*PR: Partly gifted stay

Sian Victoria © - Mercure Grand Bristol Hotel exterior

Best 4 Star Hotels in Bristol

In the heart of the Old City quarter on Broad Street lies the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel. A trendy newly refurbished 4-star accommodation housed in a historically picturesque building. Opened in 1869. The hotel is a Grade II listed building featuring beautiful Victorian architecture. Its exterior immediately evokes a lavish, luxurious atmosphere with its limestone ashlar, in a rectangular Italianate Renaissance style and the addition of its 20th-century extension.

Over the past 150 years, the hotel in Bristol has been stayed in by many celebrities including the Rolling Stones and The Beatles and was most recently used to film scenes in the British TV series The Trial of Christine Keeler. The hotel was also used as a residence for numerous agents, politicians, and monarchy during World War II. So, I’m sure the hotel holds some fascinating stories and many secrets.

Built into the old city's medieval walls St John's Arch, one of Bristol's original entrances is located a short distance from the hotel. Through this passage, you’ll find lots of things to do in Bristol city centre. Making the hotel the perfect base to stay at to enjoy Bristol’s Victorian Heritage while exploring the city for business or pleasure.

Mercure Grand Bristol Hotel - exterior

My stay at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel was partially gifted courtesy of Red Letter Days who provided me with credit to pick an experience in early 2020. Due to the pandemic, I had to delay choosing an experience.

In August 2021 I eventually got to use the credit. I had never been to Bristol city centre. So, while browsing the short city break experiences, I spotted the two Night Break for two at Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel and it turned out to be the perfect gift experience with breakfast included. All other travel expenses were covered by me.

The stylish and contemporary feel of the interior in the lobby contrasts nicely with the grand exterior and features over 500 pieces of art created by local street artists and installations showcasing the talent of Bristol's art scene. The hotel was transformed in collaboration with Upfest, Bristol's renowned street art festival.

The lobby

Sian Victoria © - Mercure Grand Bristol Hotel lobby

This trendy distinctive look continues with Keepers Kitchen and Bar which is next to the hotels entrance and where you can pop in for a bite to eat morning or night in a comforting, rustic environment. Featuring neon lights, ornate pillars, large floor to ceiling windows and a statement brick wall behind the bar.

Fun fact, The Rolling Stones were denied access to the hotel's bar in 1964 because they were not dressed appropriately. The hotel even boasts an indoor pool and fitness centre if you require some relaxation away from the busy streets of Bristol. There’s also a grand ballroom for events and a conference centre.

After checking in, we took the lift from the lobby on the ground floor to the third floor. To discover a hallway lined with framed photos of Bristol photographed by local artists.

Standard Double Room

Sian Victoria © - Double Room, Mercure Grand Bristol Hotel

My partner and I stayed in room 324 a standard double. The trendy room came with a cosy double bed complete with crisp, white sheets, plenty of storage space with a functional rail with cupboard space, a tea and coffee station, a hairdryer, and an iron.

The flat-screen TV was perfect to watch a show when coming in from a long day exploring the city. While complimentary Wi-Fi was a nice touch too. The patterned chair and green walls in the room gave the overall minimal interior a nice splash of earthy colour and emphasised the stylish feel of the accommodation.

For a two-night stay accommodating two people, the room was just right for our needs. However, the Accor hotel has 155 rooms, including a Privilege Double room with a city view. So, if you fancy more space there are more options available, including Accessible rooms and Family rooms.

If you're travelling into Bristol for business, the room also conveniently has a work desk plus a lamp to ensure you're able to complete work while enjoying your stay.

The en-suite bathroom

Sian Victoria © - Bathroom, Mercure Grand Bristol Hotel

The double room came with an en-suite bathroom. Featuring all-over trendy white tiles which gave the bathroom a clean and spacious feel. The bathroom was equipped with a sizeable bath and shower unit featuring a rain shower head and the floor featured a monochrome patterned tiling.

Above the sink is a large mirror and shelf. Perfect to clutter with makeup bags and beauty products ahead of a night out in Bristol. The lighting in the bathroom was pretty good too. There is also a full-length mirror directly opposite as you walk out the bathroom with plug sockets nearby so you can get ready for the day or night without any fuss.

The breakfast at Keepers Kitchen and Bar

Sian Victoria © - Keepers Kitchen & Bar, Mercure Grand Bristol Hotel

After waking up from a great night's sleep in the comfy double bed at the Mercure Grand Bristol Hotel. We made our way down the stairs instead of the lift to enjoy more of the Mercure Hotel's art which you’ll discover everywhere you go - in support of Bristol’s Street art heritage.

Making our way to the ground floor to the hotels Keepers Kitchen and Bar it was time to indulge in a breakfast buffet. The warm lighting and minimal tones of the restaurant created an inviting atmosphere.

For breakfast, I ordered a full vegetarian English, complete with mushrooms, baked beans, hash browns and vegan sausages. This hot dish was delivered to us, while cold continental items such as pastry, muffins, cereals, fruit etc were available to fetch yourself. The breakfast helped fuel our energy ahead of spending the day sightseeing.

The day we checked out the hotel we were able to leave our bags at reception to go on another full day of sightseeing ahead of making our way back home to Birmingham. With its city-centre location, historic building, and newly renovated rooms this is one of the many great hotels in Bristol.

If you're planning a trip to the city. Check out my itinerary of some of the best free things to do in Bristol. It will give you some ideas of what to do and the landmarks and tourist attractions to see so that you can enjoy the best of Bristol’s art, culture, and architectural heritage.

To conclude

The day we checked out the hotel we were able to leave our bags at reception to go on another full day of sightseeing ahead of making our way back home to Birmingham. With its city-centre location, historic building, and newly renovated rooms this is one of the many great hotels in Bristol.

So, there you go. If you’re a foodie my post on the vegan independent restaurants in Bristol will give you food envy regardless of whether you eat a plant-based diet or not to complete your ultimate city break in Bristol.

Follow & Support