at reasonable prices. The best thing was the huge terrace overlooking the golf course.

Fantastic experience: Absolutely my second favourite place from home. Would recommend to everyone and anyone. Definitely going to be a regular 'go to' well-being place! Great for children of all ages too - plenty to see and do in nearby Colchester. Just learned there are fourteen other sites throughout the UK. Whoopee!

Negative experience: The Essex.. all that you might expect. Poorly educated people behind the bar. All services are confused. Whoever is in charge is clearly on sabbatical. "You all right" is the catch phase and I don't give a toss is normal at this joint. The "Lodges" are the trailer park opposite the industrial estate. Enjoy!

Fantastic experience: We stayed in a Lodge. Very comfy bed, super hot tub. Great kitchen. Loved everything

Fantastic experience: We visited again today, and had a meal in the bar after the guys had played the 9 hole course. I don't very often write a review but the pizza was excellent, I had the salami one. The dough base was so tasty, I ate all the crusts! Staff are always professional. Looking forward to my next visit.

Negative experience: Had a breakfast yesterday 21/04/25 bank Holiday with my wife and a friend . Have to say was the worst breakfast and not cheap I've ever had ? My wife's poached eggs totally over cooked to go with her avocado on toast my friend and I had the breakfast ,the sausages were inedible, the fried eggs had skins on them and this after waiting an hour and 20 mins to get our food . Safe to say we will mot be returning and top it off I sent a complaint t by email and no reply . The only good thing was the lovely young lady who was serving us Amy , who tried her best to help us

Fantastic experience: Such a lovely weekend getaway! The staff were so welcoming, the food was delicious, and the gym facilities & pool were ideal. It was the perfect balance of relaxation and activity.

Positive experience: Had a girls weekend for my daughter's 10th birthday. Staff were very friendly. Room was a good size, clean, smart tv and tea/coffee/ biscuits in the room. Also was very quiet, and bed was huge and comfy so we slept really well. Pool was nice, only downside is that kids can't swim before 11am which is checkout time and would have been nice to have a second swim before we left. Staff in restaurant were also really nice. Prices were reasonable, however my meal was very small. Half a chicken breast in the burger and a tiny portion of fries- I'm 5'4 and 110lbs so I don't eat a huge amount but I was still hungry. Although conversely my daughter had a kids meal deal with dessert and had plenty of food for her and she said it was delicious. We really enjoyed our stay and will come back, thanks for having us.

Positive experience: Played the golf course last weekend, the longest round of golf I’ve ever experienced. We actually walked in after 12 holes as there were two groups in front waiting on the tees after every hole. We did ask the Marshall if it was possible to play through as there was only two of us which he responded with a grunt and that we would have to wait. Overall the course is ok but the greens were not in the best of condition.

Positive experience: Shabby room, only one bedside table so used case for water etc at night. Room not cleaned rubbish emptied, bed un maid, cups glasses dirty. Ran out of t bags and toilet paper. Complained to reception on first day and second day. On our last day cleaners knocked at 8am. Told them to go away until 11am checkout, they where obviously not kean. Will not stay again. Very disappointed.

Fantastic experience: We had a great trip to the Essex. The rooms are comfortable and spacious. The TV comes with Netflix, Disney etc. which was a very nice touch compared to other hotels. The only downside would be the window (on the ground floor) was facing a walkway for the golf course and close to the shoe cleaner. Although we did not mind the noise from the shoe cleaner too much, we could not have the curtains open during the day as people would walk directly past and look in. Nothing to do in the area of the hotel apart from facilities on site which are nice. The spa was fully booked for treatments but we did play padel which was fun. However the courts do not allow the ball to bounce as much as it should. Overall, very nice, comfortable stay. A nice place to get away and have a chill, relaxing weekend. When we arrived, on the bed there was some swans made from towels in a heart as we were celebrating mine and my partner’s anniversary. Very nice touch. We did not eat at the restaurant so can’t comment on that.

Fantastic experience: Great golf . Great service . Great bar food. Really nice people. Lots of Facilites too. Golf course was well maintained, challenging and fun to play

Fantastic experience: Near on perfect just 1 member of staff is the reason for it not so rude and just wanted to be on her phone instead of serving customers. Apart from that the room the swimming pool jacuzzi and steam room were great and clean

Negative experience: Stayed here for 8 nights and on the fourth day we asked that our room be made up. We returned the following evening after traveling to the seaside, to visit friends, leaving the cleaning staff 2 days to make up our room. Upon our return we came into our room to discover that all they accomplished was that they brought fresh towels and replaced the hand soap. Bathroom counter and sink had not been cleaned, table top where tea pot was had not been wiped down, cups and drinking glasses were not washed or replaced with fresh, bed had not been made up, bathroom trash was not emptied and floor had not been vacuumed. Perhaps training housekeeping on how to clean a hotel room properly would be advised. Front desk and restaurant staff, however are friendly and cheerful and the food is actually very good. Unfortunately, it was Impossible to reach any staff by phone, day or night, so any questions needed to be addressed in person at the front desk. The hotel recommends booking with them directly, but after numerous attempts I chose to reserve through Booking.com.

Negative experience: I had to stay at the Essex in January and whilst the facilities of the hotel are nice the food is extremely expensive for very basic quality and needs to be looked at. Currently feels like a rip off and disappointed me on my stay- the facilities of hotel are nice so is a shame. Some examples that I think cannot be justified: - I ordered a vegetable curry pictured which cost about £16 which is London restaurant quality but did not match. I paid £2.50 to upgrade to a stonebaked naan and genuinely received a tiny piece / cut up triangle of what looked like a packaged naan bread that had definitely not been baked anywhere near the club. - I ordered a superfood salad with a list of ingredients for £16 that again is restaurant level prices and came out very small with the main ingredients listed on the menu completely missing. I had to go to the staff and point out there was zero broccoli and avocado for example which they needed to check they had in the kitchen and then subsequently provided. - Porridge is like someone has put some quaker microwavable oats in the microwave. Have to pay £2 to upgrade to have a banana - again makes no sense. - Jacket potato paying about £10 for and tastes reheated, not fresh - Somehow the club is charging £3.50 for a single nakd bar. These are sold in packs of 18 for £7.99. I did ask the staff to double check the pricing but they said they change that much as is a healthy food - again makes no sense, especially for a health club! Overall hope the hotel looks at this as a priority as it feels like a combo of prices being too high/not being thought through and the quality being very basic. Overall it's detrimental to your experience of this place.

Negative experience: Shocking, lack of communication from the hotel completely. Turn up early for check in so we could use the pool only to be told no children after 2pm (despite phoning in advance to enquire) Then to be told that the bar and restaurant closes at 4 pm. None of which was mentioned in any booking emails. Staff and so called "Duty Manager - Verity" couldn't of been any less helpful if they tried. Looking at previous reviews, looks like we had a lucky escape and won't be returning.

Positive experience: Nice room bed very comfortable and I liked the pillows. Just a shame that people cannot shit doors quietly and constantly hearing banging either doors or people jumping around

Positive experience: A nostalgic trip back to the Essex for a round of golf. We had stopped going there a number of years back as it was suffering from poor investment, and the golfing side of things was suffering. Three years on, and we were pleasantly surprised to see the results of new investment. The course was in good condition, especially considering the poor weather, and the facilities were much improved. Service was good. Friendly staff, and the food was excellent. We will return - hopefully soon

Fantastic experience: Had a brilliant time here with my family was my youngest daughter birthday the staff was so good for us food was good room lovely and cosy and very clean definitely would go again next year

Negative experience: 23rd/24th December Worst experience Booked one night stay at the hotel in there best room Once in the room there was smell of sewage and off milk mixture Found rubbish all around the room from the previous guests and skid marks all around the toilet The manager come to the room and offered me 2 free drinks vouchers I explained to the manager i would rather leave and book in to another hotel Manager then informed me I would have to contract booking.com to get my money back And was asked to leave Once at another hotel I rang booking.com and was then told the hotel is only offering 50% back and have not replied to any emails since Unable to get any money until they get back to booking.com

Negative experience: We have recently cancelled our family membership here. The changing rooms do not have a child friendly changing area and none of the men in the locker rooms seem care if your child sees their genitals. Some seem to go out of their way... The pool is usually cold. Sometimes it takes as little as 20 minutes for the children's lips to go blue. Do not use the jacuzzi... Not clean. Whenever we turned up to use our membership there was always a delay getting in due to an administrative error on their system which for some reason we always got the blame for??? One member of reception staff in particular has always been extremely difficult and rude - think "computer says no..". Sometimes it took more than 10 minutes to gain entry. We asked for the head office telephone number but apparently they do not have one! We managed to get their email address but they did not respond to our complaints It's been around 2 months and still no response. We have now cancelled the direct debit so I expect all hell will break loose there end and legal action will ensue. Is that sort of place.... We have now joined the David Lloyd in Colchester and even though we've only been there a handful of times, they already know our names and the kids names and we are treated like "members".

Negative experience: It’s actually becoming a joke at the amount of problems this place has. For weeks now the mens showers have almost been unusable. Out of 6 showers only three work. The toilets in the men’s changing rooms you sit on them and they almost feel as if they’re about to fall apart. Let’s not talk about the constant breakdown of the steam room. This is supposed to be a health club yet they seem like they really don’t care about the problems they're constantly having and expect their members who pay a lot of money to put up with it. The women had the luxury of their changing rooms being updated, yet them mens has remained the same for years! Some of the lockers don’t even work properly. In the showers there are sometime wood lice crawling the walls and the stench which comes from the clothes spinner sometimes is beyond repulsive, you only have to walk into the changing rooms to smell it. The jacuzzi, sometimes to levels of chlorine which is in there is enough to burn your eyes. I can only stand being in it with the bubbles on for a matter of moments before I have to sit out on the ledge or get out completely. You really need to get on board with these problems and sort them out before your members start leaving

Positive experience: Myself and fiance visited your hotel this weekend, customer service was great! Cute little room, comfy bed, we made use of all facility’s which were extremely relaxing. Only thing we was disappointed with was the cleanliness of the rooms, I have a cleaning company myself so I understand what the cleaning standards need to be, there was old milk spillage on our bin, dust throughout, smears all over the mirrors, limescale on the bathroom glass, dust and water marks on handles and heat railing and soap still on all walls. There was also someone else’s hairs on the side of the bath, I just think you need new or fully trained cleaners. But based on everything else we had a lovely stay!

Fantastic experience: Had a three night stay here in a pet friendly lodge with my partner.The lodge was lovely and had everything we needed for our stay the the double bed was so comfortable with lovely bedding and a great hot tub on the decking which is enclosed and gated so perfect if you are taking a dog. We found the reception staff very friendly and helpful as well as the bar staff in the restaurant which we ate in twice during our stay and had a very nice meal on both occasions and the bar had lovely atmosphere. Can't wait to go back in the new year can highly recommend

Negative experience: This place has gone so downhill 2 mens showers out of order lukewarm water steam room out of order passed on 3 messages for someone to call me I came home 3 days in a row and showered at home total shambles funny they still take your monthly membership me and 6 others who go there are looking to leave looks like no one cares about the place us as members are the ones who are suffering

Negative experience: Very unprofessional customer service from an 'Emma' from customer membership services. I had not used the club for 4 months for health grounds and tried to keep membership active to see if can continue to use in the future. When it became clear to me I would no longer to use the membership, I gave my 1 months notice on 7 September. I was then informed I would then need to give nearly 2 months notice upto 1 November. I then offered to pay upto 7 Octoberand was replied to I have to pay upto 1 November or in 14 days I will be sent to recovery collection agency. I just want people to know my experiences and decide whether you want to deal with a gym with so little compassion or decency. I have decided to fight this on principle.

Positive experience: Nice rooms Good food Golf course in great condition

Positive experience: Rooms are good Bar service very slow and menu is quite limited

Positive experience: Good golf course, rooms are excellent, shame bar shuts at 10.30

Fantastic experience: Stayed for a golf weekend. The course was in great condition. The room was small but was fit for purpose. Made use of the pool and spa facilities, which were nice and clean. Would recommend.

Fantastic experience: We booked to stay here for 2 nights in a standard room & had issues with our room when we arrived (which were out of their control ) . The manager Barry resolved it quickly & made sure we were upgraded to a deluxe room . We have just came back a second time and the staff were brilliant ! They were friendly , the food service was quicker , the food itself was lovely & would definitely recommend to anyone who is looking to stay here !

Fantastic experience: Had a lovely stay. The room was warm, welcoming, modern and clean. And the service from the staff was excellent.

Negative experience: This is my 2nd time of visiting and was disappointed. The room windows was blown and dirty. Think these need an update. The noise and couldn't tell where it was coming from In the evening it was a mechanical noise was horrendous. The jacuzzi was so hot couldn't go in it. The food was OK took too long to get it. The breakfast some was overcooked and cold. There was an event where some children were very disrespectful and caused an unpleasant experience. The staff were very friendly and polite . Overall wasn't a pleasant stay.

Fantastic experience: Went here for food only, 4 adult meals just over £70. Nice food. Attended with members of the club as it is members only. Unless you stay at the complex.

Fantastic experience: We had a brilliant nights stay & thought the service was exceptional. Stayed in the garden suite, it was lovely. Breakfast was great & on the table within 10 minutes of sitting down. Can’t comment on the evening meals as we went out for dinner but overall everything was great, We would definitely stay again!

Negative experience: Cancelled my membership. Continued to charge me for two months. Still haven’t resolved this 8 months later.

Fantastic experience: Beautiful hotel with stunning views across the golf course. Great choice for meals and very tasty.

Fantastic experience: I visited the Essex Country Club for lunch with my sister , as the last time we went when it was my auntie and uncle had their 50th Wedding Anniversary 9 years. The meal was lovely and inexpensive too , we thought it was going to be expensive being a Country Club but no , the menus were reasonably priced. The views from the restaurant were amazing. Definitely recommend them and will come again .

Positive experience: Very slow service, no pro shop. The course is in good condition apart from the bunkers which are full of stones. The mens toilets on arrival were not in the best of shape. The course is also very busy at weekends so be prepared for a long and slow round of golf.

Positive experience: Rooms are great, showers lovely. Course is really good apart from the sand in the bunkers, very compact sand with lots of grit/stones. Food was lovely, bar service very slow (short staffed) and stops serving at 10pm.

Positive experience: Hotel is fine in itself , they just don't take cash not even the vending machine ,and the foods far from good and expensive

Fantastic experience: I stop at the Essex during the week due to work commitments. After trying other near by accomodation this hotel ticks all the boxes. Good facilities and especially after the recent refurbishment. With regards to staff, they are all a very friendly bunch including Maria who goes beyond her job role!

Negative experience: I am here to give a feedback for the spa area. Since I have been a member of Benton hall (another place for the same company), I believe the Essex place needs a proper development regarding the swimming pool, jacuzzi, changing room and shower area. Everything is outdated, few broken closets, and strange smells.even my boy said I do not want to come here again

Fantastic experience: 2 games of golf overnight stay with dinner bed and breakfast this was great value, room was fantastic, golf course was in fantastic condition, and all the staff brilliant

Negative experience: We left after 4 hours after checking in. Room was dated (even though we chose the ‘deluxe room’ option as we had read these ones were updated. They weren’t.) The bed was concrete and we could hear EVERY noise people made in room next door. People were smoking outside our window which came into the room. Horrible. We rang to complain and the staff didn’t care. We lost all our money, after being refused a refund for not even staying, they offered for us to come back for another stay. Why on earth would we after our experience and the rudeness of the staff?? Do yourself a favour AVOID. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.

Positive experience: Only visited for 9 holes of golf. Welcoming and pleasant employees. 9 hole course not as well kept as Chesfield Downs in Graveley, Herts.

Fantastic experience: Love this place. Nice rooms, friendly staff and great facilities. The only downside is good offering and the fact that there are not many food options nearby. Everything within a driving distance. The good at the hotel is not bad, serving your standard options like burgers and mainly comfort food but not enough variety to accommodate long stays. I still love the experience here and would definitely recommend if you are looking for a night stay.

Positive experience: Golf course was brilliant, very well kept and not too busy. Food was good (the pizzas are amazing - as recommended to us by the waitress). Only downside was in the evening, it took an hour to get my food when everyone else on the table had already eaten. Would happily return however!

Positive experience: Stopped on the 15th for work. Very much a mixed bag. The good. The staff were courteous, friendly and efficient at all times, a credit to the club The food was better than expected and fairly typical pricing for a hotel. Overall i enjoyed the food. I had a pint at the bar as well and it seemed well kept. The bad. I had a standard double room and it was not good at all, it is desperately in need of refurbishment. The windows had either dirt or rot on the insides (i didnt touch it) and when the wind blew the curtains blew also. The bed base was badly stained, no idea what had stained it. The toilet sounded like it was going to explode when i flushed it. When i checked for insects under the pillows - happily i didn't find any but i did find a number of hairs under the pillow. There was what looked like bits of food down the side of the chair at the work table, making me not want to use it. I am going to be spending a lot of time in the area over the next 12 months and now need to decide whether to try the deluxe rooms or find somewhere else.

Fantastic experience: Fabulous time ,had spa day and stay with evening meal and breakfast. Very friendly service and relaxing.

Fantastic experience: Great welcome, swift check-in. My room seemed recently refurbished to a high standard. Bar and restaurant was pleasant enough, good choice of beers, good choice of food from the main menu and the specials board, food was good, service pleasant. Location isn't the best but once there it's very good.

Fantastic experience: We played golf here as it was open when many others were closed. Overall the place is getting incrementally better over time

Fantastic experience: Really lovely place to stay, amazing golf course which if you play golf you would enjoy. The service provided by the staff is incredible lovely team and the spa which has a pool, sauna, steam and hot tub will make you relax ready for dinner or drinks

Negative experience: Never played on such a waterlogged course in my life. It was like a quagmire in most places, didn't need a trolley I needed a jetski. The greens are below average. Course needs to be rested but money is money and that's the Club Company Way, sadly, I probably won't be returning. On a positive note the staff in the bar were polite and friendly.

Positive experience: If you love golf this is the hotel break for you, if not they have a very good spa and gym facilities, and Tennis courts (indoor & out) When I arrived it was dark, so it was not until the morning that I got the see grounds. The room was nice and welcoming, there was a tea tray complete with kettle, Tea, milk sachets, Coffee bags (loved that), and biscuits. This stay was part of my birthday gift from my husband, I asked for a little cake in advance, sadly they could not do this however I was given vouchers for a complimentary drink and 10% off next visit. TV has LG channels and access to Netflix which was wonderful. The spa facilities where very good, and the gym excellent, if your staying in the hotel, in order for you to get to either the gym or the spa area. You have to walk outside and round back in through the main reception. Or you can take the balcony which you can access from the first floor of the hotel, however again you have to go outside. Very frustrating if the weather is nasty There was not buffet breakfast, you had to order at the bar, I asked for toast, scrambled eggs, with mushrooms and beans, when my breakfast eventually came, the knob of butter was hard and the toast no warm enough that the butter would not melt, and I was given "one" mushroom... Gutted is an understatement, I was sooo looking to be able to have yogurt, fruit and pastries with my breakfast as standard, sadly not here. This is a nice hotel - free parking and electrical charge points available, however I did expect more.

Negative experience: Absolute shambles. Got put in a room with a door in to get to the room next to us. This meant you could hear absolutely everything going on next door. Could literally hear them breathing. Crap

Negative experience: Stayed a few months back for a family funeral. The good things were friendly staff on reception. The room was clean and fairly new. Nice tv. Bad things were the food upstairs in clubhouse was very poor. Cold. Took absolutely ages to recieve it and Breakfast was cold and tasteless with very little options. Also extremely difficult to get a cab out of this hotel. Rang several numbers given by receptionist and found it very difficult to get one as its a fairly remote area. Overall decent room and nights sleep. Poor food and poor service in clubhouse

Positive experience: The not so good things: the room that we stayed is dated and not that clean as we would expected from the photos. The restaurant area was also not clean. Ordered some meals for dinner, but not all options were available (we were later informed to select something else), the food was either overcooked or greasy. Paid for breakfast, but definitely not worth the money. English breakfast was okey, Belgian waffles were overcooked. Glass, cups and coffee station were dirty. Went into steam sauna and it smelled of sewage. Mens changing rooms def needs refurbishment. The good things: staff was friendly and helpful. Liked the pool, jacuzzi and sauna. Women's changing rooms were okey and tidy.

Positive experience: Plenty to do in the area and in the hotel but the interior needs improvements. The room we stayed in was from the 90s. Old wooden mirrors, desk and cabinets without doors were very outdated. Only modern piece in the room was two pictures on the wall much bigger than the TV with 4 working channels. However it was very clean including the sheets of the bed. Pillows not comfortable at all and also there was building work going on in the hotel which made the afternoon and morning unpleasant. Don't expect alot of options from the bar/caffeteria besides a lovely stuff with nice smiles for which I am always thankful for! For food expect the traditional English breakfast and few choices of mains for dinner and no buffet. I do suggest the sweet potato chips and any tea which comes with lovely shortbread cookie. The bar itself is quiet and comfy with a touch of children friendly section with some toys. Overal if you like golf, tennis and swimming I suggest you go there but do not expect much on the comfort side of your stay.

Positive experience: Stayed here new years eve 2023. Room tidy and clean. Nice hotel. Bad bits, super king-size bed was extremely hard. Was meant to have single for 9 Yr old and got an uncomfortable sofa bed. No mirror near plugs to dry and style hair. Shower was broken. Breakfast was from 7.30am got to restaurant eventually, poor signage, sat there nothing out noone around, someone appeared at 7.45am amd said oh Breakfast is at 8am today it's signed around the clubhouse. Unfortunately we had no reason to go in the clubhouse and the receptionist had said it was from 7.30am. Eventually Breakfast was ready, fried breakfast was bacon sausage fried egg hash brown and beans. No cereal option for children, just muesli and bran flakes. Got our food sat down to enjoy and it was all freezing cold. Very disappointed with choice available and the fact it wasn't even warm. Husband had a cappuccino from machine and got a black coffee instead. Did get refunded for Breakfast but overall couldn't use pool as it was closed from 4pm Sunday and didn't open untill 11am Monday checkout was 11am, check-in was 3pm. Overall very disappointed and in agony from sleeping in the bed, the floor would have been softer!

Fantastic experience: Held our works Christmas Party here again this year. The food was excellent and was nice and hot when served, excellent DJ and music. Drinks are pricey.

Positive experience: TV in my room was a good 16". Mounted on the wall about 100m away from the bed so I hope You've got some good binoculars not a bad hotel if your working away. The Bar/restaurant was very quiet, nice pint. Food wasn't fantastic but cheaper than other food places near by.

Fantastic experience: Went ther for a Christmas party 2 years in a tow. The rooms are very nice (especially the new refurbished ones).

Fantastic experience: We went as a group for a Christmas dinner party and stayed overnight in the upgraded rooms. Had a great time, all the staff were friendly and helpful, food was good in both the clubhouse for lunch and breakfast and the dinner party food and service was very good (very well decorated function room), the rooms were clean and modern. Would recommend.

Fantastic experience: Exceptionally clean room and spa facilties, gym was fully equipped with THE most modern treadmill I've ever used! Every single member of staff was friendly and happy to help. Looking forward to returning

Fantastic experience: Amazing place. Came here for our wedding anniversary and the girls on reception was helpful and A+ at there job.

Positive experience: The hotel is okay, but extremely dated. The spa was lovely, the breakfast was nice and the staff were friendly, however, the rooms were very very old fashioned. Good price but just be prepared for a no frills experience.

Negative experience: I stayed for two nights and didn’t get any sleep on both nights due to noise from the room above. I complained to the duty manager who was rude and unhelpful. The hotel is overpriced for the state of the rooms which are tired and dirty and honestly it was embarrassing bringing my family here. I wouldn’t stay here again nor would I recommend it

Fantastic experience: I only used the bar area to buy lunch. The people were friendly and helpful. The area was neat, tidy, and clean.

Negative experience: I had been a member of The Essex Golf & Country Club for a number of years. The gym is decent and the tennis facilities good. The pool is ok but the men's changing rooms are in desperate need of an upgrade - the showers have broken tiles, and give off quite an odour. I really didn't use the club enough this year to warrant keeping my membership open. I informed the reception staff of my intention to cancel my membership within the 30 days notice period detailed within the t's & c's, and cancelled my direct debit. Because I didn't do this in writing they have hounded me by email for an extra month's payment, culminating in sending me a threatening email about half an hour after wishing me a happy birthday via email. Absolute jokers. I suggest they spend as much time training their staff as they do chasing debt. Avoid.

Positive experience: Rooms are ok but could do with a brighten up,the exterior decs need a freshen up looking tired. Our evening meal was really nice ,a good choice on the menu ,the breakfast was really good and very hot ,cereals , fruit, pastries were there as well tea and coffee and juices very nice

Negative experience: The best part of this stay was the extraordinary location so green an relaxing and the spa facilities (swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi) all clean and well kept. But unfortunately we had a really old room and uncomfortable stay in the room that we paid for almost £100.00 for just one night stay. The toilet was so old and not kept well at all, I always showered in the spa facilities because the shower in the room was old and no good pressure at all, the tap was separated for cold and hot water which really shocked as for a big hotel such The Essex, the Tv was so old and tiny even if we booked with a description saying flat screen and view but in reality the screen was flat but super old and the view was dry bushes that blocked the view of all the beautiful surroundings. So disappointed of how the room was and we went there for our anniversary, so the bad room lowered the mood.

Negative experience: Multiple time stuck in traffic trying to get back to my hotel because they hosted functions that shut down the roads and stopped you from being able to park near your hotel room. Cars were endlessly revving engines and children at functions wandering around the hotel with smokers wandering behind the hotel meaning leaving your bedroom windows open was not ideal. Golfers smoking next to your windows first thing in the morning too. No notice of that during the booking process or the check-in process. Rooms are sub-par, without a fridge, unless you go Deluxe the TV is atrocious tiny thing barely viewable. Gym is fantastic, and great spa and facilities, cleaning staff and other employees all fantastic and a great location. Highly recommend going to Earls Colne to 'The Lions Inn' for food, on-site kitchen/bar is overpriced for the quality as expected with most hotels.

Fantastic experience: Fabulous stay… gorgeous lodges.. Paul and he’s staff were super accommodating.. nothing was to much trouble.. we will be back

Positive experience: Booked 3 rooms for a golf break, 2 night's bed breakfast and evening meals. One of rooms had ant's in it and in the bed. Moved the following day to another room which was not really clean. Simple thing's like dust inside and on top of wardrobe , enough to draw your initials in. First day's evening meal was OK however waited nearly 2 and half hours for all 3 couses, next night it was if it was cooked by another chef. One morning there were no eggs for breakfast although the manager drove out in his car to collect some localy. Golf course it's self was excellent. All in all considering we paid around 1000 quid for this break I'm afraid to say it was NOT good value for money.

Positive experience: Excellent golf course but food a bit indifferent unfortunately. Just lacks that little polish. Would still recommend

Fantastic experience: We stayed at The Essex as we had a wedding to attend and were not from the area. The staff were super helpful and friendly. Thank you for a lovely stay.

Fantastic experience: We stayed at The Essex last weekend on a couples golf & spa break. From the moment we arrived, the staff were very helpful and welcoming. We stayed in the refurbished 'delux' rooms, which were nice with lovely views onto the golf course. The golf course was in good condition considering the weather hadn't been great leading up to our stay. Òur wives used the spa and were very happy with the treatments and the facilities. The menu for our evening meal was a bit limited but the food was very nice and filling! Breakfast was also nice, having the option of yoghurt with the fruit that was on offer would be a good idea, though. We had an afternoon tea on the Sunday before we headed home, which was delicious, and finished a lovely weekend off very nicely.

Positive experience: I'll just talk about the rooms and the dining as I didn't use the gym, pool, golf etc. I stayed in a deluxe room that has been recently refurbished and can say that it has been done very well with a good large screen TV, decent decor and a firm bed. The room could do with the addition of a fridge and the windows don't shut properly but otherwise very comfortable and well appointed. Warm in winter and lots of hot water too. The rooms don't have any details of any facilities opening times including restaurants and breakfast times and the phone I had in my room didn't list the reception button to press, you have to guess (it's the # key). You wouldn't know it because reception or the website or the rooms don't tell you but the restaurant opens at 7pm with a slightly bigger menu than the bar one. Before 7pm there's a bar menu with bar food, burgers, salads, jacket potatoes, sandwiches etc. The food is well prepared, fresh and mostly tasty (although pesto pasta was awful). For some reason your room key doesn't let you through the barriers in reception up to the bar area, you have to get a receptionist to let you through and although they're right there they often don't 'notice' you waiting which was annoying. Other than that the staff were pleasant and helpful. Definitely a disjointed stay, didn't feel like I was staying in a hotel and that's because it isn't, it's a golf club with rooms.