Portman Road

2.5/5 Stars Our stay here was a bit of a mixed bag. Upon arrival, we joked that we'd somehow entered the Twilight Zone – the vibe was more "motel" than "hotel." The staff were friendly enough, which was a definite plus. Our room was clean, for the most part, but we did notice that the spare pillows had some noticeable stains. Not a deal-breaker, but a bit disappointing. The real issue, though, was the overall atmosphere of the place. It felt deserted, like we were the only guests. The decor was straight out of a classic Western film – think tumbleweeds rolling down the sidewalk at any moment. While it had a certain quirky charm, it didn't exactly scream "luxury" or "modern amenities." If you're looking for a no-frills place to rest your head, this might be okay. However, if you're after a more hotel-like experience, you might want to look elsewhere. Perhaps a bit of renovation and some added amenities could elevate this place from motel vibes to something more impressive. For now, it's an average stop poor stay

The property was tastefully furnished which reflected its historical past. There was a spacious sitting room for use by guests and a kitchen equipped for the heating and simple cooking of meals. The tasty breakfasts were cooked to order with locally sourced ingredients. There was a small but pleasant garden with suitable seating areas. The staff were always welcoming, helpful and friendly. It was an easy 12 minute walk into the cathedral area and town. We had a very comfortable stay although we would have preferred one of the slightly bigger rooms had one been available. I should like to have revisited with a friend but there are no twin rooms at the property.

Lovely place to stay , I am going back for sure, this will always be my choice 1 when staying over for bussiness at Chelmsford. Amazing surroundings , clean and comfy room , fantastic breakfast. Thank you!