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Summary of reviewsThe Riverside Inn in Chelmsford comes highly recommended for its prime location and historical charm. Nestled just minutes from the city center and train station, it is perfect for exploring local shops, restaurants and the picturesque river walks. The inn's 400-year-old beautifully renovated structure, complete with historic timbered beams, adds a unique and quaint appeal to the stay.
Though the inn does not serve breakfast, guests appreciate the complimentary cereal bars, tea and coffee provided in rooms and the helpful staff who guide them to excellent nearby cafes. Dinner at the inn's garden setting receives positive feedback for the quality and variety of the food, reasonable pricing and friendly service, making it a notable dining experience.
The rooms at The Riverside Inn are frequently praised for their spaciousness, spotless cleanliness and charming decor. Large, comfortable beds, modern amenities and thoughtful touches like complimentary sweets and snacks contribute to a restful and enjoyable stay. The views, particularly those overlooking the river, add to the serene atmosphere.
Cleanliness is a significant strong point with daily housekeeping ensuring fresh and inviting rooms. Guests value the property's meticulous maintenance and the attentive and approachable staff who enhance the overall experience with their warm hospitality and helpful nature.
Overall, the combination of comfortable, spacious and well-maintained accommodations with historic charm and a convenient location makes The Riverside Inn an excellent choice for a memorable and pleasant stay in Chelmsford. Show more
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Categories
Historic Inn
Inn near Nightlife Spots
Cheap Inn
Small Inn
3-Star Inn
Room Types
Double Room with Private BathroomThis large double room has en-suite bathroom, classic furniture and tea/coffee making facilities.
Budget Double Room
Guest Reviews
8.3
Very Good
Location
Situated in a prime location, The Riverside Inn is a favorite among guests for its superb accessibility. Nestled just a few minutes' walk from the city center and the train station, it offers visitors the convenience of exploring Chelmsford without the hassle of long commutes. Many guests rave about the scenic walks along the river and the historic charm of this beautifully renovated building, replete with historic timbered beams.
The central position of the hotel makes it an excellent choice for those looking to explore local shops, restaurants and other amenities with Bond Street and High Street just a stone's throw away. The location is also highly praised for its proximity to the cricket grounds and other venues, providing easy access for event-goers.
Adding to the delightful experience is the stunning view of the river from some rooms, adding a touch of tranquility to the stay. The hotel's comfortable and spacious rooms, decorated with character, further enhance the overall experience. The Riverside Inn combines convenience with the charm of a quaint old mill, making it an ideal spot for a memorable visit to Chelmsford.
Breakfast
The Riverside Inn receives mixed feedback about its breakfast offerings—or rather, the lack thereof. Several reviews highlight that no breakfast is available at the inn itself with some guests expressing disappointment about this absence. It's clear that many visitors anticipated a breakfast option included in their stay, which occasionally led to frustration, especially as some booking platforms appeared to advertise it inaccurately.
On the positive side, guests appreciate the complimentary breakfast cereal bars, tea and coffee available in the rooms. The staff are also frequently mentioned for their helpfulness, directing visitors to nearby alternatives, including local cafes and restaurants, which many found satisfying.
Despite the lack of an in-house breakfast, the convenience of the inn's location comes through as a redeeming factor with numerous dining options just a short walk away. This proximity somewhat mitigates the disappointment for those who would have preferred breakfast on-site. Overall, while The Riverside Inn may not cater to breakfast needs directly, its strategic location and small in-room perks offer some consolation to guests.
Dinner
The Riverside Inn has garnered positive feedback for its dining experiences, particularly in its lovely garden setting where guests can enjoy plenty of seating. The evening meals are frequently highlighted for their variety and reasonable pricing with many guests noting the overall high quality and taste of the food. The pub area, in particular, receives commendations for its excellent bar food with reviewers appreciating both the flavor and value offered. Friendly service during dinner is another standout aspect that enhances the overall dining experience. While not universally perfect, as some guests have had less satisfactory meals, the general consensus reflects well on the culinary efforts of The Riverside Inn's chefs.
Rooms
The rooms at The Riverside Inn have received high praise for their spaciousness, cleanliness and charming decor. Guests repeatedly noted the large and comfortable beds, which seem to invite a restful night's sleep. The rooms are well-appointed with numerous amenities, including coffee machines, an array of snacks and good quality bathroom facilities with both bath and shower options. Many appreciated the thoughtful touches like complimentary sweets and bottles of water.
The unique character of the rooms stands out with several mentions of quirky and original features, including old wooden beams that add a cozy, historic feel. The decor varies from quaint to classy, often described as beautiful and well-decorated, enhancing the homely ambiance that guests enjoyed. Additionally, the views from the rooms, particularly those overlooking the river, contribute to a pleasant and serene atmosphere.
The overall comfort of the rooms is consistently mentioned with many guests highlighting the spaciousness and the well-thought-out furniture arrangements. The high standards of cleanliness were also a frequent point of satisfaction among visitors. Overall, the rooms at The Riverside Inn combine historical charm with modern comforts, ensuring a delightful stay for guests.
Beds
The Riverside Inn has received numerous positive comments from guests about the comfort of its beds, which are often described as large, comfortable and conducive to a restful night's sleep. Guests have praised the hotel for its spacious rooms and additional amenities, such as great tea and coffee facilities, large bathrooms and toasty temperatures with additional heaters if needed.
Many reviews underscore the luxurious and comfortable nature of the beds with adjectives like 'super comfy,' 'amazingly comfortable,' and 'perfect' frequently appearing. The general consensus is that the beds contribute significantly to a comfortable and pleasant stay at the inn.
However, there are occasional mentions of issues with the mattresses. A few guests felt the bed was too soft or too hard, while others mentioned being able to feel the springs or that the mattress needed replacing. Despite these few criticisms, the overwhelming majority of feedback regarding the beds at The Riverside Inn remains highly positive.
Cleanliness
The Riverside Inn prides itself on providing a clean and comfortable stay for guests. Many reviewers praised the beautiful and spacious rooms, which were described as spotlessly clean and meticulously maintained. Daily housekeeping ensures fresh linens and towels, making the rooms feel fresh and inviting. Guests appreciated the ample amenities, including a nice selection of tea, coffee and biscuits, along with clean and well-equipped facilities.
The staff at The Riverside Inn received high marks for their welcoming and helpful demeanor, contributing to an overall comfortable experience. The property itself is noted for being very clean and easily accessible, situated in a perfect location that offers good value for money.
While the majority of guests found their rooms impeccably clean, a few noted minor issues such as cobwebs, dust and occasionally less-than-clean bathrooms. Despite these isolated instances, the general consensus points to a high standard of cleanliness throughout the property.
In summary, The Riverside Inn offers clean, comfortable and well-maintained accommodations with friendly service, making it a solid choice for travelers seeking a pleasant stay.
Staff
The staff at The Riverside Inn are consistently praised for their friendliness and warm hospitality. Guests frequently noted the team was welcoming, helpful and quick to respond to requests. Many reviews highlighted specific individuals for their exceptional service, pointing out the attentive nature of the bar and reception staff. Despite a few isolated instances of negative experiences, the overwhelming sentiment reflects a high level of satisfaction with the staff's professionalism and approachability.
Service at the check-in was noted as easy and efficient with staff members often going above and beyond to make guests feel comfortable. The staff's willingness to assist, whether by accommodating special requests or providing local recommendations, stands out as a recurring theme in guest experiences. Overall, visitors appreciate the personal touch and genuine warmth provided by the team at The Riverside Inn, contributing positively to their stay.
3 Star
The Riverside Inn, a quaint 400-year-old establishment, offers travelers a unique experience with its rich charm and historic atmosphere. Reviewers frequently highlight the inn's wooden beams, creaky floors and distinctive features, evoking a sense of stepping back in time. Located conveniently as part of a charming pub, this inn provides guests with exceptional value for money. Words like exceptional, very good and superb are commonly used to describe the overall experience.
Travelers appreciate the cosy and comfortable atmosphere, contrasting positively with the often impersonal feel of typical business hotels. The rooms have been noted to exceed expectations, adding to the overall appeal. Many guests express their intent to return, emphasizing the inn's consistent delivery of satisfaction. While some visitors mention minor issues related to the building's age, such as hearing sounds from adjacent rooms and slight wear in places, these do not overshadow the overwhelmingly positive experience.
In conclusion, The Riverside Inn emerges as a delightful blend of historical charm and modern comfort, offering excellent value for travelers seeking a memorable stay.
Historic
The Riverside Inn is a delightful destination for history enthusiasts and those who appreciate characterful architecture. Housed in a beautifully restored 400-year-old building, the inn seamlessly marries historical charm with modern comfort. Guests are consistently captivated by the old wooden beams, quirky room features and period elements that give the inn its unique ambiance.
The hotel stands out for its stunning rooms, each adorned with original features that enhance its historical essence. Visitors frequently highlight the magical feel of the accommodations with spacious rooms and ample storage adding to their appeal. The property's renovation has preserved its old-world charm while offering a cozy and homely atmosphere.
The inn's prime location in the town center, coupled with its ease of access and facilities, make it a convenient choice for travelers. Additionally, the building itself is full of hidden surprises, adding to its allure and providing guests with an intriguing stay. The on-site pub further enriches the experience, boasting charm and history in equal measure.
Overall, The Riverside Inn promises a memorable stay, offering both remarkable history and a warm, character-filled environment.
No, The Riverside Inn doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Riverside Inn.
No, The Riverside Inn doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Riverside Inn.