The Ely Hotel, a Chef & Brewer Collection pub hotel on the edge of Blackwater near Camberley, combines 37 en‑suite rooms with an on‑site pub‑restaurant that holds a 4.6/5 rating on TripAdvisor (TripAdvisor). This article compiles verified operational facts, guest reviews from multiple platforms, and comparisons with nearby budget chains – Premier Inn Camberley and Travelodge Camberley – to help you decide whether the Ely suits your trip.
Last checked: 2026-06-30
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Hotel name: The Ely Hotel · Location: Blackwater, Camberley · Property type: Chef & Brewer pub hotel · Number of rooms: 37 en-suite · Nearby landmarks: Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Ascot Racecourse · Phone: 44 1252-860-444
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-30.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Booking.com reviews, TripAdvisor reviews, Google Hotels profile, KAYAK price aggregation, Travel Weekly industry directory, Expedia listing, Hotels.com listing.
We did not conduct an on‑site visit, staff interview, or independent price verification. Guest ratings and operational details cited are current as of the publication date.
Key facts at a glance
- Original construction on London Road, Blackwater (Travel Weekly)
- Most recent recorded renovation (Travel Weekly)
- Hotels.com rating: “Excellent” (Hotels.com)
37 en‑suite rooms provide a more intimate scale than many chain hotels; the property sits a 20‑minute drive from Ascot Racecourse, making it a practical base for race‑goers and wedding attendees at nearby venues.
Hotel fact file
| Hotel name | The Ely Hotel (part of Chef & Brewer Collection) |
| Location | Blackwater, near Camberley, on the Hampshire/Surrey border |
| Property type | Chef & Brewer pub hotel (KAYAK) |
| Number of rooms | 37 en‑suite (Expedia) |
| Nearby landmarks | Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (2 miles), Ascot Racecourse (20‑minute drive) (Travel Weekly) |
The Ely Hotel
The Ely Hotel operates as a traditional English country hotel and pub under the Chef & Brewer Collection, a brand owned by Greene King. The building, erected in 1920 on London Road, still retains original beamed ceilings in the bar and restaurant areas. Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the property, and the pub serves cask‑conditioned ales alongside a menu of seasonal pub classics (KAYAK).
Location and ambiance
The hotel sits on the A30, straddling the boundary between Blackwater (Hampshire) and Camberley (Surrey). Two major landmarks nearby are the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, a 2‑mile drive, and Ascot Racecourse, about 20 minutes by car. Guests frequently describe the atmosphere as “pleasant” and “relaxed,” with the pub terrace providing outdoor seating for warmer months (Booking.com).
Room amenities
All 37 rooms are en‑suite and come with free Wi‑Fi, tea/coffee facilities, and flat‑screen TVs. Some rooms have been refurbished since the 2016 renovation; Google reviewers note that “refurbished rooms have been well done and to a good standard” (Google Hotels). A few guests have mentioned that some older rooms feel a little dated, but the overall feedback on room cleanliness is consistently high.
Dining options
The on‑site restaurant, simply called The Ely, ranks #1 of 7 restaurants in Blackwater on TripAdvisor with a 4.6/5 rating from over 780 reviews (TripAdvisor). Breakfast is included in many room rates; cooked and continental options are available. Hotels.com guests describe the pub food as “delicious” (Hotels.com). The menu features steak and ale pie, fish and chips, and seasonal specials, plus a range of cask ales and wines.
“Staff were excellent, friendly & helpful. Room was very clean and first class facilities.”
The bottom line: “Staff were excellent, friendly & helpful. Room was very clean and first class facilities.”— TripAdvisor hotel guest, TripAdvisor
Ely Hotel Camberley Reviews
Guest reviews across major platforms paint a consistently positive picture, particularly regarding staff friendliness, cleanliness, and food quality. Below we break down the patterns from four separate sources.
TripAdvisor reviews
TripAdvisor’s hotel page for the Ely (Blackwater) collects recent reviews that praise the “first class facilities” and “very clean” rooms. Multiple users note good road access and a convenient location for stopping over on the way to Cornwall (TripAdvisor user review). Some reviews mention that the pub atmosphere can be lively, which may not suit everyone.
Booking.com reviews
Booking.com reviewers frequently commend staff as “very friendly” and rooms as “very clean.” One guest wrote that “staff couldn’t have been more helpful” and expressed intention to stay again (Booking.com). Another noted an “exceptional” experience, with staff calling ahead to ensure the guest had everything needed for arrival (Booking.com English reviews).
What guests consistently praise and criticise
Common compliments: excellent, helpful staff; very clean rooms; good pub food; peaceful location despite being on a main road; free parking and Wi‑Fi. Recurring criticisms: occasional noise from the pub; limited check‑in hours (no late arrival welcome); a minority of guests find some rooms slightly dated. Across at least three separate platforms, the positive feedback on staff and cleanliness is virtually unanimous (Expedia; Hotels.com; KAYAK).
The bottom line: Guest satisfaction is high and centred on service and cleanliness. The main trade‑off is pub noise versus the charm of an on‑site restaurant with a strong local reputation.
Pros of staying at The Ely Hotel
- Highly rated pub‑restaurant (4.6/5 on TripAdvisor)
- Free parking and Wi‑Fi
- 37 rooms – more personal than a large chain
- Close to Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Ascot Racecourse
Cons to consider
- Check‑in ends by late evening; no after‑hours arrival
- Potential noise from the pub, especially weekends
- Some rooms not yet refurbished
- Limited budget options on‑site (no self‑catering or gym)
Price range
KAYAK reports an average weeknight rate around £90 for the Ely Hotel, placing it firmly in the mid‑range bracket for the Camberley/Blackwater area (KAYAK). Rates fluctuate by season and occupancy; booking directly with the hotel may offer additional perks.
Who is the Ely Hotel best for?
- Couples – Romantic pub‑hotel atmosphere, cosy dining.
- Wedding parties – On‑site restaurant and bar, overnight accommodation for guests; experienced staff, based on guest feedback.
- Business travelers – Free Wi‑Fi, easy A30 access, proximity to Sandhurst.
- Budget travelers – Consider the alternatives below if price is the top priority.
Location and getting there
The Ely Hotel is at London Road, Blackwater, Camberley GU17 9DQ. It lies about 19–21 miles from Heathrow Airport (Travel Weekly; KAYAK). The A30 provides a direct route, and the M3 junction 4 is about 3 miles away. On‑site parking is free of charge.
Premier Inn Camberley
Premier Inn operates a hotel in Camberley town centre, offering a familiar budget‑chain experience. It typically has more rooms (upwards of 60) and standardised amenities like a restaurant, bar, and free parking.
Key features
- Price often lower than the Ely (averaging £60–£80/night)
- Guaranteed check‑in 24/7 (subject to local policy)
- Standardised room layout, consistent quality
- Less character; no historic pub atmosphere
How it compares with The Ely Hotel
If you value consistency and low cost over character, Premier Inn is the logical alternative. The Ely offers a more memorable setting, better food ratings, and a pub environment, but at a higher price and with restricted check‑in hours.
Travelodge Camberley
Travelodge also has a presence in the Camberley area, with rooms typically priced below the Ely (often £40–£65/night). Rooms come with basic en‑suite facilities, free Wi‑Fi, and on‑site parking in some locations.
Key features
- Rock‑bottom rates; ideal for cost‑focused travellers
- No on‑site pub/restaurant beyond a basic breakfast offer
- Less personal service; limited staff interaction
- Check‑in often 24/7 via automated kiosk
How it compares with The Ely Hotel
Travelodge is the pure budget alternative. You sacrifice atmosphere, food quality, and service warmth for the lowest price. If you only need a bed for the night and plan to eat out, Travelodge works. But the Ely’s restaurant is a major draw for many guests.
Alternatives at a glance
| Hotel | Type | Rooms | Proximity to Camberley | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Ely Hotel | Pub hotel (Chef & Brewer) | 37 | On border, 5‑min drive | On‑site pub‑restaurant 4.6/5, free parking |
| Premier Inn Camberley | Budget chain | ~60+ | Central Camberley | Consistent quality, 24‑hr reception |
| Travelodge Camberley | Budget chain | ~40+ | Edge of town | Lowest price, self‑service check‑in |
Our recommendation
For most readers who value experience over price: The Ely Hotel is the better choice. The combination of a top‑rated restaurant, friendly staff, and a historic pub atmosphere delivers a stay that feels more like a mini‑break than a stopover. Couples and wedding guests will particularly appreciate the setting.
If you are budget‑conscious or need very late check‑in, one of the chain alternatives will serve you adequately – but you will miss out on the Ely’s culinary and service strengths.
Sample stay: Overnight with dinner
Arrive at 14:00, check in and park for free. Spend the afternoon exploring Sandhurst or walking the nearby Blackwater Valley path. From 18:30, enjoy dinner at The Ely – choose from the seasonal menu and a pint of cask ale. Retire to your room for a quiet night. Next morning, have breakfast (included in many rates) and check out by 11:00. Total cost: approximately £90 room + £35 dinner + drinks. This itinerary is especially popular with wedding guests attending a nearby venue, as Hotels.com reviewers mention it as “perfect after a wedding” (Hotels.com).
If you enjoy data‑driven hotel reviews, our The Anchor Hotel: Verified Information and Key Facts employs the same editorial approach for another property in the region.
Frequently asked questions
What is the address of The Ely Hotel?
The Ely Hotel is at London Road, Blackwater, Camberley GU17 9DQ. It sits on the A30 near the Hampshire‑Surrey border.
What is the phone number of The Ely Hotel?
The hotel’s telephone number is +44 1252 860 444, as listed on multiple booking platforms.
How many rooms does The Ely Hotel have?
The property offers 37 en‑suite rooms, confirmed by Expedia and KAYAK.
Is The Ely Hotel part of a chain?
Yes, it operates under the Chef & Brewer Collection, which is owned by Greene King. The hotel’s pub‑restaurant is also called The Ely.
What is the proximity of The Ely Hotel to Royal Military Academy Sandhurst?
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is approximately 2 miles away, a short drive of about 5 minutes.
What is the proximity of The Ely Hotel to Ascot Racecourse?
Ascot Racecourse is about a 20‑minute drive from the hotel, making it a convenient base for racegoers.
What does ‘tribute nights’ refer to at The Ely Hotel?
The Ely pub occasionally hosts tribute band nights (e.g., tributes to Queen, Elton John). These events are publicised on the hotel’s social media and local listings. They can add to the lively atmosphere but may increase noise.
Sources and further reading
- Expedia – The Ely Hotel by Greene King Inns
- Hotels.com – The Ely Hotel by Chef and Brewer Collection
- TripAdvisor – Ely Hotel (Blackwater)
- Booking.com – Guest reviews of The Ely Hotel
- KAYAK – The Ely Hotel by Chef & Brewer Collection
- Travel Weekly – The Ely Hotel profile
- TripAdvisor – The Ely (restaurant)
- Google Hotels – Ely Hotel guest reviews