Hotels near Braintree & Bocking Public Gardens, Braintree

We hadn't planned to stay here but I had booked us in at the Stansted Holiday Inn Express on the wrong night so Chrissy at Stansted kindly found us a room for the night at Braintree as we had a early flight the next day. The staff on check in who also cooked and served our food and drink were absolutely brilliant. This hotel seems to have been left behind a bit with any refit as it is very tired and dated however the amazing staff made up for it hence the 4 stars. We'd tried the Toby carvery but they weren't taking walkins probably due to being so busy so we headed back to the hotel to see what they could rustle up for us. Although the menu was extremely limited as quite a lot of items were unavailable (not sure why?) We had spicy wings and soup to start so tasty and wonderfully presented. Followed by a shared toastie and then 2 fab puddings. Full bellies and v.happy thankyou. We were up and about before breakfast but the chap said he would happily let us have a take away coffee and any cold items to take with us as they were complimentary anyway. Overall a good stay.

An absolute health hazard is the only way I can describe this hotel. We booked to stay from Christmas Eve for 5 nights whilst visiting family for Christmas... We didn't even stay. We got to our room and from the second we got into the room, we knew immediately we could not stay in this room. Black mold everywhere, grease and holes all over the net the curtain, shower was covered in rust and mold, sink countertop was filthy and the heater was covered in rust and wouldn't turn off so we walked into a room that was just engulfed with the smell of burning metal. We went to reception and were given a second room... This one was worse. Black mold all around the window and along the shower curtain, build up all around the shower and sealant and the taps were covered in blue rust. The heater was also the same as the first room. We decided there and then we needed to get a refund and leave. The receptionist couldn't refund us and told us we had to contact gust services after Christmas. She ended up altering our stay from 5 nights to 4 so that money would at least come back and we'll have to deal with getting the rest back for the 5th night when they're open again. I have disabilities and health conditions that this room would have caused massive issues with, to the point I could have ended up in hospital if I had not noticed anything. Completely ruined our Christmas eve. We ended up at the Holiday Inn nearby and thank god for them! Super clean room which is twice the size of the ones at this place, wonderful service (we were given chocolates, minced pies and hot chocolate on arrival) free breakfast (which is delicious and lots of options including gluten free!), bar is open until midnight and they have looked after us! So if you're looking for a hotel in this area, go there instead! Avoid this Premier Inn like the plague, mainly because you will probably catch the plague if you stay here!

A nice welcome to this wonderful B & B/guest house set in beautiful surroundings. The accommodation was very clean & a lot of attention to detail. A very comfortable bed with excellent quality mattress! Stan & Trish put on & cooked us a delicious breakfast all sourced locally that set us up for the day! Nothing was too much trouble! Good arrangements for guests wanting to come home a little later in the evening (we visited a friend locally & got chatting away!) Would definitely recommend & would stay here again, Thank you both! 🙏😊