British chain Hotel du Vin lead the charge when it came to offering characterful boutique accommodation in the UK's city centres, and its original Bristol property was something of a pioneer when it first opened back in the 90s. Cut to the 2020s and it can still hold its head up high, offering individualised rooms, friendly service and inviting spaces for on-site eating and drinking. Housed in a former sugar warehouse built in the 18th century, its high-ceilinged buildings combine historic bones with decadent design flourishes - exposed brickwork with Mediterranean-style tiling, leather armchairs with baroque soft furnishings. Its location is second to none; Bristol's street art scene, notoriously lively bars and rich cultural life are right on your doorstep.
Nearby St Nicholas Market is a real treasure trove, an 18th-century covered hall selling everything from antiques to Asian street food.
This centrally-located hotel is minutes from the museums and cultural attractions of the harbour.
By car: The drive is 3 hours from London and 1 hour 50 mins from Birmingham. There is limited private parking on-site for £20 per day.
By train: Bristol Temple Meads station is a 15-minute walk with direct trains from London that take 1 hour 30 mins. thetrainline.com
You don't have to be a wine-lover to stay here, but it helps - this is a grown-up hotel for people who know how to enjoy themselves. Walls are dotted with intriguing pieces of framed artwork - from original oil paintings to period advertising for port and sherry.
The flagstone courtyard, strung with twinkling lights, is an atmospheric place to sit when the weather is on your side. If notified in advance, the hotel can allocate a suitable room for a dog-owner for a charge of £20 per night - but canine companions are not welcome in public areas.
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Garden
- Pet-friendly
- On-site parking
- Free Wi-Fi
It's difficult to choose between the signature suites; Veuve-Clicquot has twin bathtubs perfect for honeymooners, while Harvey's has a private roof terrace. Even in the smaller rooms have king-size beds and large, luxurious bathrooms - with teal tiled walk-in showers and claw foot tubs.
Classic Room, Deluxe Room, Junior Suite, Suite, Signature Suite
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with complimentary toiletries, TV, free Wi-Fi
As you'd expect at a Hotel du Vin, the wine here - from a fresh and zesty muscadet to a moreish carafe of Beaujolais - is truly excellent. We love the Severn and Wye oak smoked salmon classic, served with a garnish of chopped egg, cornichons, capers, red onion and parsley.
Bistro: British and French cuisine, seasonal produce. Open daily for breakfast and dinner and Sundays for lunch. Dishes from £14.95.
Bar: drinks, wines, cocktails. Open Mon-Thurs 5-11pm, Fri 3-11pm, weekends 12-11pm.
Afternoon tea: served weekends 12-4pm. From £22.50pp.
To view Booking.com’s supplier’s terms and conditions click here.