The Swan - A Colombo Edition Hotel, by the river, offers a genuine city retreat. Guests enjoy free in-room WiFi and start their day with an English breakfast at either of the two restaurants. The terrace and coffee shop are perfect spots to unwind.
Located in Ely, The Swan - A Colombo Edition Hotel is in the suburbs and on the waterfront. Ted Coney's Family Portraits and Stained Glass Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include YPL Performing Arts and Jubilee Gardens. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Mildenhall Stadium, or consider a night out at Burwell House. Visit our Ely travel guide
1 Sandhill, Ely, England, CB6 1NT
What's nearby
Ely Cathedral
11 min drive - 10.1 km
Newmarket Racecourse
34 min drive - 36.7 km
University of Cambridge
34 min drive - 38.9 km
Sandringham House
41 min drive - 62.3 km
YPL Performing Arts
10 min walk - 0.9 km
Getting around
Littleport Station
16 min walk
Cambridge (CBG)
38 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's
9 min drive
The High Flyer
10 min drive
The Ship Inn
6 min drive
The Yard
10 min drive
Rumbles fish bar
12 min walk
About this property
The Swan - A Colombo Edition Hotel
Hotel by the river
You can look forward to a terrace, a coffee shop/cafe and dry cleaning/laundry services at The Swan - A Colombo Edition Hotel. Enjoy a meal at the two on-site restaurants. In addition to a bar, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
Free self-parking
Express check-out, tour/ticket information and concierge services
Newspapers in the reception, a billiards/pool table and coffee/tea in reception
Room features
All guest rooms at The Swan - A Colombo Edition Hotel feature thoughtful touches, such as premium bedding, as well as amenities, such as free WiFi and safes.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
Designer toiletries and hairdryers
32-inch LED TVs with digital channels
Heating, housekeeping and electrical adapters/chargers
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
No lift (single-level property)
Stair-free path to entrance
Visual alarms in hallways
Well-lit path to entrance
Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
More
Banquet hall
Designated smoking areas
Room amenities
Bedroom
Blackout drapes
Egyptian cotton sheets
Bathroom
Designer toiletries
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Entertainment
32-inch LED TV with digital channels
Food and drink
Champagne service
Restaurant dining guides
More
Electrical adapters
Heating
Iron/ironing board
Mobile key entry
Safe
Soundproofed rooms
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in fee: GBP 25
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: GBP 25
Express check-out available
Special check-in instructions
The front desk is open daily from noon - 10:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Front desk (limited hours)
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Payment types at the property
Important information
Optional extras
Early check-in fee: GBP 25 (subject to availability)
Late check-out fee: GBP 25 (subject to availability)
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Property is also known as
The Swan A Colombo Edition
The Swan A Colombo Edition Hotel
The Swan - A Colombo Edition Hotel Ely
The Swan - A Colombo Edition Hotel Hotel
The Swan - A Colombo Edition Hotel Hotel Ely
Frequently asked questions
Is The Swan - A Colombo Edition Hotel pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at The Swan - A Colombo Edition Hotel?
Self-parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at The Swan - A Colombo Edition Hotel?
Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; check-in end time: 10:00 PM. Early check-in is available for a fee of GBP 25 (subject to availability). Late check-in is available during limited hours.
What time is check-out at The Swan - A Colombo Edition Hotel?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM. Late checkout is available for GBP 25 (subject to availability).
Where is The Swan - A Colombo Edition Hotel located?
Situated on the riverwalk, this hotel is 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from YPL Performing Arts and within 6 miles (10 km) of Babylon Gallery and Ted Coney's Family Portraits. Waterside Antiques Centre and Jubilee Gardens are also within 6 miles (10 km). Littleport Station is 16 minutes by foot.
Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?
Yes, this property offers free cancellation on selected room rates because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Reviews
The Swan - A Colombo Edition Hotel Reviews
8.2
Very good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.6
Cleanliness
7.6
Amenities
8.6
Staff & service
8.0
Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 33 reviews
10 - Excellent
11
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 33 reviews
8 - Good
15
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 33 reviews
6 - Okay
6
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 33 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 33 reviews
2 - Terrible
1
Reviews
6/10 Okay
Karan
29 Dec 2025
Food and Restaurant was good. Room was very cold and shower needed an overhaul. I would except more for a superior room
Karan
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
Stephanie
28 Jul 2025
Liked: Staff & service
Place was absolutely lovely, booked last minute! Beautiful views and walks, friendly and helpful service! Slept amazing, bed was really comfortable and the shower was lovely and relaxing! We will be staying again!
Stummbled across The Swan on a ramdom drive in Ely.
The staff are very welcoming, took us to our room which was clean, spacious and inviting, the room was over looking a canal, which made it feel tranquil when sitting on the balcony in the morning drinking tea, in the robes provided.
The bed was comfy, decent size walk in shower room too.
Had an ibiza themed night when we stayed, so decent music.
Would stay again.
A warm welcome, a quick check-in without any fuss & a comfortable room with views across the river. Good to meet and chat with Prasad and his lovely family when we left in the morning. Sadly we didn't eat here but we'll be back to put this right in the future
Great location and lovely pub/restuarant. Location on riverbank is beautiful and peaceful. Rooms are comfortable and well looked after.
Had a great night's sleep.
Great room with a small balcony overlooking the river. Nice menu for dinner & great choice of drinks from the bar. No breakfast available at the property despite whats hotels.com tell you but plenty of choice in Littleport. Great stay & would stay again.
Simon
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
8/10 Good
Verified traveller
22 Sep 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
OK for a short visit
Tiny balcony, ok for short visit. Train passing crossing annoying all night, but convenient and clean a bit dated though.
Good size room with lovely view over the river. We had dinner served in the room with was helpful. The staff were very nice. The room had not been full serviced before our arrival as there were two empty teabag packets in the stand. We had the room serviced the next day in order to have that replenished. The carpet has a lot of stains and desperately requires shampooing. Could also benefit from a new mattress. Overall we enjoyed our stay in a lovely location , and admitted it was a fairly late booking, we probably found what we paid quite high for two nights at this time of year.b
Olive
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
8/10 Good
Jacob Robert
17 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Pretty good value
Rooms are pretty tired and there was no gas heating but the provided space heater made up for it
Lovely area
We had a very nice overnight stay at The Swan in a comfortable & quiet room overlooking the river. The room was round the back of the pub in a separate block so we were able to go out & come in when we wanted. It was very nicely & thoughtfully furnished and supplied - good beverage choices, wine & water, lovely fluffy towels, lots of hot water & a great shower. It was very warm though, a few degrees cooler would have suited us better but we were able to keep the window open all night which was ok. I was disappointed not to be able to get breakfast there as Hotels.com said we could but we found a nice place 10 mins walk up the road.
On arrival was abit hesitant to be honest as right near the railway line and car park had a large buzzing generator.
Our fears were unfounded as facilities were excellent.Rooms were at the back , a series of chalets with their own locked security corridor .Motion sensor lights made it easy to see in the dark .
Rooms were modern and very clean .Towels arranged like swans when we arrived making it look very luxurious.Rooms were warm and each room had a small balcony over looking the river . We ate in the swan pub and found the food lovely and at a good price .Akso had complimentary tea , coffee and wine .Plus an extensive information folder in room.
Unfortunately the swan wasn’t providing breakfast but they had links to a local cafe which provided discount fir hotel guests .
There was live music on Sat night but this stopped about midnight so did not disturb us .
Travel into Ely took approx 15 mins .
Would def recommend, staff very polite and accommodating.
Used the hotel previously for work. Very clean and tidy.
Booked for a second time and work arrangements changed. Forfeited 2 nights but was promised a refund on the 3rd. This was not given and the manager will not answer the phone.
Daniel
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
8/10 Good
Ann
8 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
It was beautiful waking up and seeing the boats on the river, very quiet and lovely staff.
Ann
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
8/10 Good
Paul
25 Aug 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
The room was lovely and looked onto the river with a balcony
The bathroom was tight a big shower though the door hung off a bit
Lovely little hotel on the river, nice food and friendly staff. Just five rooms but each has veranda overlooking the river.
Recently refurbished and under new management (I believe). I look forward to staying longer next time
Pub and rooms had fan heaters as central heating did not work. Choice of drinks was lager lager and more lager. Food choices were limited. I opted for the fish and chips to be served a fish that had batter that was very oil filled. I will not be using here again
Ottimo hotel, camere pulite e in condizioni perfette. Ristorante, buona scelta di piatti e cibo ottimo. Rapporto qualità/prezzo eccellente. Se passerò in zona tornerò a trovalri