THE HOTEL: The Bristol Hotel, Prince Street, Bristol, BS1 4QF. The hotel is a member of the Doyle Collection. Following an £8million refurbishment the hotel re-branded as The Bristol Hotel on February 9th.
THE CHECK IN: Very fast and efficient, the whole process taking less than a couple of minutes. I was offered a hot towel, wake-up call and a morning paper.
The room: The new design was chic and modern but cosy too. My room was decorated in plum and caramel tones (as are the hotel’s communal areas) with a superking bed, an easy chair and footrest, desk table, large flatscreen TV, safe, iron, tea and coffee making facilities as well as a Nespresso coffee machine. The bathroom fittings were Villeroy and Boch and included an over-bath shower with adjustable spray settings as well as a funky hand held shower attachment. There was also a good selection of Temple Spa toiletries.
The business: The dedicated meetings and events centre has conference room facilities for up to 350 people (or 400 theatre style). The main suite is ideal for major events and has the latest presentation and conference technology. The space can also be split into three for smaller events and there are other boardrooms and syndicate breakout rooms for smaller meetings. The range of other business services includes typing, photocopying, fax, complimentary internet access, printing and laminating. Each room is equipped for complimentary broadband high-speed internet access and a free wireless internet network is available in all public areas.
Facilities: Overnight car parking at the NCP next door is complimentary for hotel guests. There is a 24hr gym with tread mills, bikes, medicine balls, resistance machine, cross trainer, free weights and floor mats.
The River Grille is a modern grill restaurant; River Lounge is ideal for a drink, light lunch or afternoon tea; and Shore Café Bar is a contemporary champagne and cocktail bar. All overlook Bristol’s waterfront.
Verdict: You can’t beat this hotel for being both picturesque and convenient. It has an enviable location right in the heart of things, on the quayside of the Floating Harbour, with a huge choice of bars, restaurants and other entertainment nearby. A modern, comfortable and well equipped hotel.
Details: Rooms are from £76 per night including breakfast. Tel: 0117 923 0333;
see: www.doylecollection.com Sally Parker
