The Best Boutique Hotels in Bristol, UK
The vibrant city of Bristol is filled with hotels, but if you’re looking for something a little special, a boutique hotel will be the right choice for you. From quaint Victorian accommodation in Clifton to a luxe castle in Thornbury, here’s our guide to the best boutique hotels in Bristol.
Thornbury Castle, for aristocratic excellence
Hotel
Once the love shack of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Thornbury Castle is a Downton-esque show of upper-crust excellence. Stay in their former room; it’s now a suite with a four-poster bed, walk-in shower and luxury bathroom amenities. Frankly, though, all the rooms are royal-worthy. The property is a 30-minute drive to the city centre, but your compensation is a large, well-maintained estate with a dedicated space for roses; a flourishing herb garden whose contents are regularly pinched by the kitchen and bar; and a labyrinth.
Hayward's at the Grasmere, for fabulous dining
Boutique Hotel
Gastronomy plays a central role in this cosy boutique hotel near Bristol and Bath. It’s been run by Daniel and Gemma since April 2019; the former is a classically trained chef and a champion of local suppliers. Those carefully sourced ingredients make up a good portion of the hearty, seasonally changing restaurant menu. The rooms are comfortable and reasonably priced.
Victoria Square Hotel, for Grade-II glamour
Hotel
The Victoria comes straight from a period drama – the hotel is split across a pair of Grade II-listed buildings on a romantic Georgian square. The rooms, simple and homely in design, have pleasingly high ceilings, and most have leafy views. Breakfast is either a full English or a selection of granola, fruit and yoghurt. Choose the latter if you plan on tramping around Clifton Village, a prime destination for boutique shopping and latte-sipping.
The Rodney Hotel, for a prime location
Budget Hotel
If you’re planning a city break in Bristol, book a room at the Rodney. A prime spot in Clifton means you’re a quick walk from loads of great restaurants and the Clifton Suspension Bridge, one of the city’s main attractions. The hotel itself is part of a pretty Georgian terrace, and has 31 homely single and double rooms. There’s also an award-winning restaurant, No.4 Clifton Village, which serves afternoon tea and a seasonal menu of locally sourced ingredients.
Artist Residence Bristol, for design-forward quarters
Hotel
Style reigns at the Artist Residence, a design-forward boutique hotel in the creative community of St Pauls. The guest rooms and suites are individually designed, with limited-edition prints, vintage furnishings and rainfall showers – some come with roll-top bathtubs. The Library bar and restaurant serves the type of all-day breakfast you’d find in hipster cafes, plus signature and classic cocktails, craft beers, and wine by the carafe.
The Gothic Mansion, for a stay with a story
Boutique Hotel
Love a building with a past? The Gothic Mansion has a story or two to tell. It was built in 1862 by renowned architect William Venn Gough and has since been an orphanage, a refuge for WWII casualties, a children’s home and a hippy commune. It’s now one of the best boutique hotels in Bristol – and an occasional set location for TV shows. You’ll stay in traditionally styled rooms, with decor such as canopy beds, golden chandeliers and lots of patterned wallpaper.
Number Thirty Eight, for multicoloured cool
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
Brooks Guesthouse, for a prime location
Boutique Hotel, Hotel, Guesthouse
The Berkeley Square Hotel, for a two-in-one-deal
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
Bristol Harbour Hotel, for a luxurious take on boutique living
Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel, Hotel
This is an updated version of an article originally by Colette Earley.
Looking for more great accommodation options? Check out our pick of the best bed and breakfasts in Bristol, bookable on Culture Trip.
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