Bristol Hotels

Best places to stay in Bristol

When you picture cool, independent Bristol, you’re probably seeing Clifton in your mind’s eye. Grand crescents and rows of Georgian townhouses define the architecture, and Royal York Crescent is probably the city’s most iconic street. It’s home to the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge and Clifton Observatory, as well as myriad bars, boutiques, vintage shops and indie record stores. Spike Island is an art-lovers paradise, a funky, former warehouse district that’s home to museums, galleries and open-air art in a former industrial setting (and maybe a Banksy or two).

For museums, music and architecture, budget Bristol hotels and a student-ish vibe, head for the area close to the university. For high-street shopping and dining and the Christmas Markets, head to Bristol City Centre near Castle Park. On the north side of Redcliffe, near Temple Church, The Fleece and the Bristol Bridge, you’ll also find great budget options close to the action.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions

Many of Bristol’s museums are between the University and Brandon Hill Park, which is within easy walking distance from both the city centre and parts of Clifton. For the We The Curious science museum, the aquarium and a harbourside area that’s pretty at night, head to Canon’s Marsh.

For art and culture, Spike Island is the place to stay, while those seeking shopping will want to be in Bristol’s city centre. If you stay in Clifton, you have interesting shopping and nightlife, plus a few museums and galleries, but you’re also very close to green spaces like Clifton Down, Leigh Woods and Ashton Court Estate.

Where to stay with your family in Bristol

Families will find most attractions in Bristol’s harbourside districts. Spike Island, Canon’s Marsh and Wapping Wharf host museums, galleries and experiences, and boast a friendly atmosphere in the evening, with plenty of waterfront eateries. You could also stay close to the university to soak up some of Bristol’s more alternative vibe while still being close to museums and Brandon Hill Park to burn off some energy. Bristol Zoo Project is outside town, close to Cribbs Causeway shopping village.

Where to find cheap hotels in Bristol

One of your best budget options for staying in the city centre is in the YHA Bristol on pretty Narrow Quay. The former grain warehouse is in a harbourside location with great access to Canon’s Marsh, Spike Island and the city centre. Rooms are typical dorm style, starting as low as £30/night, and the communal spaces are modern yet cosy.

On the way to Clifton, close to Bristol Museum and Art Gallery and Cabot Tower, Berkeley Square Hotel styles itself as ‘budget-luxe’. For under £100/night, you’ll enjoy comfortable and colourful spaces with ultra-modern amenities and thoughtful touches.

Where to stay as a solo traveller

Young solo travellers tend to make a beeline for two areas in Bristol: cool Clifton and Spike Island. Both have a reputation for being alternative, fun and characterful, offering shopping far from the high-street norm and plenty of places to eat and drink. The Rodney is a Clifton institution nestled amongst the district’s coolest and most charming streets. The Georgian Terrace Hotel has small double rooms and even single rooms – perfectly set up for solo travellers. The restaurant, No.4 Clifton Village, is a hidden gem, too, with a seasonal kitchen dedicated to celebrating the best of British produce in an intimate atmosphere. Foodies can join their tasting menu events and get to know taste buddies over several courses.

Party til dawn

Bristol knows how to have a good time, whether you're looking to dance all night at Rehab Bar, jump back in time with 80s classics at Reflex or sample the best craft beers at Brew Dog. Make sure to find a cheap hotel in Bristol city centre so you can skip the taxi queue at the end of the night. Bristol is a university town, so it's got a great party vibe. Famous alumni include comedians Chris Morris and Simon Pegg, as well as the illusionist Derren Brown. 

Festival feeling

You can't escape the festival feeling in Bristol, especially in the summer months. Bristol Harbour Festival is one of the UK's largest public festivals, showcasing the best of the city's music and performance scene. Grab a hotel in Bristol Harbour to be right in the action.  If you're looking for something a little more unusual, consider the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in August. You don't have to spend a lot of money to experience Bristol in the summer, many of the festivals and markets are free to enter, and you can book a cheap hotel in Bristol with us!

Shop til you drop

Bristol Shopping Quarter is home to over 500 stores, made up of Broadmead, The Galleries, Quakers Friar and Cabot Circus. There are also three all-year open markets selling local produce and gifts. Whether you're heading to Harvey Nichols or the second-largest Primark in the UK, grab yourself a cheap hotel in Bristol city centre and let the retail therapy begin!

Rich history

Bristol has a rich history of industrial innovation from the Clifton Suspension Bridge to Isambard Kingdom Brunel's SS Great Britain, now with a three-Michelin starred restaurant, lauded as one of the UK's finest visitor attractions by the Mail on Sunday.

The 10 must-sees of Bristol

Discover the best of Bristol with these ten must-visit attractions, each offering a unique glimpse into the city's diverse heritage and vibrant culture.

• Find a Banksy: Spot the iconic 'Girl With Pearl Earring' on Spike Island, a testament to Bristol's rich street art scene.

• Brunel's SS Great Britain: Explore this restored ship and delve into its fascinating history through interactive tours.

• Bristol Aquarium: Experience the underwater world with a variety of marine life and ecosystems.

• We The Curious: A science museum offering engaging and interactive exhibits for all ages.

• The Georgian House Museum: Tour this six-storey restored townhouse for a glimpse into 18th-century Bristol.

• Bristol Museum & Art Gallery: Discover a rich collection spanning archaeology, geology, and art, including impressive fossils.

• Castle Park: Enjoy this tranquil city centre park, perfect for a relaxing stroll.

• Royal York Crescent: Admire the iconic architecture of one of the UK's longest crescents.

• Clifton Suspension Bridge: Marvel at this famous bridge spanning the Avon Gorge, a symbol of Bristol.

• Clifton Observatory: Take a delightful hilltop walk to this observatory for stunning panoramic views.

Other Museums and Cultural Heritage

Explore more of Bristol’s cultural scene with these additional museums and heritage sites, each offering unique insights into the city's rich history and artistic landscape.

• M Shed: A dockside and transport museum showcasing Bristol's industrial and maritime heritage.

• Spike Island Gallery: A waterside exhibition space featuring contemporary art and cultural events.

• Cabot Tower on Brandon Hill: Enjoy a pleasant walk and stunning city views from this historic tower.

• Blaise Castle Estate & Blaise Hamlet: A picturesque National Trust property close to the city, offering a glimpse into rural history and architecture.

Party and Nightlife in Bristol

Experience Bristol's diverse nightlife, from cool independent bars to vibrant hotspots, each area offering its own unique style of evening entertainment.

• Clifton: Home to cool, independent bars and venues for live music, perfect for an eclectic night out.

• University Area: A lively and vibrant destination with a young crowd featuring a mix of chain bars and energetic vibes.

• City Centre near Exchange Avenue: Enjoy a laid-back and classic night out in the heart of Bristol.

• Canon’s Marsh and Dockside (near Queen’s Square): Ideal for an elegant evening out, complete with sophisticated cocktail bars and a chic atmosphere.

Going Shopping in Bristol

Embark on a shopping adventure in Bristol with these top spots, ranging from bustling high-street areas to charming markets, offering something for every shopper.

• Bristol Shopping Quarter: A haven for high-street shopping enthusiasts with a wide range of stores.

• Cabot Circus: A modern shopping centre featuring a variety of shops, along with food and entertainment options.

• St Nicholas Market: Discover independent stalls selling food, clothes, and crafts in this vibrant market.

• Cribbs Causeway: An out-of-town shopping centre including major retailers like John Lewis & M&S, perfect for a comprehensive shopping experience.

Hotels with rooftop bars

While not strictly ‘rooftop’, Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin has a bar with probably the best view in the city. The terrace is perched on top of the gorge, offering a spectacular view of the Clifton suspension bridge and the gorge below – there are even covered seats for chilly and rainy days. This hotel won’t break the bank either; for £100 or less per night, you’ll stay in cosy and luxurious-feeling rooms featuring a large walk-in shower or freestanding bathtub.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants in Bristol

In the city’s trendy harbourside district, The Bristol Hotel is an understated yet distinctly luxurious venue; the restaurant alone is worth making a trip for. The serene interior of the hotel plays host to two bars, The River Lounge and Rick’s – a glamorous cocktail bar – as well as the River Grille, with its floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning riverside view. The restaurant has a romantic ambience and is loved for its steak and fresh seafood.

Spa hotels

The Harbour Hotel Bristol is a slice of quiet luxury in the heart of the city centre. After checking into one of the exceedingly comfortable rooms – perhaps with your own freestanding bathtub – venture down to the atmospheric former bank vaults that now house HarSPA.

Enjoy the various pools, steam rooms, infrared sauna and ice chamber, or book an indulgent moment of me-time with a spa treatment. There’s no need to leave, thanks to Harbour Kitchen and Gold Bar, both fabulously decorated, serving seafood classics in homage to the area’s maritime traditions.

Exceptional hotels

Close to the Cribbs Causeway shopping village and Blaise Castle Estate, Berwick Lodge is the epitome of out-of-town luxury. It’s still only a half-hour drive from the city centre, but you’ll experience a five-star retreat of exceptional tranquillity. The rooms are opulently and uniquely decorated, with regal furnishings and ornate bathrooms. You can even book an in-room massage treatment. Expect delightfully presented dishes at the fine-dining restaurant or partake in afternoon tea in the manicured garden.

Luxury Hotels in Bristol

Hotel du Vin and Bistro Bristol scores points for all-round luxury. It’s in a prime location between the university and the city centre, with spacious rooms exuding an old-fashioned, refined elegance. These start at under £100/night. Explore the menu of modern French and British cuisine inside the highly-rated restaurant or outside on the pretty terrace, and enjoy your wine pairing (the hotel’s pride and joy is its wine list).