Checking out – The Bristol Hotel

2009-08-28

The Bristol Hotel is blessed with the second best harbour-side view in Bristol with first prize going to its neighbour the 1970’s concrete honeycombed car park. Nothing like a car park with a view that’s what I say.

The Hotel

The uninspiring exterior boasts a fantastic waterside location right in the heart of Bristol. The hotel fresh from a £8 million refurbishment has recently been rebranded as the Bristol from the former Jury’s Bristol Hotel.

Leaving the harbour view car park we head towards the hotel and enter reception. Immediately expectations are exceeded with a lobby leading to the bar, up a few steps. The dark and luxurious feel of the lobby is broken up with a smart stylish bar / lounge area.

Check-in is professional and quick. We are then greeted by the Duty Manager and welcomed to the hotel.

Bedrooms

We have rooms on the fourth floor over looking the harbor with views out to the bars and restaurants. The sounds of Jazz from across the water create a relaxed mood whilst I take a closer look at my room for the night.

The bedroom is large, with grown up well designed creams and reds. There is a Nespresso coffee machine, giant flat screen TV, and a cupboard with a full-length mirror on the door which neatly houses half of the housekeeping department.

The oversized cushions and chair create a strong masculine feel to the room with a choice of lighting. A missed opportunity with outside space, a good architect would have made some fantastic balconies here.

The bathroom is standard issue with good quality white fluffy towels and Temple Spa toiletries.

The Restaurant

Dinner was in the Quayside River Grille restaurant. We ate prawn & mango cocktail, which would have been much better without the mango; it would have also been an improvement if served on a plate rather than in a Martini glass. The fillet steak was good and served with chips and salad. Simple and unmessed-about, which was just what was required. The dessert was disappointing; the only way to describe it was a chocolate angle delight.

On occasions it felt like we were being a little over-serviced and watching staff set for breakfast whilst still having dinner was reminder that we were still in a group hotel in old Blighty.

Breakfast was buffet served and although very busy was well organized by the supervisor on duty. A good selection of hot and cold items. Breakfast here is not a long affair.

All in all

If you are looking a good base in Bristol whether on business or pleasure with a car park with a view, you can’t go far wrong with the Hotel Bristol. The rooms are large, well designed and welcoming, service good and food OK.

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