Where to Stay in Bristol – Your Complete Area & Hotel Guide

I’ve got to say it! If I knew the UK had so many incredible places to visit, I would’ve moved there much earlier!

But hey, I’m glad that I stayed long enough to visit cities like this one!

In this post, you will find a carefully curated list of the top luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels where to stay in Bristol, plus a neighborhood guide that will help you find your dream area!

The Old City is the best area to stay in as it’s centrally located close to all the attractions! But in this post, you will also find 4 more neighborhoods that cater to different interests like art, shopping, and family-friendly areas. Plus a small gift (I felt extra generous today) a bonus with some great hotels near the airport!

Okay, now that we’ve covered that, let’s get to more serious issues. I highly recommend booking your hotel in advance because Bristol is a super popular place, not only for people in England but from all over the world!

Let’s go!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

If you want to book your hotels ASAP, here’s a list of the top ones, all located in the Old City, the best area where to stay in Bristol

Here’s a map that will help visualize all the areas where to stay in Bristol that I’m going to talk about in this post:

1. Old City – where to stay in Bristol for the first time

Welcome to Bristol’s medieval heart and one of my favorite spots in the city center! The whole town was covered in snow the last time I was here, but that only made the experience even better (although it was a little harder to get around)!

I was here when Prince Harry and his wife Meghan were visiting Bristol. I was just across the street from Old Vic Theatre, the place where they went. Sadly I only managed to see their backs but still, it’s probably as close as I will get to members of the British Royal family!

Located in Central Bristol, this compact and pedestrian-friendly area is home to some of the most important attractions in town, such as the Bristol Cathedral, St. Nicholas Market, Cabot Circus Shopping Center, and Castle Park.

In Bristol Old City you can spend your time admiring the historic buildings and taking long walks on Corn Street and Broad Street where you’ll find all the restaurants. Staying in this area means you’ll have easy access to visiting other parts of the city as well.

Bristol’s city center is filled with great hotels and if you’re thinking of securing one here (wise choice by the way) I highly recommend booking it in advance! Bristol is a super popular place to visit for people all over the world and naturally, everything sells quickly!

Other accommodation options in Old City

Things to do in the Old City

• Go for a walk in Queen Square or Millennium Square
• Visit Bristol Cathedral in the Old City
• Admire the contemporary art at Arnolfini Arts Centre
• Buy souvenirs from St. Nicholas Market
• Check out the bars on Corn Street
• Catch a play at the Bristol Hippodrome
• Shop until you drop at Cabot Circus shopping center
• Spend a fun day at the Bristol Aquarium and the Castle Park

2. Old Market – the trendiest place to stay in Bristol

Located east of the Old Town and part of the Bristol city centre, this area is also pretty iconic. It hosts over 60 heritage-listed buildings (which will make history lovers so happy).

Old Market is one of the most incredible places where to stay in Bristol! If you love independent cafes that serve local produce, small art galleries, and boutique hotels, I highly recommend finding accommodation here.

Although I loved the atmosphere in the Old Town when I visited Bristol, I can’t deny that the Old Market holds a special place in my heart! Just wait until you see all the antique shops and bohemian stores.

Also known as Bristol’s Gay Village, the area hosts many LGBT-oriented bars and pubs and some cool live music venues. And if you want to be up to date on all the cool things to do in Bristol, check out our latest post. You’ll find so many fun attractions there!

Other accommodation options in Old Market

Things to do in the Old Market

• Spend a fun day at Puzzlair Escape Rooms
• Enjoy a drink at Volunteer Tavern
• Listen to some live music at The Jam Jar
• Have a beer or 2 at Left Handed Giant St Philips Brewery & Taproom
• Check out the Trinity Community Arts
• Buy souvenirs from the Bristol Vintage Old Market

Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!

3. Clifton – where to stay in Bristol for families

Home to Bristol University and to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, this area is located on the banks of River Avon, only a 20-minute bus drive away from the city centre.

Filled with Georgian houses and leafy streets, this tranquil neighborhood is perfect for tourists looking to stay in Bristol with their kids. Although you won’t be located within walking distance of the Old City or Old Market, trust me, you’ll find so many things to do here!

Also, don’t forget that London isn’t that far either. I came a few times to Bristol as a day trip and got to see a considerable number of attractions.

Although you won’t find so many big hotels in Clifton, the area has many apartment types of accommodations, which is excellent, especially if you have a big family. Once you’re out and about, make sure to pass by the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the views are pretty iconic.

However, I’m sure the kids will want to spend most of their time at the Bristol Zoo!

Other accommodation options in Clifton

Things to do in Clifton

• Take the kids to the Bristol Zoo Gardens 
• Enjoy a day in the outdoors at Clifton Downs
• Visit the Giant’s Cave during your stay in Bristol
• Explore around Clifton Village
• Catch a sunset near Clifton Suspension Bridge
• Admire the views from Avon Gorge

4. Stokes Croft – best place to stay in Bristol for artsy people

Maybe you’ve heard of Banksy, a famous street artist who is originally from Bristol and whose work has made the newspaper headlines a few times!

During my trip to Bristol, I didn’t know much about his work but had a chance to notice how incredible the street art was. I’m sure that the great Banksy inspired many young people in his hometown and if you’re a fan of arts and culture, then I highly recommend staying in this area.

Close to the Bristol City Centre, Stokes Croft is actually a road, and you can see one of Banksy’s works here called the “Mild Mild West”.

Known as the city’s cultural district, this area has such a great atmosphere, and it’s filled with independent stores and bars (an excellent place for people who aren’t fans of the big shopping centers).

Stokes Croft also offers easy access to the city center area!

Other accommodation options in Stokes Croft

Things to do in Stokes Croft

• Enjoy a delicious meal at Caribbean Croft
• Walk around and admire the street art
• Have a cocktail at The Attic
• Shop until you drop at That Thing
• Dance all night at Lakota

5. Temple – most well-connected place in Bristol

Located within walking distance from the Bristol city center, this area is great for people who want to explore the town and other areas!

If you’re going to make most of your stay in Bristol and check out other areas like North Bristol or other cities like Cardiff or Bath, I recommend finding a hotel in Temple as the location offers easy access to the train station!

Bristol Temple Meads is Britain’s oldest and largest train station, and it was first opened in 1840. Its name has an interesting story: it comes from the Knights Templar, who built the Temple Church nearby.

Although the Temple Church was bombed during WWII, you can still visit the ruins. The area also welcomes many bars, restaurants, and a food market that’s becoming more and more popular!

Let’s check the best Bristol hotels near Temple Meads:

Other accommodation options in Temple

Things to do in Temple

• Visit the Temple Church ruins
• Take a train from Temple Meads to Cardiff
• Have a drink at The Knights Templar pub
• Catch a sunset near the Temple Meads ferry terminal
• See what’s on at The Loco Klub

👑 Luxury price:	£180
💵 Mid Range:	£110
🛏️ Budget:	£80
🏠 Airbnb:	£120
💰 Accommodation prices:	Medium
📍 Best area:	Old City
👪 Best area for families:	Clifton
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	The Bristol Hotel
💵 Best mid-range hotel:	Saco Bristol
👛 Best budget hotel:	Brooks Guesthouse

BONUS: Best hotels to stay near Bristol Airport

Looking where to stay in Bristol close to the airport? It’s definitely your lucky day because I’ve just cooked up a list of the best ones in the city!

Come along and let’s check them out:

Luxury
Backwell House – One of my favorite Bristol hotels! This building is incredible and it’s located a 15-minute drive from the Bristol Airport. Everything from its architecture to its interior design will make you feel as if you’ve landed in a Downtown Abbey episode! The rooms have a private bathroom and the hotel also has a bar.

Mid Range
Hampton By Hilton – This modern hotel offers rooms that have a tv, a desk area, and a private bathroom. The accommodation is located only a 6 minute walk away from the Bristol Airport and it also offers a continental breakfast and a bar.

Budget
Accommodation Bristol – One of the best budget hotels where to stay in Bristol near the airport (located only a 10-minute bus drive away) that has the coziest rooms with a private bathroom. The accommodation also offers an airport shuttle for a small charge.

Airbnb
Cozy Home – Located in Felton, only a 5-minute drive from the airport, this accommodation has all the facilities you need for a perfect stay in Bristol! Chill in the hot tub and take walks in the garden of this lovely spot.

Frequently asked questions about hotels in Bristol

Conclusion

I’m so excited for you to visit this port city in the West Country (England’s southwest area)! I hope the post helped you decide where to stay in Bristol, and which hotel to book.

In case you’re having a hard time deciding (there are so many good hotels in this list), here’s a list of my favorite ones, both located in Bristol Old City:

• The Bristol Hotel – A stunning hotel that has a bar & restaurant
• Saco Bristol – A hotel with great city views

Remember! All the best ones go first! So if you don’t want to miss the best luxury or budget hotels in Bristol Old City or any other area, make sure to book them in advance!

Have the most amazing time during your stay in Bristol! Visit as many attractions as possible and don’t forget to leave me a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions about one of my favorite cities in England!

Safe Travels

Victoria

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