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Where to Stay in Bristol

Where to Stay in Bristol

Bristol England, UK Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Ideal for budget travelers, backpackers, and solo adventurers seeking social opportunities. YHA Bristol and The Bristol Wing.

  • Guesthouses/B&Bs

    Independent, often family-run places for a personal touch, typically including breakfast. Find these in Clifton or Redland.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Well-known chain hotels and independent hotels, offering comfortable rooms and standard amenities. Premier Inn, Travelodge, Holiday Inn Express, Ibis.

  • Luxury Hotels

    For indulgence and exclusive services, with sophisticated rooms, fine dining, spas, and concierge services. The Bristol Hotel, Harbour Hotel & Spa, Hotel du Vin.

Specialized Stays

  • Boutique Hotels

    Stylish, uniquely designed hotels focusing on individual service and area's personality, often in historic buildings. Number 38 Clifton.

  • Houseboats/Floating Accommodation

    Unique waterside stays in houseboats docked in the Floating Harbour, available via vacation rental platforms.

  • Historic Properties

    Hotels housed in historically significant buildings, letting you stay within Bristol's past. The Harbour Hotel.

  • Camping & Outdoor

    Campsites near the city for tents, caravans, and glamping, Baltic Wharf Campsite, or farther away in Mendip Hills/Chew Valley Lake.

Neighborhood Guide

Bristol’s diverse neighborhoods each hold a distinct character, influencing your stay.

City Centre / Old City

Benefits
  • Close to major attractions (St Nicholas Market, Bristol Cathedral)
  • Excellent public transport connections
  • Bustling and central
  • Large chain hotels available
Considerations
  • Can be noisy, especially on weekends
  • Parking is expensive and limited
  • Busy atmosphere
  • Fewer independent guesthouses

Harbourside

Benefits
  • Scenic and lively atmosphere
  • Many attractions within walking distance (M Shed, SS Great Britain)
  • Good for families and nightlife
  • Modern hotels and serviced apartments
Considerations
  • Can be very busy and noisy during events
  • Accommodation tends to be pricier
  • Popular area for tourists
  • Limited quiet spots

Clifton / Clifton Village

Benefits
  • Beautiful Georgian architecture, leafy streets
  • Generally quieter and more relaxed
  • Picturesque, prestigious feel
  • Good restaurants and independent shops
Considerations
  • More expensive accommodation
  • Slightly further from main city center attractions
  • Bus travel needed for some city center sites
  • Fewer budget-friendly options

Safety & Ambiance Notes

General Safety

Bristol urban areas call for standard precautions. City Centre and Harbourside see petty crime in crowds; nightlife areas may have more public disorder. Clifton remains very safe. Stokes Croft has a lively night scene, warranting normal urban care for belongings.

Noise Levels

City Centre and Harbourside experience higher noise, notably weekends and evenings from bars and events. Clifton is generally quieter. Stokes Croft is animated and sometimes noisy, especially with live music. Residential areas like Redland and parts of Southville are generally peaceful.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies secure the best accommodation for your needs and budget.

Booking Timeline

  • High Season (June-Aug) & Major Events: Book 3-6 months in advance for selection and competitive prices.
  • Shoulder Season (Apr-May, Sep-Oct): Book 1-3 months ahead for good availability and reasonable rates.
  • Low Season (Nov-Mar, excl. Holidays): Booking 2-4 weeks in advance is often sufficient. For festive periods, book months ahead.
  • Trusted Platforms: Use Booking.com, Agoda, Vrbo, Hostelworld, IHG Hotels, Airbnb. Direct booking with local businesses supports them and may offer perks.

Policies & Prices

  • Deposit & Cancellation: Policies vary. Always check specific terms before booking.
  • Free Cancellation: Many platforms provide this up to a certain date, for flexibility. Rates might be slightly higher.
  • Non-Refundable Rates: Often cheaper, these require full upfront payment and permit no refunds.
  • Price Fluctuations: Highest during summer, major events, Christmas/New Year. Lowest November-March (excl. Holidays). Weekends are generally more expensive.

Traveler Tip

Consider Local Areas
  • Staying slightly outside the immediate city center, in areas like Southville or Redland, usually results in better value.
  • You experience a more local atmosphere while remaining well-connected by public transport.
No Walk-in Rate Negotiation
  • Negotiating walk-in rates is generally not common practice in the UK for established hotels or B&Bs.
  • Prices are usually fixed. Booking online or in advance usually secures better rates than walking in without a reservation.

Long-Stay Options

Serviced Apartments

Ideal for extended stays, offering accommodations' services with fully equipped kitchens and more living space. SACO Bristol, Roomzzz Aparthotel.

Airbnb

Many hosts offer discounts for longer stays, including weekly or monthly rentals.

TrustedHousesitters

A platform for house and pet sitting exchanges, offering extended stays in exchange for care. TrustedHousesitters.

Accommodation Recommendations

Bristol has excellent options across all budget levels and for various traveler types.

Budget-Friendly

Hostels

Well-regarded hostels on the Harbourside or near the city center.

  • YHA Bristol
  • The Bristol Wing
Chain Hotels

Reliable budget hotel chains with multiple city locations.

  • Premier Inn
  • Travelodge

Mid-Range Options

Popular Hotels

Central, comfortable stays often with good deals.

  • The Bristol Hotel
  • Clayton Hotel Bristol City
  • Future Inn Bristol
Independent B&Bs

Explore options in Clifton or Redland for a more personal stay.

  • The Rodney Hotel (Clifton)
  • Brooks Guesthouse (Central)

Luxury Stays

  • Harbour Hotel & Spa Bristol

    A luxurious option in a stunning former bank building, with a spa.

  • Hotel du Vin Bristol

    Boutique luxury in a refurbished sugar house, offering elegant rooms and a bistro.

  • Number 38 Clifton

    A stylish boutique accommodation in a Georgian townhouse, with beautiful rooms and views.

Family & Solo Travelers

  • Family-friendly Options

    Hotels with family rooms (Premier Inn) or serviced flats for space and self-catering (SACO Bristol, Roomzzz Aparthotel).

  • Solo Traveler Recommendations

    Hostels (YHA Bristol) are great for meeting people. Boutique hotels or guesthouses offer comfort and a hospitable environment.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    Serviced apartments (SACO Bristol) or Airbnb with weekly/monthly discounts are ideal for prolonged visits.

Culturally Significant Properties

Harbour Hotel & Spa

Housed in the magnificent former Lloyds and National Provincial Bank buildings, demonstrating grand Victorian architecture.

Number 38 Clifton

A boutique hotel set within a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse, a glimpse into Bristol’'s construction heritage.

Unique Vacation Rentals

Self-Catering Apartments

Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo list a wide range of options with more space, privacy, and kitchen facilities.

Serviced Apartments

SACO Bristol and Roomzzz Aparthotel combine hotel-like amenities with the space and independence of an apartment.

Homestays

Private room rentals in local homes through Airbnb provide cultural exchange and an authentic local experience.