6 Best places to stay in Bristol

Put your money where your mouth is with a stay at what was once one of Bristol’s loftiest counting houses. Converted from a Grade II-listed bank, the city-centre Harbour Hotel has kept the soaring ceilings and feel of comfortable luxury of its previous incarnation in its recent conversion.

Double rooms range in size but even the tiniest feel very plush, with Egyptian cotton sheets and White Company toiletries. The largest have standalone baths – worth the extra splurge.

The restaurant is a highlight, serving up a modern seafood menu in a cavernous dining room. The spa, downstairs in the old vaults, is small but boasts lovely treatment rooms where you can chill out with a massage or a facial after a busy day’s exploring.

This 1511 Tudor castle, turned luxury hotel, once hosted King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn on their honeymoon. It was also the home of Queen (then princess) Mary I.

Dripping with royal history, it’s everything you expect from a castle: Tudor-style interiors, spiralling tower staircases, suits of armour, large open fireplaces, and panelled rooms with four-poster beds.

There’s even good old-fashioned archery and falconry in the grounds.

A hotel fit for a king (or queen). Children over 8 only.

Loftily positioned on the edge of Avon Gorge, just across from the sweep of Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Hotel du Vin feels like you’re on the wild edge of the city while still having all of Bristol at your fingertips.

While this is a big hotel with 78 rooms, there’s still a boutique, friendly feel to Du Vin, and each room feels carefully curated – expect jewel colours, velvety fabrics, and power showers, with some super-luxe suits if you’re looking to blow the budget.

There’s no need to venture far for a sundowner – the sun-drenched terrace of the White Lion bar is a wonderful place to toast Bristol’s iconic bridge with a glass of vin.

Play Lord or Lady of the Manor at Berwick Lodge, a sumptuous gothic mansion that’s tucked away in the Somerset countryside – but with the bright lights of Bristol on the doorstep.

If you like pared down and modern, this hotel is not for you – Berwick is all about more-is-more luxury with a Turkish twist. Each of the 14 rooms is named after an ancient Anatolian civilization. Tiled bathrooms come complete with claw-footed bathtubs and statues of nymphs.

Sitting rooms are similarly plush, and the gorgeous in-house Hattusa restaurant (all cream hues and chandeliers) serves AA Rosette-awarded food without feeling stuffy. While there’s no spa, in-room treatments can be arranged.

If you like to be in the thick of things, book a stay at Brooks, a relaxed boutique guesthouse slap-bang in the heart of Bristol’s buzzy centre.

The 27 bedrooms here are simple but cosy – think big squishy duvets, power showers and a breakfast picnic basket – but

It seems a shame to come to Brooks’ and not treat yourself to a stay in one of the four gleaming Retro Rocket airstream caravans on the grassy roof.

Brooks call this ‘urban glamping’ – inside each caravan is a double bed, a seating area and a bathroom. They may not be super roomy, but these vintage beauties make a stay in central Bristol tremendous fun, and offer panoramic views over the city.

Expect old-fashioned hospitality at The Rodney, a Georgian mansion of honey-hued stone located in the heart of Clifton Village and one of Bristol’s smartest addresses.

The simple bedrooms at the Rodney are perhaps the least exciting bit of your stay; small but clean and modern, with bright cushions and all mod cons.

Feel like a spot of supper closer to home one night? The Rodney also has its own restaurant, Number 4, downstairs in a rather gorgeous Georgian dining room, plus a pretty walled garden ideal for afternoon tea.

While this is a peaceful place to lay your head, you can still dip into city life – your next-door neighbours include wine bars, smart bakeries, cosy pubs, and some of the best of Bristol’s boutiques and delis.