I used to be excited to go to Bristol once more, my residence for 3 years throughout my college days virtually a decade in the past. This time, slightly than slumming it in my fundamental scholar digs, we have been booked to remain on the 4* Bristol Harbour Hotel, simply a few minutesâ stroll from the bustling waterfront.
The lodge opened simply 5 years in the past and has embraced the constructingâs historical past while creating an area that’s each trendy and enjoyable.
The Grade II listed constructing has a vibrant historical past. In a earlier life, the lodge shaped two grand outdated banks that opened within the late nineteenth century, and earlier than that one of many banks was a well-liked tavern courting to Bristolâs chequered slave buying and selling days.
Reminiscent of the magnificent structure of Venice and Tuscany, the buildings are spectacular. Take a peek on the excessive ceilings and Grecian columns within the lodgeâs Sansovino Hall (well-liked for conferences, events and weddings) and also youâll see what I imply.
The service right here is superb, and all members of workers have been so pleasant and accommodating.
Who for
The lodge is nicely suited to enterprise and pleasure, and even romance. During our keep, we had a Hollywood movie star in our midst (trace: he loves a cornetto), however sadly assembly your individual movie star can’t be assured.
Itâs an grownup vibe, though youngsters may be catered for (I didnât spot any youngsters throughout my three-night keep).
There is a small raise within the lodge, nevertheless, the steps to the spa are a bit tough you probably have a mobility impairment. There is assist â simply contact the lodge prematurely you probably have questions referring to accessibility.
Accommodation
The lodge has 42 brightly furnished rooms, all en suite with not less than a double mattress. Every room has a Nespresso espresso machine, 400 thread rely Egyptian cotton sheets and minis by The White Company.
As a bonus, each room additionally comes with complimentary gin and sherry in glass decanters with crystal glasses â a shock luxurious that we actually loved.
We stayed in one of many two nook suites â a number of of the members of workers stated it was their favorite room. This comes as no shock, as after I walked by the door my eyes popped in marvel on the magnificent bathtub nestled within the nook of the principle bed room, overlooking Corn Street.
The artsy, however elegant, décor added a welcome burst of color to the room, and the toilet was spacious, with two sinks and a monsoon bathe. A field of Maltesers (my favorite chocolate) sat on the bedside desk, including much more to my happiness.
The King-sized mattress with its candy-striped cushions was so snug it was a trial every morning to peel myself out of it. We beloved the room a lot, we booked one other night timeâs keep. It could also be a 4* lodge, however to me, this felt like 5* luxurious.
Food & Drink
Breakfast is served within the lodgeâs Harbour Kitchen, a big and vibrant room with picket flooring and blue chairs with funky patterns and some cosy cubicles.
The breakfast was scrumptious, with loads of selections. We began with pastries and a scorching pot of tea, and I selected poached eggs on toast with smashed avocado (plus a bonus facet of bacon) whereas my husband opted for the total English. Other choices included a continental breakfast, Eggs Benedict/Royale/Florentine and pancakes with maple syrup and bacon.
The restaurant is open all day, working a well-liked seafood bar and grill providing 10oz rib-eye steak with Béarnaise sauce and triple cooked chips, or catch of the day.
The lodge can also be residence to The Gold Bar, a unusual speakeasy-inspired bar serving basic cocktails with a twist, plus a wide variety of craft beers and an intensive wine listing. The blue room, subsequent door, is an extension of the bar and was the financial institution supervisorâs private workplace within the lodgeâs previous life.
Facilities
There is a classy spa, which was as soon as the house of the financial institutionâs vaults (the lodge has retained the unique doorways from this period). The important spa amenities are freed from cost for lodge friends, together with a whirlpool, sauna, steam room and a dinky swimming pool â higher suited to enjoyable than swimming lengths.
There can also be a collection of remedies, together with massages, manicures and facials. I made a decision to deal with myself to a 25-minute shoulder, neck and again therapeutic massage, and it was pure bliss.
There can also be an excellent fitness center with a separate weights room and a number of other working/biking/cross-training machines.
WiFi can also be obtainable freed from cost, however in our nook suite we didnât have a very sturdy connection, so opted for cell hotspot as an alternative.
If you might be planning to drive to Bristol, there is no such thing as a parking on the lodge, however they do provide a voucher for the close by NPC Car Park (for £20 per day).
How a lot
Prices fluctuate primarily based on day, season and availability, however normal doubles normally begin at round £142 per night time and the nook suites begin at £240 per night time throughout weekdays.
BOOK THE BRISTOL HARBOUR HOTEL
Whatâs Nearby
Although not fairly positioned on the harbour itself, the lodge is only a few minutes stroll away. Within 20 minutes you possibly can stroll alongside the harbour to SS Great Britain, the We The Curious museum and Cargo at Whapping Wharf, a group of re-purposed transport containers which were transformed into a wide range of worldwide meals shops.
You can even e-book a paddle boarding session with SUP Bristol alongside the harbour, which we extremely advocate.
Away from the harbour, there may be additionally the favored buying centre, Cabot Circus, and on route, you possibly can admire Bristolâs unimaginable road artwork.
