Hello Stayed at the Colonial Hotel in Gardner Massachusetts on 1117/12. We checked in around 3pm and the girl at the desk was nice and courteous. We had our room key, dinner/breakfast coupons and paid in about 3 minutes which is lightning fast in my opinion. Everything looked very clean and kept up on the way to our room. The bed was very comfortable and the shower/bathroom was spacious. The room was extremely clean. We then went to the pool/hot tub which has been totally redone and looks/is amazing. There is also a gym with exercise equipment and flat screen TVs. We headed to dinner at the restaurant. The restaurant has recently been over hauled and is a great place for dinner/ drinks. I had steak and wife had surf and turf. The steaks were cooked absolutely perfect, and I am very picky. The wait staff was very friendly and everyone was extremely busy. The owners of the hotel stopped by our table to make sure everything was ok. I thought that was a nice touch. After dinner we sat at the bar and played keno and watched some college football. the bartenders were very friendly. After a great night sleep we headed to the breakfast buffet which was excellent. The coffee was hot and delicious. The omelet station is a nice touch. Dropped the key off and checked out... What a great night Can not wait to go back to the Colonial Hotel... read more

When you drive up, the hotel looks glamorous. The lobby also looks somewhat impressive. The rooms are sub par. Very basic. Hot water runs out quickly. Toilet flushes twice? Water systems obviously need some work. The room had no glasses in it. We had to walk to the restaurant each time we needed glasses for water. The restaurant food was way over priced for the quality. Pizza olives were included in my pasta dish. Oh yum! The doors to the room do not shut unless you full out slam them. And there is no sound-proofing. I could hear every conversation, crying child, and other noise from inside at all hours of the day. Finally, the elevator closed on us twice while loading in the luggage carrier. Talk about a law-suit waiting to happen. Enjoy your stay! read more

Worst hotel you could ever go to. Please reconsider your stay with them if you've already booked.....Recently my wife and I stayed there the day before, and the day of, our wedding. We booked 36 rooms total (over $6,000) for our guests and were appalled at their lack of attentiveness, hospitality, customer service and cleanliness! We had TWO ROOMS with BLOOD STAINED SHEETS and when we called the front desk to have the sheets changed they never showed up to change them! The next day when we brought it to their attention again they simply shrugged their shoulders and said sorry. The children at the front desk have no personality or customer service skills at all, we asked if there was a way to have them comp 1 more nights stay for the 'newly weds' and they said absolutely not....$99 are you kidding me?!?! We would rather have stayed at the Super 8 motel and would have gotten a better deal. These people need to go back to college (I dont think there is a school for miles around them anyways) and learn how to take care of their guests. They nickel and dime you for everything and we wish we could get our money back! Find me on facebook, Ill give you more reasons not to go to this hotel. read more

I really wish there were negative stars for this property. We were travelling and spent two nights at this hotel because there was nothing closer to the friends we were visiting. In future, I will travel as far as necessary to avoid staying here! Our arrival was late, but we called ahead. When we registered we were met by an extremely sullen person with numerous tattoos who seemed determined to treat us as potential criminals. The room was clean, but the air conditioner was loud enough to shake houses in the nearby states. Every time it turned on, we were awakened from a sound sleep. The walls were so thin, we could here conversations in adjoining rooms. Although it received 4 stars on some travel websites, this rating was certainly not deserved. Avoid this property at all costs! read more

This place is a total rip off. The price for a room changes all of the time. They give you breakfast midweek, but make you pay for it when you stay on the weekend and are spending more money. No fridge or microwave in the room. One time I needed water heated up for a medical condition and the front desk wouldn't even heat up my water for me. Very unfriendly staff. The cancellation policies are ridiculous and no compensation if you have to cancel a reservation and try to get a little discount on your next stay. The general manager takes forever to return your calls. Took me five attempts and when she finally called back she told me there was nothing she could do to compensate for my returning stay. I would not recommend this hotel to anybody. read more

I stayed here for a wedding on the 4th of July this year. When I called to book the room I was told (on two separate phone calls) that the rate would be $139, because I was a part of the wedding. Upon arriving to the hotel to check in, I was told my rate was $196. I argued for a few minutes until the woman who booked me over the phone came over. Since she was the one who took my reservation, I was sure that she would fix this problem. I was wrong. She explained that there was a deadline on booking the room for the $139 rate and I did not make that cut. This could make sense except none one this was told to me when I booked the room, so I demanded the rate that I was given the day that I made the reservation. Make sense, right?? Well, not in their eyes. I gave them my credit card anyways, as I had 15 minutes to get dressed and drive to the wedding and attempt to now, not be late. They gave me the manager's business card and told me to take it up with her. Customer service fail. Then when I got to my room, there was only one bed, when I specifically asked for two. I called the manager on my way back from the ceremony and got no response. A few days later I emailed her and we went back and forth on the story but it got me nowhere. She eventually just stopped responding. I have worked in hospitality for 10+ years now and this was, by far, one of the worst customer services experiences I have ever seen. read more

I'm currently staying here at it's definitely not worth the large price tag. Wedding after wedding with loud, drunk guests...I'm on the bottom floor and there is obviously no soundproofing (or even thick carpeting??) between the levels because I can hear everything going on upstairs, and the people in the room above me have walked hard enough to actually make the light on the ceiling in my room shake and flicker. I don't understand why they don't save a section of the hotel for guests who aren't part of the weddings taking place? I've experienced guests screaming at each other outside my room door and numerous drunk people stumbling around. It seems to really focus on the party atmosphere, which would be great for a Marine Corps ball or a large party, but isn't really great for someone just wanting a nice place to stay. The bathroom is so small that I have to squeeze between the counter and the toilet to be able to close the door, and the food wasn't that great the one time I ate at the restaurant either. I may be spoiled, but for $125+ per night I really expect a nice place. To be honest, I've stayed at Super 8 motels that were quieter than this place. I've said something to the front desk, as well as a couple employees, and got a "well, that's a wedding for you!" response. Also, everything is a charge. Want a decent cup of coffee? $1.75. Bottle of water? That's a dollar. It's nicely appointed, but not worth the price tag. I called the front desk to get a glass of wine sent to the room so I didn't have to take my baby to the bar, and he told me that wasn't possible. I'm so disappointed, and to be honest the next time I come to Gardner I'll just stay somewhere else. It's nice on the surface, but really not once you actually stay here. read more

WORST HOTEL EVER!! I stayed at the Colonial Hotel in July 2015 while visiting family nearby. There were 2 wedding parties staying at the hotel. During a Saturday night around 10 PM, I was accosted by several drunk people (from the wedding party). One individual was half-clad and drunk and attempted to approach me while I was with my 4-year old son. The hallway was filled with marijuana smoke which is not only in violation of the hotel's "no-smoking" policy, but also an illegal substance. As if this was not enough, a glass was flung at our hotel door. Despite multiple complaints to the front desk staff who assured us they would be "patrolling" the halls, the excessive noise (from the drunken fools) lasted until after 3:00 AM. Having a young child with asthma, not only did this pose a health risk, but also create a hostile and unsafe environment. I followed up with the front desk for the next 2 days, requesting to speak with the manager, but the manager (Nicole) was conveniently "away" each day. I was assured that she would be contacting me, but by the 3rd day, I hadn't received a call. It was only after my husband and I left several messages (never returned) and then sent 2 emails later in the week did I finally hear back from her, but again, conveniently via email. Her email indicated that her staff "did everything that they could under the circumstances" and then basically wiped her hands clean of everything. This hotel has the worst customer service ever through and through. The front desk staff are incompetent and Nicole, the manager, hides behind them and needs customer service training. There was NO ACCOUNTABILITY of the situation. Also, don't try to get a receipt of your charges if you book online. You will be told that they can't provide it because they don't know what the rates were (but I went directly through its website so why is this???!!!). Oh yeah, and beware of the gross moldy shower curtains. read more

My now husband and I got married here in June in the tent and we had the absolute time of our lives. We were a bit worried before the wedding because the hotel seemed a bit disorganized and we would get many different answers about pricing, etc. However, everything pulled together so nicely and we were shocked at how beautiful everything looked under the tent and how organized the service was. We did open bar for the entirety of the event and the bartenders were AMAZING. The service was all around so awesome. When the wedding was over, my guests had a blast in the bar and the hotel was so accommodating and let my guests continue to hang out on the patio area. The only real problem we experienced, was a big mix up with room bookings. After a whole lot of going back and forth and he said she said, they finally refunded our money for 2 rooms that we didn't book. This whole ordeal was so stressful and is the only reason I am giving the hotel a 4 and not a 5. Overall, I definitely recommend the venue. It looked absolutely stunning and everyone had so much fun and we received many compliments. We also used the hotel for our rehearsal dinner and it was totally sub-par. The food was blah and they even spelled our last name wrong on everyone's menus, but I definitely recommend it for a wedding reception! Oh and the suite we stayed in was awesome. read more

We had our wedding here two years ago and cannot recommend the facility enough, and the same goes for the restaurant! The staff at the hotel, from the wait staff in the restaurant to the event team (especially Mary!!), are exemplary. We looked at several places before choosing the Colonial and, really, there was no competition! It was the nicest and most accommodating place, charged a very fair price, had the best food, and, of course, the staff! We had MANY of our wedding guests comment on everything I've mentioned. read more

Was completely horrified at the way I was treated. Stayed here after a company Christmas party and the night time clerk who seems completely bothered by ringing up my minimal purchases of water and a toothbrush. I asked if he was alright cuz he seems upset and his reponse yeah are you okay? I said yes but you seem upset. He response was yeah I'm just tired of dealing with drunk people and I have trash to take out. Classy guy classy place dirty room very upset tried calling the front desk after and could not get a response. After a long period of time and a few unanswered calls, I finally reached the ever pleasant Anthony, who was the original clerk I had dealt with and who was again extremely rude when I finally reached him on the phone. If this is the kind of event The Colonial is trying to portray, than expectations accomplished, if you want your event or wedding here, than expect miserable employees. I suggest go elsewhere to you'd like friendly front desk clerks because Anthony is just miserable and not someone you want to deal with. read more

Food was over-cooked and over-priced; service was absolutely terrible. We waited forever to waited upon. One of our party was gluten-free and the restaurant did not seem to know how to handle this. It was cold out and the dining room was VERY drafty. Definitely will not return. read more

The room is very comfortable but the bathroom is small. The front desk staff bordered on rude. If you have an outdoor wedding reception here, bring bug spray. As soon as it gets dark the mosquitoes will carry you away. Fitness room nice read more

Doesn't have the glam and glitz of a Boston-area hotel, but the suites are huge, staff is friendly, and on-site amenities are solid. Was in a wedding party here over Labor Day weekend and it couldn't have been better. What's more, I forgot my pillow in my room and they got it shipped out a day later. Great experience! read more

We had our wedding ceremony and reception at the Colonial this past New Years Eve. The hotel itself is gorgeous. Between the rehearsal dinner and reception, the food was AMAZING. Mary and her crew went above and beyond and exceeded all of our expectations. The entire staff was very friendly, accommodating, and treated all of our guests very well. The bridal suite and salon were the perfect place to get ready, a stress free and relaxing environment. The day and night went exactly as planned and we would not have changed a thing. Thank you for the wedding of our dreams, a day that we will never forget! read more

Recently stayed at the hotel for a wedding, wedding was beautiful and overall staff was nice until I had an issue with my room. I stayed for two nights each night in a different room, in morning of my final day I noticed a used tampon on the floor at the side of the bed. When I mentioned it to the front desk it was rudely suggested that it had belonged to me. The housekeeping was very nice and took care of it right away however the spot wasn't properly sanitized and was treated like it wasn't disgusting and harmful. I have tried emailing and calling numerous times and still have not heard back from management. I told them if I don't get a refund I would write a review, so here we are. I'd appreciate at least some acknowledgement considering there was a used tampon on the floor, did I mention it was used. read more

Our night was ruined by the colonial. We got to our room, The heater wouldn't turn on. We thought ok we will deal with having just the fireplace for heat. The heat on the fireplace wouldn't work. We called the front desk they sent someone up. He couldn't get it going. Said he didn't have the authority to comp the room. Then sent up another girl with a room key for the regular non suite room next door. We said listen you guys are ruining our wedding night then the first guy came back up and had called the Director of operations to walk him through fixing it. He failed again so we had no heat all night. We said screw it and tried to make the Best By getting into the jacuzzi tub. So we filled the tub we're sitting in there and turn the jets on and out comes a mildew sludge. I'm like wtf at this point so we took a shower I go to turn the tv on to check the score of the patriots game and the tv video wouldn't turn on. Just the sound worked. I'm like wtf. So I complained to the front desk this morning and they're supposed to get back to me this morning. I asked for my money back which was $279 a night and was told that they didn't have the authority to authorize that. So I'm waiting on a call from the manager.. just an absolute disgusting disaster of a night.. read more

Recently my wife and I had dinner at the restaurant and the Lamb App did not taste fresh with jar mint jelly. Also server was attentive but the food needed the attention. For my entree I had tender tips medium and got midwell to well some pieces were chewey and undercooked vegetables with burnt veg and pieces mixed in. Best part of our meal was the soup, side salad, and garlic bread from my wife's special menu offering, Tortellinni Lobster Alfredro with asparagus, but before we got our meals the waitress let us know that there was no asparagus for the special, it was only 6p.m. with maybe 10 customers at the time.That was dissapointing as was the meal. read more

You won't be able to sleep if you are assigned to Room 100. While the room was clean and internet access easy, for $186, including taxes, we expected to be able to sleep. Room 100 is the last room on that wing. Its door faced 4 other doors, one to the outside, a fire door, a door to the second floor and a staff, only door. Every single door shut with a loud bang every time anyone opened or shut them. This went on all night long. Bleary-eyed at check-out, I asked to speak to the manager but was told she was unavailable. I was given her card so I called and left messages for her on 8/17, 8/19, and 8/21 and she only returned my call on 8/21 when we were out, In her message, she claimed she didn't catch my name in the the first call, the number in the second. She indicated how busy she was so I thought perhaps email might work better. I asked for a $100 room credit but she ignored my request, claimed no one else ever complained and that was the weekend rate. There was a week-old message on the room phone of a voice in the background shouting "Hang up, hang up, hang up" so clearly the room had not been serviced for a week. There was no door on the closet, no full length mirror, no mini-fridge or microwave, basic amenities one expects in a budget-priced hotel and certainly in a $186 a night hotel. We couldn't leave soon enough. read more

The Bar & Grill was horrible. Took Almost an hour to get food. Hardly any staff around. Never re-filled our drinks, No management, no Staff. Finally got our food and it was wrong. Horrible experience. Wouldn't go back. read more

We checked into the hotel, and my husband signed a paper at check-in that he was told was their "no smoking policy". We went to the room, settled in and and made ourselves a drink. Went down to the lobby to greet friends, with cups in hand, and never gave it a thought. In the lobby we were practically assaulted by a manager who called us out loudly in front of our friends and other patrons, saying there was no alcohol allowed on premises unless it was purchased at the bar, and that she was confiscating our cups! She was confrontational and rude. And never even once asked us what was in the cups, just literally grabbed them from our hands. When my husband asked to see that policy, they loudly demanded our room number, then showed him the "no smoking policy" which ALSO said no alcohol. They NEVER at any time verbally informed us of this rule. We have no problem following rules IF we are aware of them! We were treated like criminals and embarrassed in front of a lobby full of people. If this woman had simply approached us, taken us aside end explained their policy, I would not be writing this review! There is a wrong and a right way to treat your customers, and this was unacceptable behavior not to mention unprofessional. We will NEVER stay there again. AND the beds were horribly uncomfortable and I didn't sleep a wink! read more

I found the Colonial to be just eh. I booked an overnight stay for a wedding I was attending, also at the hotel. I reserved a dog room, which was great and only $25 extra. The room was clean but smelled strongly of dog before I even brought my dog in. I guess I should have expected that. The room/bathroom was recently updated, but you could tell they didn't do the best job n the bathroom (hole around shower head, grout looked dirty, etc). Also, the shower drain was clogged and kept filling up the tub when we showered. It's worth noting that there is no fridge in the room. It seems to be a hotel focused on rules: no outside booze (not even for a bridal party getting ready at the hotel or a couple in the bridal suite), you can only walk your dog on a small patch of grass (not even in the parking lot or at the edge of the hotel property on the main road), etc. Oh, and they charged me on a Thursday for a Saturday stay; the charge included a fee for incidentals -- I've never stayed at a hotel that charges the full price plus a $50 incidental fee two days before a stay). For the amount they charge, it would've been nice to have a nicer room with more amenities. And don't get me started on the weddings here...it was so unorganized! read more