If you’ve visited Bristol before, then you may be familiar with the luxurious Berkeley Square Hotel. Just a stone’s throw from the city’s museum and art gallery and within easy walking distance of the harbour, it’s the ideal base from which to explore the sights and sounds of the city – but if you’re not the hotel type and are more partial to a bit of extra privacy, then the discreet yet sumptuos Berkeley Suites – just next door – may be right up your street.
Set apart from the hotel, this alternative five-star accommodation offers exclusivity and space of your own in a private Grade II listed Georgian townhouse – but with guests still able to enjoy the full service of the hotel, it’s a great spot for longer stays, as well as a short layover in the city.
Originally designed in the 18th century by renowned architect Thomas Paty and now restored to its former glory, the Berkeley Suites – five luxury serviced apartments – offer breath-taking views over the city – and, coupled with unrivalled comfort and a fantastic location on the Crescent – just minutes from the Clifton Triangle – it’s the sort of place you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.
From the décor right down to the refreshments, every little detail has been carefully thought out to offer guests a thoroughly relaxing stay – and, with kitchen facilities including a hideaway kitchenette and microwave, and a spacious living area, you can make yourselves right at home.
Each suite has been individually designed, decorated and equipped to the very highest of standards, featuring lavish, hand-crafted furnishings, a state-of-the-art cinema and sound system not to mention, of course, the Vi-spring bed of dreams. And, with a flat-screen smart TV and De’Longhi coffee machine – and the all-important well-stocked mini-bar – everything you could possibly need is right on hand.
If you do fancy a tipple, then the complimentary Bristol cream sherry is well worth a taste – though fizz, gin, beer and a range of soft drinks are also available. Biscuits, crisps, tea and coffee are also all provided in the rooms, keeping you well fed and watered at all times.
Staying for just one night, we found the suites the ideal place to rest our heads before a flight abroad from Bristol airport, which is just a 20-minute drive away. The stroll to and from the city centre was a pleasant breath of fresh air on a warm spring evening, taking no more than 10 minutes in each direction.
With the freedom to come and go as you please, you could easily go through your entire stay without seeing another guest if you wanted to – but keen to get a taste of the main hotel’s offerings, we were happy to enjoy breakfast in the award-winning Square Kitchen, where an extensive menu was on offer. It was eggs royale all round – and suffice it to say, it went down a treat before a long day of travel.
The adjoining hotel doesn’t just offer a restaurant, but a private members club and first-class health and fitness facilities, too. So, if you’re planning on staying for a few days or more, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Guests are given free membership and the use of all facilities, too – so if you’re all shopped out after a day at Cabot Circus or a long day of wandering the city, then relax, unwind, and make the most of your stay at the Berkeley Suites.
In a nutshell:
If you’re looking for quiet and comfortable luxury with a dash of privacy and exclusivity – all in the heart of bustling Bristol – then the Berkeley Suites should be at the top of your list. Tastefully decorated and understated, it’s a taste of what it might be like to live in the city – with all the finer things in life surrounding you, of course.
To Book: www.berkeleysuites.co.uk; 0117 925 4000
Address: 6 Berkeley Crescent, Bristol BS8 1HA
