Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel review and why I must find more time to visit Bristol
Bristol and I have unfinished business. During the past four years I’ve made four visits to this fabulous city of industrial history and apples. But none for more than 24 hours. My fleeting stays have been for an annual work event and each year I kick myself that I haven’t found time to return at my own leisure. This year I stayed overnight at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel and really rated it. I wouldn’t think twice about booking it again. Here’s my review and the reasons why I really must try to visit Bristol again soon.
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Staying at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel
The Grade II listed Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel underwent a refurbishment recently and in my eyes they did a great job. I loved the industrial detailing and bright pop-art features. As well as bold prints on the furnishings, work by local artists adorned my room walls and the hallways.
I had a ‘compact double room’ but it didn’t feel small. The double bed was described as small (I’m guessing that means standard sized) and I had a rainfall shower rather than a bath. These are the only reasons I could see for the ‘compact’ label. However, I certainly didn’t feel I was in inferior accommodation.
My bed was seriously comfortable and I was impressed by the handy finishing touches, like USB plug sockets on either side of the bed.
The bathroom was spotless, with floor tiles to die for. My only criticism in the bathroom would be the toiletries. I had packed light and left my shampoo and conditioner at home knowing that this 4-star hotel would supply bathroom kit. However, the three toiletry bottles sitting below the mirror were body lotion, shower gel and a shampoo/conditioner combo – not the best for my fine hair.
My room also came equipped with a flat screen TV, coffee and tea making facilities, a hairdryer, iron and ironing board, and complimentary WiFi.
Hotel facilities
The Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel’s industrial, arty makeover extends to the reception and bar areas. Keepers Kitchen and Bar next to reception served food from 7am until 10pm daily. I didn’t eat dinner here but did pop in for breakfast. As self-service breakfasts go this one was pretty good. There was a well presented selection of pastries, cereals, cold meats and cheese, yogurts, fruit and cooked breakfast. I’m trying to lose a few pounds to squeeze into a Christmas party frock, so opted for the fruit and yogurt followed by a few items from the hot buffet. I couldn’t resist!
The staff here were ever ready to help guests and clear plates, but looked as enthusiastic as those of us who had been partying until 1am. It struck me as the staff on reception when I checked in had also been a bit dower. Efficient but not friendly.
For a look behind the scenes at the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel check out this review by Boo and Maddie.
Overall impressions – Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel review
When it comes to hotels I’m a sucker for well thought out decor and a comfy bed. And the Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel delivered on both these fronts. The location was also great, being just a stones throw from the Broadmead and Cabot Circus shops, and within easy reach of the harbour and city centre attractions. With these benefits I can get over the toiletries and the stern-faced staff. I’d definitely recommend this as a good base for a Bristol city break for couples and families who enjoy hotel stays.
Reasons to visit Bristol
So, what does Bristol have to offer that has me hankering for a return visit? Here’s a few reasons why I’d like to go back with more time to spare:
Food and drink
Bristol has a great food scene with brilliant places to dine and views to match. The Glassboat Brasserie was a few minutes walk from my hotel and looked incredibly tempting when I passed on my way from Bristol Temple Meads Station. I can personally recommend eating at the Hotel Du Vin where Mr Tin Box and I have stayed a couple of times in the past. If you enjoy cider you also have to visit The Apple – another boat moored along the river offering about 40 different organic cider and cider-related drinks.
Great events
My first visit to Bristol with Mr Tin Box coincided with the annual Harbour Festival. We hadn’t planned this but we were totally blown away with the scale of the event. There was live music and performances, food and craft stalls, and maritime activities happening across the city centre. Aside from this the city has a packed programme of events throughout the year. Seeing the International Balloon Fiesta is also high on my Bristol bucket list.
During my latest visit I just about had time to get to the Bristol German Christmas Market for a cup of mulled cider. The market in the Broadmead shopping quarter has 40 stalls open until Christmas Eve 2017.
Fun and educational family attractions
Way back before we had children I visited SS Great Britain – a ship designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel that was way ahead of its time. I loved learning about its history and walking the decks of this wonderfully restored ship. It’s somewhere I’d love to return. In more recent years I have visited the Wild Place Project with the Tin Box girls. This conservation-focussed extension of Bristol Zoo is another place I’d like to return, if only to see the lemur twins born this year.
It’s the home of Banksy
Art is every where you look in Bristol. You wouldn’t expect anything less of Banksy’s home town. On the walk from Bristol Temple Meads Station I noticed plenty of art including this piano. I have to admit that the works weren’t all to my taste, but this one tinkled my ivories – sorry! If you enjoy modern art and particularly street art then the annual Upfest art festival is a must. It’s free and takes place across 35 venues in and around Bristol where artists paint live in front of visitors.
Have you visited Bristol? Where would you recommend staying and visiting?
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You know I’ve never actually been! I would love to see more of the Banksy stuff too!
Definitely a city to add to the bucket list!
I do like the USB wall sockets hotels have these days. And the christmas market looks great, perfect for getting in the festive mood #MondayEscapes
It really was! I used to get a bit fed up of Christmas starting so early, but now I embrace it…especially when there’s hot mulled cider involved!
The hotel looks and sounds great! It’s been so long since we’ve actually stayed in a hotel since we mostly do airbnb these days… #MondayEscapes
We mostly stay in self-catering places too as it seems more convenient with the kids. But I do love a hotel stay every now and again.
I had no idea Banksy was from Bristol. Looks like a great find of a hotel…certainly not your cookie cutter hotel. So nice to see hotels putting so much effort into every little detail and I do appreciate the modern, industrial look. #Mondayescapes
Yes, totally agree. Lovely surroundings make for a lovely stay!
Ugh…the shampoo/conditioner combo never works for me either, but I’m impressed they even had ANY conditioner. It’s usually just shampoo wherever I stay. 😉 The hotel does look lovely though, and I shall keep it in mind for whenever I get myself over to that part of the world for a proper exploration. #mondayescapes
Shelley recently posted…K Spa: Affordable Facials in Seoul
Ohh, I hate it when there’s just shampoo too! Otherwise it was a lovely place to stay and definitely recommended
I want to visit Bristol to see the SS Great Britain and no I know wher3 to stay when I do!
The SS Great Britain is brilliant and you could definitely walk to it from this hotel. And a lovely walk it would be!
I adore Bristol! Its such a fun and funky city. The Grand Hotel sounds perfectly located and the facilities look great too. (Perfectly timed work trip btw to make the most of the German markets!)
Lisa recently posted…Last Monday Escapes of 2017
I know!! Now, if only I could stay a couple more nights….
Looks like a nice room, especially for a “compact”. I’d definitely enjoy the rainfall shower. Bristol sounds like it’d be lovely to visit! That German Christmas Market looks delightful. 🙂 #MondayEscapes
It is fabulous. I’m already aching to go back!
Haven’t visited Bristol for years, even though it’s pretty close to where we live! Your post has inspired me to visit again. Your stay at the Mercure looked great #MondayEscapes
Nicky @GoLiveYoung recently posted…Exploring the Roman City of Jerash with Kids
We’re not too far away really but I do try to avoid anything over two hours in the car with our kids unless totally necessary…or there’s an overnight stay involved 🙂
Never stayed in a Mercure Hotel before but it looks super comfy!!! Should definitely try to stay in one on my next holiday! 🙂 #MondayEscapes
Lisa recently posted…AUSTRIA’S FAIRYTALE TOWN #1: HALLSTATT
They are fab! We also had a great stay at the Mercure in Exeter.
I like this hotel!!
It’s really lovely!
I love Bristol but haven’t visited for years! It looks like Christmas is a great time to visit…and the Mercure Hotel looks the perfect place to stay! One to add to the list! #MondayEscapes
I can recommend Christmas and July/August!
Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel sounds like a nice hotel. I love all the artsy details. But that is a shame about the toiletries. I always try to pack light on toiletries since the kids’ things take up so much luggage space so I think I would’ve been disappointed, too. #MondayEscapes
Allison recently posted…Embracing Nature at the Lincoln Park Conservatory
I’ve stayed at Mercures years and years ago and didn’t like them very much. It sounds like they’ve really improved and changed things and I love the sound of USB ports next to your bed (and that very funky chair!)
I’ve only stayed at Mercures in recent years and have had a couple of great experiences. It sounds like things have changed!
I have stayed at a couple of Mercures and always liked it. The one I stayed in in Istanbul had the best I have ever slept in! Bristol has been on my list for a while. Would love to see the street art!
#MondayEscapes
Esther recently posted…Winter festivals in The Netherlands that you shouldn’t miss
You’ll love it! I’m aching to go back for more!
When I was at School my best friend moved to Bristol, I tried to visit her 3 times, twice by car and once by train and every time I got snowed off and had to abandon the Journey, I should have maybe tried summer! But I never got there, maybe one day I will make it, the hotel looks so cool so worth the trip x
You must Sarah! It’s a fab city!
I too have only made fleeting visits to Bristol, but many many years ago for work. It looks like such a vibrant, edgy city! And a stay at the Mecure sound like it’s a winner! #MondayEscapes
TraveLynn Family – Jenny recently posted…THE ASIA INTERVIEWS – Globetotting chat about Trekking in NEPAL
It is a great city. Definitely one to try to get back to!
I love the fabrics & prints used in the hotel. Want for my own home decor!
Shame we missed you! Bristol really has a lot to offer – I’ve done the fiesta and loved it. Well worth coming back for. Do give us a shout next time you’re up and we’ll meet for a cuppa! #citytripping
Most definitely! And maybe one of those pies you’ve been writing about!!
Ooh yes, or perhaps back to Swoon for a gelato – I missed out on the trip so Emma had all the fun, really want to check out some of the places she visited! #MondayEscapes
Keri | Ladies What Travel recently posted…Urban Axe Throwing in Central London
I loved following your stay on Instagram- the Christmas market looked fab and love the decor in the Mercure. I lived in Bristol back in the dim and distant past (almost 20 years ago!) and it really has transformed since then. I need a return trip myself. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
I love it there. Must, must, must get back soon!
I stayed at the other Mercure when I went to Bristol last year, and was definitely impressed with the room and facilities. This one looks even better though! Bristol’s such a fun place, I loved it there! The Christmas Markets are super cute. #citytripping
I do love Mercure hotels. We’ve stayed at one of their Exeter hotels and love the decor there too. They do do design well!