Creative, colourful and full of character, Bristol is one of the United Kingdom’s most exciting city break destinations – known for its independent spirit, thriving food scene and vibrant harbourside atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a cultural city escape or a stylish stay near the waterfront, Bristol offers accommodation options to suit every kind of trip. From charming boutique stays to luxury castles in the countryside, these are the best hotels in Bristol for your next visit.
This guide will be updated continuously as I discover and experience more in Bristol and was last updated in June 2026.
| Hotel | Area | Style | Best for | From / night | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mollie’s | Edge of Bristol | Sleek design-led motel | Road trippers | £72 | Check rates » |
| The Royal Inn | Portishead (outskirts) | Countryside pub stay | A quieter base | £81 | Check rates » |
| Hort’s Townhouse | Central Bristol | Boutique rooms above a pub | Friends & lively stays | £98 | Check rates » |
| Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin | Clifton | Historic charm, iconic views | Suspension Bridge views | £107 | Check rates » |
| Hotel du Vin | City centre (former sugar warehouse) | Cosy boutique luxury | Couples & food lovers | £115 | Check rates » |
| De Vere Tortworth Court | Countryside near Bristol | Grand Victorian mansion | Families & weddings | £116 | Check rates » |
| Harbour Hotel & Spa | City centre (former bank) | Dramatic interiors + spa | Spa-focused city breaks | £125 | Check rates » |
| Bristol Marriott Royal | Cathedral / harbourside | Grand full-service classic | Central convenience | £131 | Check rates » |
| Lido Townhouse ★ | Clifton | Boutique wellness + lido access | Moa’s top pick | £150 | Check rates » |
| No 38 Clifton | Clifton | Elegant Georgian townhouse | Couples & design lovers | £155 | Check rates » |
| Thornbury Castle | Thornbury (countryside) | Genuine Tudor castle | A unique luxury splurge | £249 | Check rates » |
| Bathen House | Near Bath | Peaceful luxury base | Combining Bristol & Bath | £270 | Check rates » |
| Lucknam Park | Colerne (countryside) | Five-star spa & fine dining | Indulgent countryside escape | £457 | Check rates » |
My guide to the best hotels in Bristol
I visited Bristol for the first time as part of a trip to both Bristol and Bath. It was great to see both these destinations and they really are quite the contrast to each other where Bristol feels trendy and colourful and Bath more traditional and elegantly Georgian. I have also written a guide to my top hotel recommendations in Bath which you can find here – and it really is super straightforward to visit both if you’re in the area (the train only takes 11 minutes!). Bristol has a variety of areas where you can choose to stay, but personally I loved staying near Clifton with walking distance to sights like Cabot Tower, the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.
Quick accommodation & hotel guide to Bristol
It can be difficult to choose amongst the hotels in the city, so here is a little quick guide to some of my top recommendations.
- My top recommendation: Bristol Lido Townhouse
- Charming boutique hotel: Horts Townhouse
- Luxury hotel: Thornbury Castle
- Best for visiting both Bristol & Bath: Bathen House
- Central location: Bristol Marriott Royal
The best hotels in colourful and trendy Bristol
The hotels and townhouses in the city really mirror the feel of the city: relaxed and intriguing. I really lucked out with staying at the Lido Townhouse that managed to fully enhance my time here – but I’m also incredibly curious about Thornbury Castle which is at the top of my list for the next time I visit the area. One of the best things about this part of England is that there is so much to see and experience within a fairly small area – making it a great destination for those wanting to explore places like Bristol, Bath, Somerset and the Cotswolds.
Lido Townhouse – my top choice for the best hotel in Bristol
Lido Townhouse combines boutique hotel vibes with access to Clifton’s iconic lido, creating a stylish and wellness-focused Bristol city stay. Interiors are contemporary and understated, while the atmosphere feels relaxed and exclusive. I love staying here and the location near both Clifton Village and the suspension bridge was just excellent. Being able to use the swimming pool and spa throughout the stay was such a luxurious bonus too.
Recommended for: Couples and travellers looking for a boutique wellness escape in Bristol.
♥ Read my review of my relaxing overnight stay at The Lido Townhouse in Bristol here.
Hort’s Townhouse
Relaxed and contemporary, Hort’s Townhouse combines boutique-style hotel rooms in Bristol with a lively pub atmosphere downstairs. It feels youthful, social and perfectly placed for exploring the city.
Recommended for: Friends and couples looking for a lively and central Bristol base.
No 38 Clifton
This elegant Georgian townhouse in Clifton offers individually designed rooms, beautiful interiors and a distinctly boutique atmosphere. The location of No 38 Clifton is ideal for exploring Bristol’s prettiest neighbourhood.
Recommended for: Couples and design lovers wanting a stylish Clifton stay.
Bristol Marriott Royal
A grand and historic hotel located near the cathedral and the harbourside, the Marriott Royal blends traditional elegance with the convenience of a larger full-service hotel.
Recommended for: City breakers and travellers wanting a classic hotel in a central location.
Harbour Hotel & Spa
Set in a former bank building, Harbour Hotel & Spa pairs dramatic interiors with luxurious touches and an atmospheric underground spa. The central location makes it ideal for exploring Bristol on foot.
Recommended for: Luxury weekend breaks and spa-focused city stays.
Thornbury Castle – the best luxury hotel in the Bristol area
A truly unique stay, Thornbury Castle allows guests to sleep in a genuine Tudor castle complete with historic interiors, grand dining rooms and beautiful gardens. It is the only Tudor Castle in Britain that you can stay in, making it a fantastic opportunity to experience this historic building up close.
Recommended for: History lovers and travellers seeking an unforgettable luxury hotel experience near Bristol.
Mollie’s
Mollie’s offers a sleek roadside boutique hotel concept with minimalist design, excellent food and a cool contemporary atmosphere at the edge of Bristol. It feels modern, effortless and distinctly stylish.
Recommended for: Road trippers and travellers who love modern design-led stays.
Hotel du Vin
Set in a former sugar warehouse, Hotel du Vin combines historic character with cosy luxury. Expect rich interiors, comfortable rooms and an excellent bistro-style restaurant.
Recommended for: Couples and food lovers looking for a classic boutique hotel.
The Royal Inn by Chef & Brewer Collection
Located just outside Bristol, The Royal Inn offers a traditional countryside pub stay with cosy rooms and a relaxed atmosphere.
Recommended for: Travellers wanting a quieter stay on the outskirts of the city.
Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin
Overlooking the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin offers one of the city’s most iconic views. The hotel combines historic charm with contemporary comfort in a fantastic location.
Recommended for: First-time visitors and couples wanting memorable Bristol views.
Bathen House (near Bath)
Though located closer to Bath than Bristol, Bathen House makes a luxurious and peaceful base for travellers exploring both destinations.
Recommended for: Visitors combining Bath and Bristol into one trip.
Lucknam Park
Set within stunning countryside grounds, Lucknam Park delivers five-star luxury hotel service near Bristol with a renowned spa, Michelin-starred dining and exceptional service.
Recommended for: Luxury countryside escapes and indulgent spa breaks.
De Vere Tortworth Court
Tortworth Court is a grand Victorian mansion hotel surrounded by extensive grounds and features impressive architecture alongside modern leisure facilities.
Recommended for: Families, weddings and countryside stays near Bristol.
On the move to Bristol in England
If you love trendy and colourful cities, then Bristol might be the perfect destination for you. I was so pleasantly surprised when visiting the city – and something that really stood out throughout the whole trip was how lovely people in Bristol were. One night definitely was not enough to explore everything the city has to offer!
FAQ – The best hotels in Bristol
My favourite place to stay in Bristol is at the Lido Townhouse which is in a great location with walking distance to the suspension bridge with the added bonus of swimming pool and spa access throughout your stay.
Clifton Village is a lovely and trendy part of Bristol which is an excellent place to stay for exploring the city.
Thornbury Castle outside of Bristol offers an immensely luxurious experience for staying in the area.
Avon Gorge and Hort’s Townhouse are both dog-friendly accommodation options in Bristol.
Need more inspiration for your trip to Bristol – or it’s neighbour city Bath?
- Things to Do in Bath: A Luxury Guide to England’s Elegant Spa City
- Bath England Hotel Guide: Luxury Stays in a Historic Spa City
- The Roseate Villa Bath: A Boutique Hotel Full of English Charm
- The Gainsborough Bath Spa Review: Historic Thermal Waters & Five-Star Luxury in Bath
- Best Things to Do Bristol: Top Sights, Food & Hidden Gems
- Bristol Lido & Townhouse Review: A Hidden Retreat in the Heart of Bristol
- A Guide to the Best Bristol Hotels: Boutique & Luxury Stays
Or perhaps for other destinations in the UK?
England
- What to do in Cambridge: what to see, eat and drink on your first visit
- The Old Rectory by Crabtree & Crabtree: a wholesome escape to a Northumberland holiday cottage
Scotland
- Weekend trip to Edinburgh: the ultimate itinerary from a local
- Edinburgh: A local’s guide and recommendations to things to do and see
- Romantic getaways in Scotland: The Most Luxurious Escapes for Couples in 2026
Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.
