Find the best Essex Hotels

Top reasons to visit Essex

• Scenic Countryside: Explore the picturesque Essex countryside, ideal for nature walks and outdoor adventures.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy a variety of attractions suitable for all ages, ensuring a memorable experience for families.
• Historic Houses: Immerse yourself in the rich culture by visiting historic houses that showcase Essex's heritage.
• Vibrant Shopping Centres: Discover bustling shopping malls and vibrant local markets for a unique shopping experience.
• Diverse Accommodation: Choose from charming bed and breakfasts to top-rated hotels to suit every traveller's needs.

Find great hotels in Essex

Discover a diverse selection of accommodation options in Essex, perfect for every type of traveller. Whether you're seeking a charming bed and breakfast, a family-friendly hotel, or a cosy cottage for a tranquil getaway, Essex has it all. With pet-friendly options and facilities catering to business needs, you can enjoy a comfortable stay while exploring the scenic beauty of this vibrant county. Experience the warmth of Essex holiday homes and lodges for an unforgettable escape.

• Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport: This 3-star hotel offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for LGBTQIA travellers and business guests alike. Located conveniently in Essex, it features a variety of amenities tailored for professionals, including multiple meeting rooms and an accessible business centre. Guests appreciate the modern decor, comfortable rooms, and complimentary breakfast, ensuring a good start to the day. The hotel's emphasis on inclusivity and its affiliation with LGBTQI travel guides make it a standout choice for those seeking a supportive environment while travelling for work or leisure.
• Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport: A sophisticated 4-star accommodation, the Radisson Blu is perfect for eco-conscious business travellers. This eco-certified hotel in Essex combines modern luxury with sustainable practices, offering facilities such as a comprehensive conference centre and dedicated meeting rooms. Guests love the stylish design and the range of dining options available on-site. With its focus on sustainability and high-quality service, this hotel is an excellent choice for those who value both comfort and environmental responsibility during their stay.
• The Harlow Hotel By AccorHotels: This 3-star hotel provides a unique blend of eco-friendliness and LGBTQIA inclusivity, making it an excellent option for socially conscious travellers. Located in Essex, The Harlow Hotel features a variety of business amenities including accessible meeting rooms and a business centre. Guests appreciate the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and its welcoming atmosphere. The modern rooms and attentive service ensure a comfortable stay, while its affiliation with LGBTQI travel guides highlights its dedication to creating an inclusive environment for all guests.

Where to stay in Essex

Essex offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal vacation spot. Explore the picturesque Essex countryside, enjoy a round of golf, or venture into East and Central London for a vibrant city experience. With its welcoming atmosphere and budget-friendly options, Essex is perfect for travellers seeking relaxation and friendly encounters. Whether you're planning a holiday or a quick getaway, Essex has something for everyone.

• Bishop's Stortford: Nestled at the border of Essex and Hertfordshire, Bishop's Stortford is a charming market town with a rich history and a vibrant community. Visitors are drawn to its family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor experiences, particularly in the picturesque parks and historic streets. The town features a bustling shopping area, a lively theatre, and a modern shopping mall centre, catering to a variety of tastes. Notable landmarks include the historic St. Michael's Church and the nearby Stansted Airport, providing convenient travel options. With an array of dining and entertainment options, Bishop's Stortford is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding countryside.
• Colchester: Known as Britain's oldest recorded town, Colchester boasts a fascinating blend of culture and history. Located in the heart of Essex, it offers a range of outdoor activities and cultural experiences for families. The town is home to the impressive Colchester Castle and a modern university, creating a vibrant educational environment. Visitors can enjoy theatres showcasing local talent, as well as a delightful shopping centre. Colchester's proximity to the beautiful Mersea Island beach adds to its charm, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely day by the sea.
• Southend-on-Sea: A bustling seaside resort, Southend-on-Sea is famous for its long pebble beach and iconic pier, which stretches over 1.1.9km into the Thames estuary. This lively city is perfect for families seeking outdoor entertainment, with attractions such as Adventure Island theme park and various theatres. The vibrant shopping centres and malls provide a diverse retail experience. With a variety of restaurants and cafes lining the beach, Southend-on-Sea offers a lively atmosphere, especially during the summer months when visitors flock to enjoy its sun-soaked shores.

Things to do in Essex

Essex offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. Enjoy the scenic recreational areas, explore vibrant shopping centres, and visit bustling shopping malls. Whether you're seeking nature walks or lively local markets, Essex promises a memorable experience filled with diverse attractions for every visitor.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in Essex, visit Braintree Village for a mix of shops in a vibrant setting. Eastgate Shopping Centre offers a variety of stores, perfect for families. If you're up for a drive, check out Battlesbridge Antiques and Craft Centre for unique gifts and crafts.

Recreation

At Topgolf Chigwell, enjoy a lively atmosphere with golf and entertainment, perfect for socialising while staying active. Warren Golf Club offers a luxurious experience amidst beautiful landscapes, ideal for relaxation and leisure. Lee Valley Park provides a serene environment, perfect for wellness activities and unwinding in nature.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of nature at Gilwell Park, a vibrant campground perfect for outdoor adventures with family. For climbing enthusiasts, High Sports offers exhilarating routes amidst stunning surroundings. Alternatively, dive into fun at Festival Wakeboard Park, where water sports and entertainment await for an unforgettable day out.

Nightlife

Experience a delightful evening at West Cliff Theatre, where you can enjoy captivating performances in a romantic atmosphere. For a fun-filled adventure, visit Xtreme Gaming Arcade, perfect for all ages. Wind down at the Old Sun Inn, a charming pub offering entertainment and a cosy vibe for a lovely night out.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Essex

For a budget-friendly trip to Essex, consider visiting between December and February when prices are lower, especially on Sundays. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and location, and arrange results by price to find affordable accommodation. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Explore free activities in the area and prioritise eco-certified hotels for a more sustainable stay. Keep an eye out for exclusive offers and top deals to maximise your savings while enjoying the beautiful sights of Essex.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Essex are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Essex is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay in Essex is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels at a glance. Moreover, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel accommodation in Essex with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Essex

Essex offers a delightful blend of outdoor and family-friendly activities, making it an ideal destination for adventurous travellers. Explore its vibrant urban parks, lush forests, and historic houses that reflect the region's rich culture and heritage. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely stroll or engaging in family fun, Essex provides a variety of attractions that cater to diverse interests, ensuring a memorable experience for all visitors.

• Audley End House: Explore this magnificent historic house, renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Essex as you wander through opulent rooms and learn about its fascinating history.
• Epping Forest: Experience the great outdoors in Epping Forest, a sprawling haven for adventure enthusiasts. With miles of winding paths and ancient trees, it's perfect for hiking, cycling, or simply enjoying a peaceful picnic amidst nature.
• University of Essex: Discover the vibrant atmosphere at the University of Essex. This modern university boasts impressive architecture and lively campus life, making it an excellent spot for cultural events or a leisurely stroll in a city setting.

Best time to go to Essex

None

The nearest major airports for your trip to Essex

Essex is conveniently accessible via three major airports. London Heathrow (LHR) is located 27.3km away, with nearby hotels such as the 5-star Sofitel London Heathrow, just 1.2km from the airport, and Great Fosters, 3.7km away. London Gatwick (LGW), 29.8km from Essex, offers luxury at Alexander House And Utopia Spa, 3.1km from the airport, and Windfalls Boutique Hotel, 1.9km away. The closest option is London Stansted (STN), situated 8.7km from Essex, featuring The Linden Stansted, a guesthouse just 1.9km away, and the Radisson Blu Hotel, a mere 0.1.2km from the terminal.