Elegant relaxation at The Bristol Hotel

Right on Bristol’s beautiful Harbourside, in the thick of the busy city, is The Bristol Hotel. Part of the Doyle Collection, the hotel on Prince Street gives off an excellent impression as soon as you enter the immaculate grand foyer.

The staff on the front desk offered an incredibly warm welcome and made us feel like we were in for a luxurious treat. They weren’t wrong, as our afternoon got off to the perfect start by enjoying some hot drinks in the relaxing lounge area, sinking into the extremely comfortable sofas under soft lighting that created a chilled atmosphere.

The Bristol Hotel’s luxurious lounge area

Downstairs was a range of charming rooms, perfect for whiling away some time and finding your zen. The wonderful space available consists of floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views over the water, as well as some luxurious furnishings including Waterford crystal chandeliers. It’s understandable that this place is a popular venue for weddings – and if I wasn’t already married, I’d be booking this place for a very special day.

Heading upstairs, we explored the room we had booked for the night and were straight away struck by the glorious view of Bristol’s vibrant harbour. The deluxe room was spacious, inviting and impeccably clean, with natural light flooding through large windows and a sweet welcome treat waiting for us on arrival

It was a welcome addition to have a Nespresso coffee machine and the scented Temple Spa toiletries in the bathroom. After enjoying a hot bath, I slipped into full relaxing mode, putting on the comfortable bathrobe and slippers that were provided and watching some TV on the 32-inch flatscreen: a heavenly treat for a busy full-time working mum.

The Bristol Hotel offers a fine dining experience at The River Grille

Dinner was spent elsewhere for us but for anyone wanting to enjoy the fine dining experience that is on offer at The Bristol Hotel, you won’t be disappointed at all. The River Grille offers various menu options – including a la carte, lounge, pre-theatre dining, desserts and post-dinner drinks. Ingredients are locally sourced and the fresh fish and seafood are billed as particular highlights.

After a wonderfully restful night’s sleep in our large, soft and supremely comfortable bed, we then went down for breakfast. I was impressed that they had taken my dietary requirements into account, and everything was labelled for those avoiding gluten and dairy products. There were alternatives provided for vegetarians, too, and separate tongs were provided to avoid contamination. As someone with an array of food intolerances, it was heaven for me. I didn’t have to ask questions, I could just get on with filling my plate.

The breakfast at The Bristol Hotel is served in The River Grille, with a view over the water

This stay at The Bristol hotel was just the escapism that was needed, and I loved the overall mellow yet professional vibe about the place. That happy feeling stayed with me long after I left the premises and even my husband (who will admit he is the harder one to please) said he was delighted by our little stay. Everything about it felt like five star quality.

So whether you are single, part of a couple or parents with accompanying children – this little haven is guaranteed to be a memorable break for you. It could be for a special occasion or ‘just because’ – either way, you won’t be disappointed.

A standard room at The Bristol Hotel starts from £96 per night excluding breakfast. Secure parking is available for just £5. To find out more or to book your stay, visit www.doylecollection.com/hotels/the-bristol-hotel