Having relished my three years at the University of Bristol, it was easy at the time to fall in love with this southwest maritime city, which offered such amazing introductions to music and culture during my formative student years.
So it was with huge excitement I ventured back to Bristol this spring, for a wedding of a close university friend. And luckily I had upgraded my digs this time round, as my luxe home for the night was The Bristol – a stunning waterfront hotel, which blends a modernist façade with a swish contemporary interior.
After a swift check in, I rode up to my sleek suite, boasting stellar views across the buzzing harbour.
The room possessed all you would expect to find in a luxury hotel – fluffy robe, pillow menu, speedy Wi-Fi, a bed to sink into, complete with duck down duvet and crisp cotton linens, Nespresso coffee machine, handy work space and marble bathroom, with posh toiletries.
At night, arriving back after the wedding celebrations I glimpsed the grand floor-to-ceiling windows and twinkling harbourside views of the hotel’s signature The River Grille. Lighting was low to ensure the river lights rightly stood out and a baby grand piano was playing. Guests enjoyed their digestifs and chattered animatedly, creating a dreamy movie-like scene I gazed on, before heading up to bed.
Having slept like a baby, breakfast (or more accurately brunch) was a sumptuous feast, served by day in the same spectacular space. With fresh food stations of every kind of fruit, yoghurt, fresh breads, eggs and the like, I devoured my pick of the generous spread, while enjoying refills of freshly brewed coffee, pouring over my copy of The Sunday Times. Staff glided around the room, effortlessly ensuring all guests were both sated and happy.
A winning stay – the hotel is incredibly easy to reach, being just a five-minute drive from Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station and 25-minute drive from Bristol International Airport.
Rooms at The Bristol start at £123 for two people sharing a double room on a B&B basis – book online at doylecollection.com Search for flights to Bristol from UK hubs using award-winning travel site momondo.co.uk.
Address: Prince St, Bristol BS1 4QF
Phone: 0117 923 0333
