I have a long romance with The Bristol Hotel. I've attended work conferences there, and have been recommended to stay there by friends numerous times. We recently stayed as part of a press review, so here are my thoughts on why The Bristol Hotel is such a fantastic hotel to stay at.
Location
This is one of the most important factors for me when choosing a hotel, and The Bristol Hotel doesn't disappoint. It's actually one of it's main attractions. We've stayed there for events such as Bristol Food Connections, Eat Drink Bristol Fashion, and Grillstock festival which are all usually based around Millenium Square and Queen Square, both of which are a stones throw from the Hotel.
It's easy to get to by car, I've never had trouble finding it or had issues with traffic, which is good for Bristol! That also leads me to one of it's best features... IT HAS FREE PARKING! That's right... free parking in the centre of Bristol. They also don't mind if you check out in the morning but decide to spend the day in Bristol, you have your ticket validated and can leave any time that day; this is such a saving and so convenient.
Despite being central and easy walking distance from all the main Bristol attractions, the fact it's next to the canal gives it a calm serene feeling when you look out of your window. And it's really quiet, we've never had a problem with noise, which can be a concern with city centre hotels.
Comfort
As mentioned we've stayed in The Bristol Hotel various times, and each time in a different grade of room. All of which have been very well equipped, clean and comfortable. The Bristol Hotel is the only hotel I've ever stayed in where they've offered me a free upgrade because we were early checking in and they had availability, I love this! It's something you secretly wish would happen every time you stay somewhere but never does. That said even the basic rooms we've stayed in haven't felt like their standard rooms at all. We've always had a good, comfortable nights sleep, and never had any issues with cleanliness or rooms looking run-down, which is refreshing and gives us confidence we can keep going back.
They also always have a good selection of local magazines, I've come rather addicted to the local food magazines they place in each room. I actually look forward to staying to read them.
Service
Again this doesn't disappoint. The check in desk is always efficient and friendly, I've always been greeted with a smile and served by a member of staff who looks like they actually want to be there and take pride in their job. I've already mentioned the upgrade we had from the check in desk, but we've had other stand out customer service experiences from them too;
On one stay we had both left clothing in the wardrobe of our room when we checked out and didn't realise until we got home, this was an expensive shirt of my husbands and a nice dress of mine. I contacted the Hotel and they had already kept our items safe for us and offered to post them out. Instead I asked that they kept them there, until we next visited as it would save unnecessary postage, and we had already booked to stay with them the following month. I didn't follow up on our clothing, but asked about it when we next checked in, half expecting them not to have it (after all it had been just over a month!) But there they were, hanging neatly ready for our collection.
It's also the only hotel that has managed to lend me a phone charger when I forgot mine. I didn't even realise you could do this, and have since asked in other hotels with no such luck!
Food
We've never had an evening meal at The Bristol Hotel, as we've always stayed there for a special event. However after looking at the menu I think this will have to change!
I'm usually one not to book breakfast, I always think it's 'cheaper', and have intentions of just popping into a cafe for breakfast while we're out and about. How foolish of me! During the press review we were booked in as bed and breakfast so finally sampled their breakfast for the first time. My husband is big on breakfasts and he absolutely loved it. I however, am not a big breakfast person. I'm usually one for just a quick cup of tea and off I go... those extra 20 minutes in bed are FAR more satisfying, but even I loved the breakfast! I would thoroughly recommend you book your room with breakfast included. The range of foods available suited all tastes from cooked breakfast, smoothies, pastries, fruit and continental style.
Breakfast consists of self service counters, regularly kept topped up so you're not left wanting, or with only the dry ends of the food. There was so much choice and you could have as much as you wanted, so it was perfect. One of the best breakfasts we've had in a hotel.
It was a Bank Holiday Monday the morning we were there, and we were at breakfast just before 9 and avoided any queues. As we left it had started to get busier, so it is worth going a little bit earlier to make the most of the fabulous choices without having to queue!
Value
With all the above considered I think it's safe to say we think this hotel is great value for money. The parking alone is a major bonus when staying in Bristol especially for parking costs. The quality, location and convenience of The Bristol Hotel makes it very good value for money in my opinion.
We've never paid more that £100 to stay (without breakfast) and as I write this, a quick search on their website tells me you can book a weekend in the peak of summer from just over £100. So even on their busy nights they remain good value for money, for a city centre hotel that has so much going for it.
Have you stayed there? Have any suggestions or comments? Let me know!
They're also very friendly and helpful on their Twitter account @bristoldoyle
