Channels Lodge — Hotel in Chelmsford

A tale of two halves in room Yew. As a wedding venue it was fantastic, the staff seemed so helpful and accomodating, couldn't fault them for that. But as a hotel, I have to say one of the worst hotels I've stayed at, especially at that price point. Now I will caveat this by saying that there are absolutely worse hotels, but not that I have ever stayed in. From the top, the room was not properly cleaned with a large cobweb covering the ceiling and dirty marks on the mirrors, and some of the fixtures in the main room were broken, the fridge in the room was turned off via a hidden dial at the back of the fridge with no instructions telling guests how to use it. If you were expecting to be able to charge your phone next to the bed, guess again the plugs are largly inaccessable and not within reach of the bed. In the bathroom the shower controls came off the wall in you hand when using them and the strange mirrored cube decoration in the room had sharp broken edges. Breakfast was another debarcle (despite the food quality being absolutely fine) day 1 we were made to feel like we were intruding on breakfast as the staff asked if we were sure we had booked for breakfast, day 2 after the wedding, the breakfast seemed woefully underprepared for the number of guests staying with a queue for hot drinks cutting through the queue for food, and as a breakfast i was offered a single piece of bacon, a sausage, half a tomato, 1 egg, and 1 slice of toast, compared to the double that amount i got the day before for the same money. Frankly it wasnt good enough to be told id have to queue up again if i wanted the same food i had paid for. When i raised the issues at check out i was just thanked for bringing it to their attention with no attempt to rectify this with me as a guest. I cannot recommend...

First of all, this was very easy to book, with emails containing information arriving promptly and not too many either. They also specify to ask for parking, which there was more than enough of. This seems to be in case a wedding is taking place so they can ensure adequate spaces. The photos on here show the hotel very well and accurately- our room was decorated to a high standard and the bathroom was exceptional. Plenty of space to unpack belongings and the plush chair in front of the main mirror was a very nice touch. The bed was extremely comfortable, two pillows each as well as cushions. This faces the television, which was a good size with decent picture quality. The room also had French doors, which would be a lovely addition in the warmer months. Breakfast was included in the rate, and was very generous as well as absolutely delicious! We had the 'Naughty Butty' both mornings; french toast with bacon and maple syrup. Chelmsford is only 15 minutes away, where we spent a day at the cinema and in the city centre. It was a pleasure to come back after a long day to the amazing shower and really be able to relax in front of the TV. I would very much recommend Channels Lodge for couples looking to have a quiet and relaxing weekend away, for a reasonable price and a fantastic location. I can't wait...

Stayed here back in February, for my sisters wedding that I helped plan. The staff were great through the booking and allocating, prior to the day, as well as throughout everyone's stay. The rooms were very tastefully decorated, a mix of modern and traditional, with a luxury feel to them. Great value for money In my opinion. We stayed in the house one night and a night in their fabulous retreat. The retreat consisted of 3 double bedrooms, a salon, an open plan kitchen with plenty of seating, a lounge and a smaller area with mirrors/ benches and tea/coffee facilities. Plenty of space for a bridal party to get ready on the big day. Very modern (Even a hot tub in the garden to relax the night before). The house consisting of executive rooms and bridal suites, is much more traditional in look. Big open rooms all decorated uniquely. Comfy beds, very clean rooms and bathrooms. Cannot fault really. I recommend booking a table across the carpark at the Channels resturant for dinner, their food is superb. And with a lovely cafe onsite with continental breakfast in the morning. I would definately recommend for all...