5 Best Bristol Hotels

Based in the southwest of England, Bristol is a popular destination for a weekend getaway. This is a thriving city filled with a bustling atmosphere, great food, lots of live entertainment, and gorgeous views.

Plus, being the home of the famous street artist Banksy, Bristol is the perfect place for those who love art. 

Due to its popularity, it can be hard to find a good hotel in Bristol that is in a great location and meets your chosen budget.

Even if you just need somewhere to crash for the night, you’ll want to feel safe and comfortable during your stay.

So, if you’re looking for somewhere to stay during your time in Bristol, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the 5 best Bristol hotels.

The Hotels

Finding a hotel isn’t an easy task, whether it’s for one night or the entire week. We have carefully selected the best hotels to match every need, from budget-friendly options to 5-star hotels that are perfect for a romantic getaway.

1. Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa

If you’re planning a relaxing getaway with a loved one or friend, check out the Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa.

This hotel is ideal for those needing some quality relaxation, thanks to its elegant decor, unbelievably comfortable beds, and wonderful access to the underground spa.

The spa itself is a true highlight for this hotel. Located in the underground former bank vaults, the spa offers pools, a bar, and an array of tranquil holistic treatments.

Of course, the treatments will add more to the overall cost of the hotel, but it’s an added bonus. This is a surprisingly affordable hotel based right in the heart of Bristol city centre.

The location cannot be faulted, allowing guests access to everything the city has to offer. Plus, it’s only a 5-minute drive from Temple Meads train station.

Pros

• Luxury hotel
• Affordable
• Great location

Cons

• Spa treatments will inevitably cost extra

2. Berkeley Suites

Berkeley Suites offers luxury accommodation in the heart of Bristol city centre at a fairly affordable price. Located in a stunning Georgian building in Clifton, this hotel is suitable for couples, friends, and coworkers alike.

It also features fantastic coworking spaces that are suitable for business trips. Clifton is arguably one of the nicest areas of Bristol according to locals.

Filled with picturesque townhouses, quirky independent shops and bars and buzzing restaurants, this is an ideal location for a charming weekend getaway.

Plus, Clifton is home to the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, offering the best photo opportunities. This hotel offers a variety of suite types, with each self-contained suite offering a unique design and aesthetic.

Nothing is ordinary in this hotel, with its tastefully cluttered yet stylish atmosphere.

Pros

• Luxury suites
• Fantastic location
• Near the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Cons

• Small selection of reviews mention that the rooms can have issues with heating

3. The Bristol Hotel

If you’re not looking for anything too fancy, check out The Bristol Hotel. The Bristol Hotel is the ideal option for a short weekend stay in Bristol, if you’re wanting something affordable and simple.

It ticks all the boxes – comfortable rooms, ideal location, a great restaurant, tasteful decor – and all at a budget-friendly price. The best part about this hotel is that there are several package options depending on your stay.

Whether you want a nice hotel room to spend the night in, or if you’re looking for a romantic getaway, there are two packages to suit your needs.

Not only this, but the location of The Bristol Hotel is ideal for those who want to explore what the city has to offer.

Placed directly in the city centre, hotel guests are surrounded by an array of shops, buzzing restaurants and bars, theatre and live entertainment, and a stunning view of the River Avon.

Pros

• Affordable stay
• Package options
• Fantastic location

Cons

• Some guests have said finding the parking can be tricky

4. Artist Residence

For a real taste of what Bristol is all about, you need to stay at Artist Residence. Based in St. Paul’s Community, this gorgeous hotel was once a Georgian townhouse and an old boot factory.

This hotel is packed with history and a stunning rustic aesthetic that reflects the creativity of Bristol perfectly. As the name suggests, everything about this hotel is designed to inspire the guests.

This includes everything from the library to the ping-pong table, from the relaxed bar to the cosy authentic bedrooms.

There are a large range of rooms and suites to choose from, with every room being individually designed with reclaimed vintage furniture.

While the price is slightly higher than the other hotels on this list, it’s certainly worth it for a unique and special stay at Artist Residence. Plus, even the cheapest rooms available are still remarkably stylish and worth a visit.

Pros

• Unique and rustic style
• Inspires creativity
• Historical and creative location

Cons

• Slightly pricey option

5. Avon Gorge (Hotel Du Vin)

Last, but certainly not least, Avon Gorge is the ideal hotel if you want to wake up to beautiful views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge every morning.

This is a luxury hotel that offers stunning views of the Avon Gorge and the bridge, providing a relaxing and picturesque stay in one of Bristol’s most sought after hotels.

Everything about this hotel screams history, from its original marble staircase and stained-glass windows to the original steam pumps in what used to be the spa.

The rooms mimic such tasteful decor, with a stylish and modern aesthetic that will make you want to stay an extra night.

This hotel is ideal for foodies and wine connoisseurs, thanks to the popular Goram & Vincent hotel and extensive wine list.

The location is in the heart of the stylish and creative Clifton, allowing for a short walk or bus journey into the city centre.

Pros

• Luxury hotel
• Stunning views of the river and Suspension Bridge
• Fantastic restaurant and wine list

Cons

• Slightly pricey option

Best Bristol Hotels Buyer’s Guide

Choosing a hotel isn’t as easy as just looking at the pictures on the website and going with whatever looks nicest. Here are our key things to remember when choosing a hotel in Bristol.

Location

Fortunately, the vast majority of Bristol’s hotels are located within walking distance of the city centre, or directly in the heart of the city itself.

This means that wherever you stay in Bristol, you’re going to be surrounded by the city’s famously buzzing culture.

If you want to stay in Bristol to go shopping (or even if you’re on a business trip), you’ll find a myriad of hotels in the city centre.

The city centre is a thriving metropolitan area with an array of shops and restaurants, but it still has that creative element that is so inherently Bristol.

Plus, the public transport links are fantastic, so it’s easy to get to the train stations. If you want to explore the heart of Bristol like a local, we recommend staying in Clifton.

Clifton is notorious for its stunning views of the Suspension Bridge, picturesque townhouses, indie shops and boutiques, and lively bars. The hotels in Clifton tend to be slightly more expensive, but it’s worth it.

Budget

Of course, you need to keep your budget in mind when choosing a hotel in Bristol. Bristol isn’t exactly the cheapest city to stay in, so you need to remain rational when choosing the right hotel.

Hotels are generally more expensive than hostels, particularly if the hotels are rated 4-stars and higher. Make sure to consider what you’ll actually need for a comfortable stay.

Are you going just for the night, and you’ll only need a comfortable room to keep you safe? Or, are you going for a romantic getaway, where you might want some luxurious extras, like a spa or restaurant included?

Ratings And Reviews

The best way to choose a hotel is based on the customer reviews and ratings. Of course, not all customers will have the same experience, but it helps to read the reviews and get a general idea of what to expect with each hotel.

Reviews will give you an understanding of what the rooms are like, the cleanliness of the hotel, the location, how the staff are with the guests, and more.

Summary

So, there you have it! Bristol is a lively and exciting place to stay, whether it’s just for the weekend or several nights. Hopefully, this list has helped you find the perfect hotel for your stay in Bristol.

Frequently Asked Questions