The best boutique hotels in Essex place you in some of the most idyllic locations in the United Kingdom.

Essex, located in southeast England, is a picturesque county known for its stunning coastline, historical landmarks, and vibrant towns. It is an excellent travel destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London and explore the English countryside.

Visitors to Essex can enjoy various attractions, including charming coastal towns, ancient castles, beautiful gardens, and wildlife reserves. The county also boasts a rich history, with Roman ruins, medieval buildings, and numerous museums and galleries.

We hand-picked top-rated boutique hotels in Essex to consider for your next getaway!

 

The 10 Best Essex Boutique Hotels

 

1. Pontlands Park Hotel

8.8 Average Rating
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Pontlands Park is a family-run hotel in the countryside, just 15 minutes drive from the M25 and 30 minutes from Stansted Airport. Built in 1879, the hotel boasts Victorian architecture and relaxed splendor. It is situated south of Chelmsford, with Chelmsford train station close by. Trains from there can reach London Liverpool Street in 35 minutes.

Pontlands Park has been sympathetically extended to offer 35 luxurious bedrooms, providing homely comfort and exceptional service. The hotel also features a fine restaurant and comprehensive conference facilities. Additionally, guests can enjoy the facilities at the neighboring leisure center. Pontlands is the perfect venue for weddings.

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2. Lifehouse Spa And Hotel

8.3 Average Rating
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Lifehouse Spa & Hotel Resort is an adults-only luxury hotel with 130 acres of beautiful grounds and listed gardens. It is located 6.4 km from Frinton-on-Sea, and a shuttle service is available from Thorpe-le-Soken Rail Station at an additional fee. Free private parking is available on-site.

The boutique hotel has 35 treatment rooms, a 19 m swimming pool, a sauna, a steam room, a hydrotherapy pool, and a salt inhalation room. A range of treatments are available at the beauty salon, and pre-booking is recommended.

The hotel offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu in the restaurant, and Wellington boots are available upon request.

The rooms overlook the gardens or gravel garden and feature free Wi-Fi access, a flat-screen TV, and free mineral water. They have a luxurious bathroom with designer toiletries, fluffy robes, and slippers.

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3. Seven Hotel

8.0 Average Rating
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Seven Hotel is located in Southend-on-Sea, a beachfront accommodation only 600 m from Three Shells. The boutique hotel offers a variety of amenities, such as a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar. Room service and a 24-hour front desk are also available, as well as free WiFi throughout the property.

Each room at the property features air-conditioning, a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower. Bed linen and towels are provided for all guests.

Popular attractions such as Southend Jubilee Beach, Southchurch Beach, and Adventure Island are within proximity to the hotel. London Southend Airport is 4 km away.

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4. The Bell Inn Hotel

8.9 Average Rating
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The Bell Inn Hotel is in Horndon on the Hill and features free WiFi. It also has a terrace and restaurant.

Each room has a private bathroom, complimentary toiletries, fluffy towels, a TV, a seating area, and a tea/coffee maker.

The price to stay at the hotel is based on ‘room only’. However, guests can purchase freshly brewed coffees & teas, pastries, and a continental & cooked breakfast menu from The Ostlers (on-site).

London is 37 km from the hotel, and London City Airport is 24 km away. The nearest train stations are Laindon or Stanford-le-hope, offering services to London destinations Fenchurch Street or Liverpool Street station.

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5. GreyFriars

8.8 Average Rating
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GreyFriars is an AA-rated property located in Colchester. It is situated only 200 m from Colchester Castle and 6 km from Colchester Zoo. The hotel offers various services, including a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi.

The guest rooms have a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom with free toiletries, and a coffee machine. Some also feature a seating area.

The property features a restaurant serving British cuisine, and a continental or buffet breakfast is available each morning.

GreyFriars is 11 km from Flatford, 1.1 km from Colchester Institute, and 38 km from London Southend Airport.

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6. The Riverside Inn

8.1 Average Rating
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The Riverside Inn is a 17th-century converted mill situated on the River Chelmer. It is located only 5 minutes’ walk from Chelmsford town center and the train station, making it ideally located for exploring the local area.

The boutique hotel offers refurbished rooms with individual period features. Every room has en-suite private bathrooms, TVs, hairdryers, and tea and coffee-making facilities.

The Riverside Inn is a busy pub with sports and a lively atmosphere. They offer a small plates/pizzas-style menu for guests to enjoy in the bar/lounge. It also features a decked garden overlooking the river and mill stream.

Chelmsford Cathedral and High Chelmer Shopping Centre are just a 10-minute walk away. Guests can also take a direct train from Chelmsford Rail Station to London Liverpool Street Station.

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7. The Cricketers Clavering

8.5 Average Rating
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The Cricketers Clavering is a 4-star inn located in the village of Clavering. It is 9.1 km from Audley End House, 31 km from the University of Cambridge, 34 km from Knebworth House, 40 km from Hedingham Castle, and 11 km from Stansted Mountfitchet Station.

The inn features a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar. It is non-smoking and offers a daily à la carte breakfast.

The surrounding area offers activities such as fishing, cycling, and more. Freeport Braintree is 44 km away, and Hatfield House is 45 km away. The nearest airport is London Stansted Airport, 13 km away.

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8. Kingscliff Hotel

8.2 Average Rating
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This property is situated on the coastal road of the Tendring Peninsula, providing spectacular cliff-top views. It features a garden, a terrace, and free WiFi throughout.

The rooms have a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, a TV, and storage space.

The boutique hotel is conveniently located 2.6 km from Clacton Pier and Claton-on-sea train station. The nearest airport is Stansted, which is 83.7 km away.

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9. The Last Post Wetherspoon Hotel

8.5 Average Rating
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The Last Post Hotel is located in Southend-on-Sea, 200 m from South Essex College. It features air-conditioned rooms and private parking. Guests can also enjoy the on-site restaurant.

The rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a kettle. Each room has a private bathroom with a bath or shower. Free WiFi is also available.

The boutique hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and breakfast for an extra charge served between 07:00–12:00 daily.

The Last Post Hotel is near several attractions, including Southend Central Library (300 m) and Southend Crown Court (800 m). London Southend Airport is 4 km away.

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10. Pontlands Park Hotel

8.8 Average Rating
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Pontlands Park is a family-run hotel in the countryside, just 15 minutes from the M25 and 30 minutes from Stansted Airport. Built in 1879, the hotel features Victorian architecture and relaxed splendor. It is to the south of Chelmsford, with Chelmsford train station close by. Trains can reach London Liverpool Street in 35 minutes.

Pontlands Park offers 35 luxurious bedrooms, which have been sympathetically extended. Guests can enjoy a fine restaurant, comprehensive conference facilities, and the facilities at the neighboring leisure center. The hotel is the perfect venue for weddings, providing homely comfort and exceptional service.

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