Like several reviewers, I would say the Saracens is "QUIRKY" - to be honest, I don't think I have stayed in a hotel with buildings quite as old as this one and recognise there are a whole load of challenges with a property of this age and understand the company who now own it plan a series of renovations (beginning 2026). The staff were friendly and very helpful. Friday nights fish and chips were very good Breakfasts were Ok

The difference between Saturday and Sunday mornings breakfasts were large, the buffet was very limited Sunday and if you don't fancy full English left a lot to be desired. Stairs were steep and narrow, differences between the floor height of the different buildings which made up the whole hotel meant care needed to be taken with steps - the place could have done with a lift. Room 22 (a large suite room) faced directly onto the rear quad and on the perfectly sunny warm days we stayed there was an area where smokers and drinkers gathered, which can get noisy. Luckily an early night didn't feature on the two nights we stayed, the bar seemed to close at 11pm so by 11.30 it was quiet. The on site car park was a bonus but needs to be relined, spaces were wasted with poor parkers

Exceptional staff and Inn. But the plus devil was in the detail! A rubber duck in the bathroom, the personal handwritten ‘welcome’ note by the bedside, the wonderful retro Robberts radio playing classic fm. It’s little touches like this that turn an eight into a ten. Our meal and table reservation was flawless and the food served really tasty. Simple English dishes served with style. We run a hotel in France and give credit where credit is due. You can stay, dine and relax in comfort, enjoy comfortable well equipped quiet rooms, but be at Stansted, even dropping off a rental car in less than 30 minutes. Great Dunmow is also a beautiful thriving historic village in which to spend an afternoon exploring.

My second time here, but on this occasion I was in a room in the main building, which was much quieter than before, which I appreciated. I was extremely comfortable; the room was excellent - very clean and had all I needed. (But see below concerning the shower). Excellent breakfast as before, and very helpful, friendly staff. I'd be happy to return.

The only thing that stopped me giving a 10 was the shower, which glugged and chugged and took me five minutes to get settled and at the temperature I wanted, because the control was not very good and the water pressure seemed low. But I managed eventually.

Room was clean and a decent size. Shower and bathroom clean and bed large and comfy. Breakfast was really excellent, good choice and well prepared. All the staff were friendly and helpful. Roberts radio in the room and bottles of water a nice touch. We didn't eat an evening meal in the hotel but based on the breakfast we will at our next visit. Great location in the centre of the town.

Strong deodorant smell in room on arrival but not a major problem as it cleared after opening the window for a few hours. Car park was a bit tight on bay size, quite busy and had a few large vans (they all left early) which made parking on arrival a bit awkward but not impossible.

Great location - middle of busy historic town. Fronts the main road but we weren't bothered by traffic noise either in restaurant or our room. Big free car park but a wedding on when we arrived so full until later on. Very attentive staff. Draft Wherry on tap. Very good food at reasonable prices

Portion sizes (for an ex prop forward) a little on the 'modern' side. Think about adding some sides. Not a criticism (you don't know how much you are getting till it arrives) but a suggestion

Staff were so friendly and accommodating, nothing too much trouble. Espresso martini mixed by the lovely barman was the best I've had! Room was lovely and clean, beautiful decor, and some nice personal touches, including a rubber duck for the bath! Even got a personal hand written note from housekeeping staff wishing us a nice stay. Breakfast included in our stay, lots of choice and freshly cooked to order.

Evening menu was scaled right back to what's suggested on hotels website, however I understand mid week bookings are lower and in the hospitality industry wasted food must be their biggest loss...

everything was just so good. We arrived at dinner time, I had asked (later than I should have) for a lower flloor room as my husband has a bad hip. On arrival I was informed they had upgrded us to meet my requirements. The room was fantastic, huge, lovely big bathroon with the best bath, lovely and clean shower gel, shampoo all smelling fab. the meal that night was wonderful as was the breakfast. well cooked and srved by a very nice young man. In all honesty, we moved from the area nearly 10 years ago, but sadly were never in a rush to return to the Saracens, but , well what a difference very friendly, helpfull good foor wonderful service and a great host.

maybe don't be in such a rush to clear tables, bearly had time to put knife and fork down but thats just a niggly dislike

Perfect location as I was visiting friends nearby. Staff very friendly on arrival, single room was ideal, situated in the courtyard, spotlessly clean, nice walk in shower with toiletries and a comfy bed. Breakfast included was great, again really friendly staff and service, and the restaurant of the hotel is really nice. A lot of atmosphere in the bar and outside seating areas on the Friday and Saturday that I stayed, so an ideal spot for a drink in the evening. No complaints at all and I would definitely stay here again.

The Saracens hotel was full of character but did not compromise on comfort. The staff were lovely and the breakfast was one of the best we've had in our UK tour. Little touches like a radio playing classical music when we arrived in our room made this a clssy yet affordable stay. This hotel is only 20min bus ride from Stansted in an interesting and cute village. So a brilliant option if flying.

Nothing

I chose the Suite as a room option. Pleasantly surprised. Loved the hotel decor, the bar and comfort. The staff were super friendly. The room was spacious and had an old timey bath which I thought was absolutely unreal - and a separate shower to boot. Definitely a consideration for another stay

Not so much as didn't like but for the room numbers, it would help if there were indications on visual room directions.