Sitting elegantly on Bristol’s Harbourside is the upmarket and modern, The Bristol Hotel. The contemporary décor of the hotel reflects the vibrant feel of the city on which it stands. The central location is its winning feature and, from the Harbourside view, boasts floor to ceiling windows across two levels, offering up winning views of one of the city’s finest attributes.
The city itself thrives on urban art, buzzing night life and a diverse music scene as well as great walks and an independent and community focused feel. The hotel is the ideal place in which to relax after a long day enjoying what the city has to offer. Many of the rooms offer views of the water or city, while the bar and resident restaurant, The River Grille, have the stunning Harbourside views.
My room could be described as modern, polished and comfortable; the stylish décor offered simplicity and comfort with a cosy red armchair, floral print cushions and red accents throughout. The bed was wonderfully comfortable, giving me a very relaxing night’s sleep with pillows to sink into and, should I have needed to utilise them, I had an ironing board, safe, espresso machine and large TV to use as I saw fit. The bathroom was fully functional in black and pebble, although the shower door did allow for water to be spilled on the floor every time it was used.
My guest and I ventured to the lounge for a pre dinner drink before heading off to nearby Bistro du Vin for an evening of delicious French cuisine. The split level lounge was decorated in varying shades of brown and there was a choice of large brown sofas to sink into or dark wood armchairs to perch on, which sat next to low glass tables. Spotlights and red or cream lamps lit the open plan rooms and I can imagine a few hours could disappear here over a drink or two.
For relaxed dining, The River Grille serves up seasonal dishes including fresh seafood and West Country beef. Expect a pianist to be tinkling away on a Friday evening and Sunday lunchtime and a jazz trio will accompany your Saturday evening meal. It is bound to set you up well for an evening in the nearby bars and clubs including the hotel’s own casual drinking and dining establishment, The Shore Cafe Bar, whose interior is inspired by Bristol’s industrial heritage. The cafe bar serves craft beers and burgers by night and coffees, bagels and light lunches by day.
It is important to mention The Meetings and Events Centre, which is located adjacent to the hotel and houses nine smartly decorated and fully equipped meeting rooms as well as a lounge area and private bar, and the all-important city centre parking. The array of rooms can be decked out to suit anything from a 12 person meeting in boardroom style in the William West suite to a 400 strong conference or function in The Ballroom. Weddings can also be enjoyed at the hotel with three bespoke packages to choose from to make your day fly by with ease.
Breakfast at The Bristol Hotel is a simple yet varied affair and is served up in The River Grille. Colourful modern paintings adorn the white walls, while the high ceilings, large windows and spacious layout make for a welcoming and bright start to the day. Buffet style food options include Full English items as well as vegetarian choices, pancakes, doughnuts, breads, pastries, muffins, cereals, juices and smoothies from which to fill up on in preparation for the day ahead.
While I was in Bristol I took in as much as I could including a walk from Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge, around Clifton, the city centre and across to Cabot Circus. I also enjoyed visits to an array of shops, bars, and eateries to sample the wide range of foods on offer in this eclectic city.
Getting there
I arrived by train from the depths of Devon on board a Great Western Railway train. Travelling in style in first class was a relaxing experience with wide, clean, comfortable seating and complementary refreshments available.
In a nutshell
Bristol is an interesting city full of vibrant cheer and many things to see, do and enjoy. The Bristol Hotel offers up contemporary luxury in a fantastic location and is a great place in which to wind down after a long day.
Address: Prince St, Bristol BS1 4QF / 0117 923 0333
doylecollection.com/the-bristol-hotel/
For more information on Bristol (where to stay, where to eat and what to do), go to visitbristol.co.uk.
