Among England’s most vibrant, stylish cities, with a fascinating history and buzzing youth scene, Bristol is a town that’s going places, and open to visitors wanting along for the ride.
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel (Photo: Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel Courtesy Booking.com)
Luxury, meanwhile, is something that the U.K. excels at. With its variable weather, the country has become a master at cosy comfort that comes either with a side-helping of traditional elegance or eccentric flare, and sometimes the two effortlessly combined. Bristol’s best hotels offer all of the above and more, with five of the very best compared and contrasted below.
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
The Bristol Marriott offers everything you might expect from modern British charm. Located in a beautiful Victorian-style property, the interiors have been effortlessly designed to bring the country’s century old hospitality traditions firmly into the 21st century. The rooms are spacious with views either out to the river or the college green, there are flourishes of the city’s colourful artistic heritage throughout, and the onsite steak house cooks up some of the best meat in town. From 131 pounds per night
Clayton Hotel Bristol City
Clayton Hotel Bristol City (Photo: Clayton Hotel Bristol City Courtesy Booking.com)
Don’t let its neo-Byzantine entrance fool you, the Clayton Hotel Bristol City is a singularly modern establishment. Purpose built as a hotel, that means there’s no compromise in terms of scale or comfort. Perfectly situated, with climate-controlled rooms, expect a spotlessly clean and frictionless stay. Flat-screen TVs, en suites, and coffee making equipment in every room come as standard, and there’s an onsite gym to burn off any excess calories you might have taken on board eating out on Bristol’s excellent culinary scene. From 148 pounds per night
Hotel du Vin Bristol
Riffing splendidly on Bristol’s naval heritage, the Hotel du Vin Bristol provides luxury accommodation with a healthy dose of character thrown in. Dark wood floors and leather furnishings mean this place even smells of sophistication, while the cavernous claw foot bath tubs will have you wanting to soak in them for hours. There’s an excellent French-style restaurant onsite, and the well-stocked bar is never less than buzzing; the kind of place you can still imagine settling down in to hear a sailor’s yarn. From 184 pounds per night
Berkeley Suites
Berkeley Suites (Photo: Berkeley Suites Courtesy Booking.com)
With each room its own floor in a fabulous Georgian town house, Berkley Suites provides precisely the regency comfort that so many travel to England to find – and with every room boasting its own projector, you can even watch Bridgeton while you’re experiencing it! Crammed with plush, bright colours, and located in one of Bristol’s most desirable neighbourhoods, the hotel has its own garden for residents to relax in on sunny days. There’s a charming associated restaurant just around the corner, specialising in local flavours, though the rooms also have self-catering equipment if you want to cook for yourself. From 94 pounds per night
Bristol North The Grange Hotel
Or perhaps you want to get out of the city proper, and enjoy your luxury in more rural surrounds. Bristol North The Grange Hotel offers just this, situated in a large free-standing building in the midst of its own grounds, it exudes peace and quiet, and promises a getaway all of its own – though still within easy striking distance of the town’s bustling heart. In a building that dates back to the mid-19th century, there’s an onsite brasserie promising hearty local grub, some truly enormous beds, and even a croquet lawn, perfect for those long summer evenings. From 98 pounds per night