Whether you need a quick getaway or a long-term vacation, you will enjoy a visit to Essex. It offers more than 200 points of interest, giving you plenty of places to see and activities to try. Families with kids will enjoy learning about and encountering different species at Colchester Zoo and Sealife Adventure. At Epping Ongar Railway, you can take a trip back in time by hopping on a steam train that goes through the countryside. Hylands Park gives you the breath of fresh air you need while you are exploring part of the county’s rich history. If you do not mind splurging on high-end accommodations, you can stay in one of the best luxury hotels in Essex, UK. Check them out below.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to luxury services and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on June 26, 2025.
1. Lifehouse Spa & Hotel; Thorpe-le-Soken (from USD 246)
Fantastic restaurant meals with good breakfast options, although some menu items were limited
Reasonable pricing for a spa-focused hotel with a range of treatments
Great location near the coast with tranquil surroundings and wheelchair accessibility
Beautiful gardens, spacious rooms, excellent spa facilities, and friendly staff
If you want to splurge on your vacation in Thorpe-le-Soken, you may stay at Lifehouse Spa & Hotel. It houses 89 sophisticated guest rooms and suites amid 4.86 ha (12 ac) of English Heritage Listed Gardens.
With the Spa Stays, you can enjoy rejuvenating treatments along with excellent meals. The Two Night Spa Break is one of the best-selling packages here. It includes two-night accommodations, a three-course dinner on your first night, a full breakfast every morning, Grown Alchemist Spa treatment, and access to spa facilities between 10am on the day of your check-in and 6pm on the day of your check-out.
Lifehouse Spa And Hotel This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
2. Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted Airport; Stansted Mountfitchet (from USD 197)
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Stansted Airport is an excellent home base for exploring Stansted Mountfitchet and nearby cities, especially if you have the budget for splendid hospitality. Strategically positioned in the area, it is only 0.5 km (0.31 mi) away from London Stansted Airport’s main terminal. Aside from opulent guest rooms and suites, this hotel offers a couple of dining options.
The impressive on-site bar, Wine Tower Bar, is Europe’s first 14-m (45.93-ft) glass tower bar. It provides an elegant space to unwind and enjoy refreshing signature cocktails and spirits.
3. Talbooth House & Spa; Colchester (from USD 277)
Set in Colchester and beautifully overlooking Dedham Vale, Talbooth House & Spa promises an indulgent country retreat. It only has 12 individually decorated guest rooms and suites, so you can expect unrivaled and attentive hospitality. The staff can arrange various activities, such as canoeing and paddleboarding, for you to make your stay more enjoyable. Whenever you need to relieve stress, you can dip in the adults-only swimming pool. Kids may use it during supervised hours, which are from 8am to 9am and from 5pm to 7pm.
Every morning, you can have your continental breakfast served in your room.
4. GreyFriars Luxury Hotel & Restaurant; Colchester (from USD 172)
GreyFriars Luxury Hotel & Restaurant only houses 26 sophisticated guest rooms and suites, each with a stunning marble bathroom. It serves classic English afternoon tea in the bespoke Rose Room and Lounges, Baroque Bar & Terrace. With this high-class experience, you can enjoy delectable tea with light scones, wafer-thin sandwiches, and other fancy creations.
This hotel in Colchester also has an Art-Deco-inspired restaurant, Cloisters, which is open daily for lunch and dinner. It specializes in modern European cuisine with a British touch.
5. Greenwoods Hotel & Spa; Stock (from USD 184)
Varied dining experiences with excellent restaurant food and friendly staff, but breakfast service can be inconsistent.
Reasonable pricing for amenities offered, but breakfast could be overpriced.
Lovely setting in a beautiful English country town with limited attractions nearby.
Beautiful grounds, spacious rooms, fantastic leisure facilities, and a calming spa.
Set within a Grade II listed manor house in Stock, Greenwoods Hotel & Spa promises a splendid countryside retreat. Although it has been restored to provide modern comfort, it has maintained its elegant, 17th-century charm.
The on-site spa offers an extensive treatment menu that includes beauty services. Anti-aging solutions are also available. Of course, this spa also features an indoor swimming pool and fitness studio, where you can join different exercise classes. If you need space to enjoy some solitude, you will appreciate the relaxation rooms.
6. Orsett Hall; Orsett (from USD 139)
Orsett Hall promises a grand countryside escape in Orsett, sitting on a picturesque 4.86-ha (12-ac) property filled with landscaped gardens. It features an elegant lobby with a stunning chandelier, greeting you with a sophisticated yet warm ambiance.
At the on-site spa, Orsett Hall Spa, you can pamper yourself with rejuvenation treatments and beauty services. You can also use the different spa facilities to relieve stress. Specifically, you can chill in the lounge area, detox in the sauna, or dip in the whirlpool.
7. Funky Monk Hotel; Epping (from USD 197)
Featuring stylish guest rooms and suites with marble bathrooms and elegant furnishings, Funky Monk Hotel promises a relaxing stay at the heart of Epping. You can easily pamper yourself because it boasts an on-site spa offering rejuvenating treatments, and hair and makeup services daily between 10am and 7pm. You need to book your appointment at the spa at least 48 hours before your desired schedule of visit.
Moreover, this hotel has an elegant restaurant with a glorious staircase and high ceilings that blend well with tasteful furnishings.
8. Channels Hotel; Chelmsford (from USD 171)
Channels Hotel is an elegant boutique hotel in Chelmsford. It features guest rooms and suites with rich, contemporary furnishings that contrast nicely against a 15th-century vibe.
If you are on a grand family vacation, the Channels Retreat is perfect for you. It is a sophisticated holiday barn conversion intended for self-catering accommodations. Aside from three bedrooms, it has a private garden with a six-person hot tub. Before or after soaking in the hot tub, you can relax on one of the sun loungers.
9. Roslin Beach Hotel; Southend-on-Sea (from USD 232)
Roslin Beach Hotel delivers world-class hospitality in Southend-on-Sea, featuring refined guest rooms and suites with chic furnishings. It has an award-winning restaurant, Rosette Restaurant, which promises an exquisite dining experience with dishes made of high-quality ingredients.
Of course, no stay in Essex is complete without experiencing high-class British afternoon tea. This hotel offers afternoon tea from 12pm to 4:30pm daily. You can avail of either traditional afternoon tea or sparkling afternoon tea, both of which are accompanied by freshly baked scones, cakes, and other pastries.
10. Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate; Hatfield Heath (from USD 176)
With 98 individually designed guest rooms and suites exuding English grandeur, Down Hall Hotel, Spa & Estate provides an unrivaled retreat in Hatfield Heath.
It offers various luxury packages to help make your stay more meaningful. If you are on a romantic getaway, the Eat, Stay, Love package is suitable for you. It includes overnight accommodations, a three-course dinner from the Garden Room menu, and breakfast. If you need to nourish your body, mind, and soul, consider getting the Restful Yoga Stay package. It includes overnight accommodations on a Friday, a three-course dinner from the Garden Room menu, breakfast, and a one-hour yoga session.
Treat yourself to a splendid Essex vacation
Essex is home to hundreds of attractions, so there is surely something to appeal to every tourist. For the finest hotel amenities and services, check out these best luxury hotels in Essex, UK.
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