DaisyChain 2 Getaways – The perfect place to Stay – Play – Getaway

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what caught me off guard about DaisyChain 2 Getaways? The name honestly sounds like it should be some generic chain hotel, but this place is absolutely nothing like that. Tucked away on Church Lane in East Mersea – and I mean properly tucked away, you’ll probably drive past it once before spotting the entrance – it’s one of those boutique spots that doesn’t bother with official star ratings because, well, it doesn’t really fit into those boxes anyway. The whole “Stay – Play – Getaway” tagline actually makes sense once you’re there, which is rare for hotel slogans.

East Mersea itself is this quiet corner of Essex that most people only stumble across by accident, but that’s honestly part of the charm. You’re basically on Mersea Island (though it’s connected by a causeway, so don’t worry about getting stranded), and the location gives you that proper seaside escape feeling without the crowds you’d get at Southend or Brighton. The hotel sits in what feels like the village center, though calling it a center is generous – there’s the church, a handful of houses, and then you’re into countryside pretty quickly. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night; you can actually hear the water lapping against the shore if you crack a window, which beats the usual traffic noise you get at most hotels.

The property itself has this converted feel – I mean that in the best way possible. It’s got character that you just can’t fake in new builds, with those slightly uneven floors and walls that tell stories. The rooms are individually done up, so don’t expect cookie-cutter hotel furniture. Mine had this wonderful old wooden desk that looked like it belonged in someone’s study, and the bathroom actually had proper water pressure (you’d be amazed how many boutique places mess that up). Parking’s right there on site, which is a blessing because street parking around here can be a bit hit or miss, especially during summer weekends when day-trippers come for the oysters and sailing.

Speaking of summer – if you’re visiting between June and August, book way ahead. The whole island gets busy with people coming for the seafood and the sailing clubs, but spring and autumn are absolutely lovely if you want the place more to yourself. The staff actually know the area, too, which makes such a difference. They pointed me toward some walking paths I never would have found otherwise, including this brilliant route that takes you along the coast toward Cudmore Grove – proper countryside rambling that ends at a country park with views across to Kent.

The 8.8 rating this place gets makes complete sense once you’ve stayed there. It’s not luxury in the marble-lobby sense, but it’s genuinely comfortable and feels like someone put real thought into making it work. The kind of place where you can spread out your maps on the dining table, dry your walking boots by the radiator, and not worry about being too casual. If you’re looking for a base to explore this part of Essex – the oyster farms, the sailing, the coastal walks – or if you just want somewhere peaceful to actually disconnect for a few days, it hits the mark perfectly.