Bristol hotel edit: 8 best hotels in Bristol

Last updated on August 18, 2023

I’m clearly biased, but I reckon Bristol is one of the best weekend getaways in the UK. From the grandeur of its Georgian terraces and the suspension bridge, to its creative vibes and famous street art, there’s no end of things to discover in Bristol. Add to that some of the best restaurants in the UK and a thriving cafe and independent shopping scene, and you have all the ingredients for a perfect trip.

As such, there are plenty of places to stay in Bristol, from Airbnbs to chic hotels. This is our guide to the best Bristol hotels. There are lots of bigger chains too, but I’ve focussed on the more stylish, boutique hotels in Bristol. Even with just these, you’re spoilt for choice.

The Best Bristol Hotels

Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin

My first stop come summertime is the terrace of the Avon Gorge Hotel in Clifton where you can enjoy some of the best views in Bristol (looking out to the suspension bridge) with a spritz in hand.

The hotel itself has been recently renovated and bought up to date by Hotel du Vin who transformed the somewhat dated interiors into a luxury space, characterised by deep hues, metallic accents, rich velvets and contemporary notes to complement the historic building. Suites come with clawfoot baths and many rooms have views of the gorge and surrounding countryside.

The adjoining White Lion pub has also had an upgrade, now matching the brilliance of the terrace (it used to be a very uninspiring space!).

Rooms start at £140 for a double. Check availability and prices now.

The Artist Residence, Bristol

We’ve long been fans of the Artist Residence, and now this beautifully designed boutique hotel brand has come to Bristol, set in an old boot factory. It has all the characteristics of an Artist Residence Hotel – eccentric design, reclaimed furniture, statement artworks, and plush and comfortable rooms.

The best room in the house is the Artist Suite, compete with roll-top bath, spacious living space and views of Portland Square.

There’s an onsite café and restaurants for guests and the local community.

Rooms start at £145. Check availability and book now.

Mollies Motel and Diner

Mollies Motel and Diner came to Bristol in 2021, after successfully setting up home in Oxford. The concept was designed by trendy Soho House, celebrating the 1950s classic American diner and motel while updating and elevating it for the present day.

Rooms are simple with a pared back style and luxury touches such as Cowshed toiletries, Egyptian cotton sheets, rainforest showers and Dyson hairdryers. You can choose from doubles, twins or bunks.

As expected from Soho House, it oozes cool.

The motel is on the outskirts of Bristol close to Cribbs Causeway and just off the M4.

Rooms start at £75. Check availability and book now.

Berwick Lodge

Berwick Lodge is faaaaaancy. The country manor house on the outskirts of Bristol has rooms that are positively regal with sleigh beds, mahogany furniture and luxurious, tiled bathrooms.

One room even has a bed fashioned out of an old church pulpit. And for the most fancy of all, there’s an option to arrive by helicopter.

The house is privaltely owned by Sarah and Fevzi Arikan who transformed the property to its former glory, adding a touch of modern elegance too.

There’s a 2AA Rosette restaurant on site with a fine dining, modern British menu.

The hotel is close to Junction 17 of the M5, as well as Cribbs Causeway and Wild Place.

Rooms start at £140. Check availability and book now.

Number 38 Clifton

Number 38 Clifton is a stylish and thoughtfully designed 12-bedroom guesthouse in a beautifully refurbished Georgian merchant’s house.

It has a luxurious home-from-home feel with epic views across the city. Luxury touches include bronze baths, Hypnos beds, 100 Acres toiletries, high-end linens and luxury mini bars.

It’s close to lots of Bristol’s best restaurants in Clifton.

Rooms start at £130. Check availability and book now.

Hotel Du Vin

The original Hotel du Vin offering in Bristol can be found in the centre of town closer to Park Street and, more importantly, one of the city’s best cake shops (Ahh Toots). It’s housed in a collection of former sugar warehouses, cantered around a secluded dining courtyard.

As the name suggests, it’s a place for wine lovers with hundreds of wines on offer from the hotel’s cellar, an in-house sommelier, and each of the 40 rooms named after a vineyard or wine.

Deep purples, leather and wood characterise the bedrooms in a style that’s sumptuous albeit somewhat dated. And there are rolltop baths in most rooms.

The Bistro du Vin restaurant is highly regarded, selling fresh and seasonal fare with British and French influences.

This is a great option for a Bristol hotel in the city centre.

Rooms start at £110. Check availability and book now

Brooks Guesthouse

A former office and then backpackers hostel, Brooks Guesthouse has now been transformed into a more grown-up hotel/B&B, but still with a young and creative vibe.

As well as the guestrooms, there are also airstreams on the roof that you can stay in.

The rooms are quite small, but decorated in a cosy and welcoming style.

Plus the location is excellent, right in the city centre and close to many restaurants and bars.

Rooms start from £80. Check availability and book now.

Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa

Part of the Harbour Hotels group, the Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa is housed in two former banks and has a fabulous spa in the old bank vaults. The Sansovino Hall –the epic former bank hall with an amazing painted ceiling – is a highlight.

The rooms are stylishly decorated with an understated elegance plus fun touches such as patterned wallpapers and statement upholstery. And decanters of gin and sherry add a grown-up, luxury touch.

The hotel is home to the fabulous Gold Bar, and the Jetty restaurant is also a fantastic place to eat with velvet armchairs and huge windows accented by Bristol blue glass

The hotel is on Corn Street in the heart of Bristol and within spitting distance of many bars, restaurants, shops and pubs.

Rooms start from £145. Check availability and book now.

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