Talbooth House & Spa in Colchester

WOULD BE GREAT IN THE SUMMER BUT NOT IDEAL FOR A WINTER SPA. the positive points: the house and grounds are stunning, well maintained to a very high standard. The staff are exceedingly attentive and friendly. Unfortunately the negative points: The check in is great and the lounge and fire are gorgeous, we were shown to our deluxe suite, which lived up to the expectations visually. However we were directed to the spa, which is a few hundred meters away from the main hotel. It was a freezing cold day and so we had to put coats and boots on and take all our swimming stuff across in a bag. Unfortunately we did not realise that all spa facilities are outside. Luckily it was not raining otherwise it would have been a total waste of time. We ran to the jacuzzi which was only warm, definitely not HOT, we managed to stay in there for 5 mins before trying the steam room, which is tiny, with 4 of us in there it was not possible to lie down and other guests had to wait as there was no room when they tried to join us. We went inside for our treatments and when we came out we tried to sit in the outdoor lounge, with fire, but even with the hot water bottles and blankets provided it was just to cold to enjoy this area. We return to our room at 5 PM, we noticed that it was very cold in the room as well. I turned each individual radiator up to the maximum. However, after an hour, the radiators were still just tepid, not even warm. We asked reception and they were exceedingly helpful and could see we were getting ready for our meal at Mason talbooth and would look at it when we went out. This meant we had to get ready feeling very cold. We also noticed at this point that we wished to blow dry our hair after washing it and discovered that there was not a dressing table with a mirror. Or at the bare minimum a plug point near a mirror, we had to blow dry our hair sitting on the floor with no reflection. I don't expect to be doing this in such a high-end establishment. We returned from our room after our meal and it was still cold. The receptionist explained that she had turned the boiler to the oil setting as the pellets did not seem to be working and this should solve the problem. Unfortunately as the room is so luxurious and large, the radiators were not sufficient to heat the room and all 3 of us had to sleep in thick pyjamas, socks and dressing gowns which was not conducive to a good night's sleep. Thankfully, this was not a romantic break as there would definitely have been no romance.!! So this place was great but we ere cold from the time we arrived until we left. I have emailed them 4 days ago, but have received no response

Stayed for one night in the most luxurious hotel and beautiful countryside The hotel and spa were just wonderful but what made it so special was the hotel staff who looked after us and made sure we were happy with everything From the drinks on arrival, tea in the afternoon, maps for our walks and changing our dinner arrangements, nothing was too much I can honestly say this was the best customer service we have received and cannot recommend this hotel highly enough A really wonderful experience thank you so much

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!VIEWS, ATMOSPHERE & all the staff,I can't even start to describe them.Had a wedding there on the weekend & boy was it a place to remember.I've been to 3 & 4 star venues but I think this venue deserves a 5 *.I take my hat off to all the staff,working from the morning till nearly midnight and didn't show any signs of giving up.So much so,my wife & I asked for a cup of tea & we had it bought out to us without any hesitation!Loved every bit of it & I would recommend this venue for anyone!👍👍👍

Amazing stay at the hotel. Everyone was lovely and welcoming. The Spa is wonderful to relax between walks or activities on the Stour river. I strongly recommend. We have had a relaxing and wonderful weekend there.

Brilliant, absolutely brilliant xx

Amazing fresh air, don't walk to the restaurant unless you are super careful, you aren't advised to anyway. The sauna was not what I expected but there weren't any photos to go by