Part of the esteemed Doyle Collection, The Bristol stands as a beacon of Art Deco inspired elegance. It is the perfect hotel for those seeking an unforgettable experience visiting Bristol. The hotel’s recent refurbishment extends to 20 classic guest bedrooms and three luxury suites, all designed in soft neutrals with rich colour accents. These rooms, flooded with natural daylight and offering stunning views of the vibrant harbourside, provide a serene retreat perfect for relaxation and comfort.
Our recent stay at The Bristol was an absolute delight, offering a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and culinary indulgence. Travelling with a young family often requires a bit of extra planning and patience, but our experience at this hotel made everything seem wonderfully effortless from the moment we arrived.
Driving our Lexus RX to Bristol was a delightful experience. The Lexus RX 450h+ PHEV F SPORT navigated the city’s streets with ease, making parking a breeze even in the busiest areas. The spacious boot provided ample room for all our luggage, and the interior offered exceptional comfort for the entire family. With its beautiful colour and standout design, the Lexus RX was not only easy to spot but also performed exceptionally well throughout our journey.
One of the first things that impressed us was the hotel’s parking situation. Located right beneath the hotel, the parking was not only easy to access but also led us directly to the same floor as our room. This might sound like a small detail, but when you’re juggling luggage, children, and the usual travel essentials, having such a hassle-free start to your stay is invaluable. Reduced amount of faffing about, a flight of stairs or a lift ride and just a simple walk down the corridor and we were at our door. Less than 90 seconds and that’s with a pram! It set the tone for the entire stay, where convenience and comfort were clearly a priority.
The Lexus RX 450h+ PHEV F SPORT made navigating the tight, spiral entrance of the hotel car park considerably easier thanks to its advanced capabilities. As we approached the winding turns, the overhead cameras activated, providing a crystal-clear view of our surroundings. This feature was invaluable, especially when we noticed the paint marks left by other cars that had evidently struggled with the narrow space. However, our Lexus RX 450h+ manoeuvred through the challenging entrance without a scratch, showcasing its superior design and technology. We successfully made it through the car park with ease and confidence.
The Bristol’s location is another major highlight. Nestled right on the harbourside and so close to the city centre, it was the ideal base for exploring everything Bristol has to offer. We spent our days wandering through the bustling streets, visiting the markets, and exploring the local shops and galleries.
A visit to Wake The Tiger, the UK’s first amazement park, was visually arresting and a great way for the kids to spend screen free time whilst having fun with the parents.
This immersive experience combines art, adventure, and storytelling across more than 40 interactive environments.
Families can explore hidden forests, secret passageways, and mesmerizing art installations. Kids will love the scavenger hunts and interactive elements, while adults can appreciate the intricate set designs and creative storytelling. Open daily, Wake The Tiger offers a unique day out that captivates all ages.
Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park hit the sweet spot with a fun-filled day including a foam party, meeting the animals, the spectacular Candy Cannon and a beautiful adventure playground.
Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park is a fantastic destination for family days out. Nestled between Bristol and Bath, this park offers a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained.
Kids will love the animatronic dinosaurs in Dinosaur Valley and the chance to drive mini Jeeps on the off-road course.
Animal lovers can enjoy close encounters with farm animals and even participate in feeding sessions.
For those seeking adventure, the park features a climbing tower and a giant slip ‘n’ slide. The extensive play areas, both indoor and outdoor, ensure fun regardless of the weather.
Don’t miss the miniature railway and tractor rides along the scenic riverside trail. With its blend of wildlife, adventure, and play, Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park promises a memorable day out for families.
Knowing we could return to such a welcoming and cosy hotel at the end of the day made our adventures all the more enjoyable, especially after being foamed!
The hotel’s staff deserve special mention. From the moment we checked in, they were warm, friendly, and always eager to help. Whether it was providing local recommendations, arranging taxis, or simply offering a smile as we passed by, they made us feel right at home. It’s these small touches that elevate a stay from good to truly memorable.
Breakfast at The Bristol was a daily treat. We were particularly impressed with the variety of options available. The vegan pastries, in particular, were a delightful surprise – flaky, delicious, and perfect with a morning coffee. Even our non-vegan family members were won over! The breakfast spread catered to all tastes and dietary needs, ensuring everyone started their day on the right foot.
Dinner at The River Grille was a highlight of our stay. The restaurant’s reputation is well-deserved, and we were not disappointed.
The River Grille restaurant offers an elegant dining experience reminiscent of Parisian canal-side charm. With floor-to-ceiling windows, moss-hued walls, and lush greenery, the ambiance enhances the menu filled with local produce cooked over the Josper grill.
We began our meal with the scallop starters, which were perfectly cooked – tender and full of flavour. They were the perfect introduction to what turned out to be an exceptional dining experience.
We also chose the beef carpaccio, beautifully light after a generous bread snack.
For mains, the selection of meats was impressive. I opted for the Rib Eye Steak, which was cooked to perfection – juicy, tender, and full of flavour.
My partner chose the Lamb, which was equally divine. The quality of the ingredients and the skill in their preparation were evident in every bite.
While The River Grille was fantastic, we also took the opportunity to explore Bristol’s dining scene, and there are two other places we would highly recommend to anyone staying at The Bristol.
The first is Noah’s, where we enjoyed an unforgettable meal. The monkfish was a standout, cooked to perfection with a delicate flavour that left us wanting more.
The beer-battered fried fish was another highlight—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, just as it should be. It’s the sort of place where every dish is crafted with care, and it shows.
The second restaurant, The Granary, is famous for its lamb, and rightly so – it was superb.
However, the dish that truly captured our hearts was the chicken in brown sugar and buffalo sauce with blue cheese. The chicken was a revelation – crispy on the outside with a succulent, juicy middle that paired beautifully with the rich, tangy sauce. It was an unexpected delight and a dish we highly recommend not to miss.
Overall, our stay at The Bristol was nothing short of wonderful. From the ease of parking and the hotel’s unbeatable location to the helpful staff and the culinary delights both in-house and nearby, everything was perfectly arranged to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable family holiday.
We left feeling refreshed, well-fed, and eager to return. The Bristol Hotel truly offers a seamless and family-friendly experience, and we can’t wait for our next visit.
Rick’s cocktail bar, inspired by golden times and faraway climes, is perched at the water’s edge and features overhead wicker lighting, lush greenery, and a candle-lit charm.
It’s perfect for after-work drinks, catching up with friends, or enjoying harbourside views. Signature cocktails like the Lychee Martini and Mezcal Old Fashion are highlights, and the alfresco dining option is ideal for sunny afternoons or cosy evenings by the fire.
The Bristol has recently launched two brand new overnight packages, ensuring the best experience and the most out of any stay.
River Grille Escape
This package includes an overnight stay for 2 people with breast, 3 course dinner at The River Grille and glass of house wine each.
An Evening at Rick’s
This package includes an overnight stay for 2 people with breakfast, 2 x small plates per person and 2x cocktails per person in Rick’s.
Whether you’re exploring the vibrant harbourside or indulging in the hotel’s luxurious amenities, The Bristol promises an unforgettable experience where timeless sophistication meets the vibrant heartbeat of the city. For families visiting Bristol, we recommend you check out Visit Bristol (visitbristol.co.uk) which offers family-friendly guides, event listings, and accommodation options to help families explore and enjoy the Bristol area.
The Bristol
Prince Street, Bristol BS1 4QF
+44 (0)117 923 0333
www.doylecollection.com
