Please note: our stay at The Bristol Hotel was received free of charge, but this in no way impacted my opinion. I was not obliged to write a positive review, and the venue did not see this review before it was put up on the site.
Perfectly located on Bristol’s vibrant harbourside, The Bristol Hotel blends understated luxury with an unbeatable central location, ideal for exploring everything the city has to offer.
The Welcome
Hotels can be deceptively boring from the outside, and The Bristol Hotel is no different. To me, its 1960s exterior looks pretty ugly…but step inside and you’ll find yourself in a sumptuous Art Deco-inspired setting. The reception staff were friendly and incredibly helpful, and seemed genuinely pleased to check us in, instantly setting the tone for a relaxed stay.
The Style
Art Deco influences run throughout The Bristol Hotel. The lobby is elegant, warm and inviting, with neutral tones and soft, relaxed lighting. The public areas – including the lounge, bar and restaurant – are equally stunning, with pops of colour and an almost Gatsby-esque vibe to the bar itself. The rooms continue the theme with tasteful, contemporary design that feels refined yet relaxed.
The Facilities
The secure multistorey carpark next door serves The Bristol Hotel (charges apply), making city centre stays straightforward – just remember to register your number plate at reception when you park. Inside, guests can enjoy the stylish lounge, bar and restaurant, as well as Rick’s Bar, with views of the water. A residents-only fitness suite is available for guests to use, and there’s ample event space for weddings, conferences and special occasions.
The Rooms
With 187 bedrooms ranging from cosy doubles to spacious suites, there’s something for every type of stay. Each room includes free WiFi, White Company toiletries, a 55″ Smart TV with Chromecast, a duck down duvet, tea and coffee facilities, robes and slippers.
We stayed in a Deluxe King with a sofa bed for our son. While we didn’t have waterside views, we were impressed by the room’s generous size and the comfort of both beds. The bathroom could have done with some modernisation and felt slightly cramped (the toilet was tucked behind the door), but we enjoyed a quiet and restful night’s sleep.
The Food
The River Grille restaurant overlooks the water and doubles as the breakfast room. It’s an elegant yet relaxed space serving a bistro-style menu for lunch and dinner.
Breakfast was a highlight of our stay at The Bristol Hotel. Pastries, breads, cereals, fruits, cheeses, cured meats and juices were plentiful, and the self-serve cooked options (including pancakes) were excellent quality and perfectly prepared. A fantastic start to the day.
The Prices
Room rates vary depending on category, starting from £110 per night for a Cosy Double and rising to £280+ per night for a Suite.
We loved The Bristol Hotel’s elegant yet relaxed atmosphere and its prime location – within walking distance of the harbourside and city centre shops, and just a 15-minute walk from Temple Meads rail station. For a luxury stay in the heart of Bristol, The Bristol Hotel is a great choice.