The Bristol Marriott Royal Review- A Stylish Historic Hotel

In Bristol, on College Green, a short walk from the Bristol Hippodrome is the historic Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel. The city's oldest hotel it has pride of place moment's away from Clifton and in the centre of everything in Bristol. Mr W and I were invited recently on a complimentary basis to see the effects of the recent refurbishment, check out the rooms and attend an influencer event. All words and opinions are my own, we were not paid for this review.



The beautiful building has been here since 1868 and has offered a warm and friendly welcome to a number of famous people during it's time including Queen Victoria, Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy and Winston Churchill to name a few.


A recent refurbishment has brought this grand dame up-to-date but still in line with its Victorian heritage with a navy, grey and chic metallic colour scheme.  The hotel has an air of grandeur and class about it but is definitely not stuffy. 

Check in was super efficient by friendly staff, a few details were taken like our car registration number (for the parking underneath the hotel) and our room card was issued in less than two minutes. I was impressed!

I liked the welcome drink of water flavoured with fresh fruit in the foyer. So nice when you've been travelling a while.


We were staying in the Royal Junior Suite. Located in the Royal Wing the Royal Junior Suite features a luxury king bed, ensuite bathroom and lounge area with sofa bed. Adjoining the room is a Royal King superior guest room which can be used to create a two bedroom suite.  Perfect for families or friends that want to be close together.


The room oozed understated luxury. 


From the quality of the bed linen to the flat-screen TV, the roomy king size bed to the Nespresso coffee machine, everything was impeccable. The only thing missing was delectable George Clooney, but I guess Mr W will have to do!


It was nice to have a tea and coffee tray as well as a Nespresso machine and complimentary water too. 



The room had a sofa bed and two chairs so you could sit and relax and a small table. Blackout curtains added that extra touch and are always a good thing especially when you are in a city centre as it helps eliminate noise. 



A welcome gift of cheese and biscuits was a lovely and tasty touch which was well appreciated. 



The bathroom had marble effect counters and a stylish white and dark grey/green paint. The rainfall shower had an eco setting which I've never seen before, which is a great idea.



Toiletries were provided by Acca Kappa, an Italian luxury range and were excellent quality. I do feel though that hotels should be considering a more eco-friendly way of displaying the toiletries, instead of in individual small plastic bottles. 


You could access your bill with the TV set as well as check out the hotel services, use Internet TV, connect your device and check the weather forecast.

The room was p
articularly well thought out, with USB chargers built into the table lights and wall plugs by the mirror - a simple design feature and especially useful to dry your hair but you would be amazed how often this doesn't happen in a hotel room. The room also contained an iron and ironing board, trouser press, small fridge, robe and slippers and in-room safe. Air conditioning was efficient. Everything you could need for a leisure or business trip.


Room service menu was from the Miller & Carter steakhouse based in the hotel and included steaks, curry, lasagne and more as well as snacks such as sandwiches.






There is a spa with a range of treatments available including manicures/pedicures and messages and a swimming pool with some lovely frescos on the wall, adding to a Roman feel.  Aveda eco-friendly toiletries are available. There is also a fitness centre.



The hotel is home to a branch of Miller & Carter steakhouse. We didn't have a chance to try the evening menu but with the emphasis on prime steaks aged for 30 days and choices even for those that don't like steak (some interesting vegan options too such as the oven stuffed roasted aubergine with orzo pasta), we would definitely try the restaurant when visiting Bristol again. They advertise a 'buttermilk chicken experience' which sounds intriguing, how you can experience buttermilk chicken I don't know, but the description on the website makes me want to try it! 

Prices were in line with what you expect from a steakhouse and they also have a well-priced fixed lunch menu at £11.50 for two courses.


The bar next to the steakhouse was a great place to sit, have a drink and people watch.



One of the features of the hotel I enjoyed were the numerous works of art on every wall. 



The Palm Court area, a Victorian room with an impressive high stained glass ceiling, had a feeling of grandeur and can be hired out for civil ceremonies. To sit here and listen to a band or even a classical quartet when having your wedding celebrations must be a wonderful experience.



We had a big lunch that day so skipped dinner as we knew we would be going to an influencer party that night with canapes.








The party that night was a fun event!


A mixologist showed us how to make excellent cocktails and the canapes were an interesting mix from the Miller & Carter team, although I must admit Mr W's highlight was the doughnut (donut) wall! 

We were shown around the rooms in the Royal Wing, and I can confirm they are all of the same chic high standard as the suite we stayed in. There is also a four poster suite and an apartment with a kitchen area.  The rooms have been brought bang up-to-date and the Royal Wing is a cool area to be hired out by small groups of people perhaps for a wedding, family event or business opportunity. 


So after too many delicious cocktails, we headed to bed. 

The next morning after an excellent nights sleep due to the blackout curtains and extremely comfy mattress, we headed down to breakfast. 


Breakfast was held in the Miller & Carter Steakhouse and was a buffet breakfast.





A range of pastries, cheese, yoghurt and cereals as well as a full cooked buffet breakfast was available.

Some good points were the fact that there was an allergy sheet available which directed the reader to up-to-date online allergy information, and there were coconut yoghurt and soya milk readily available. Some not so good points were the fact that the juice wasn't fresh and they had run out of fruit salad and didn't bring any more when asked saying simply they had run out.

The breakfast wasn't the most extensive I've ever had in a luxury hotel but certainly a decent start to the day. A little more choice of fruit and making fresh juice available would take the breakfast up a notch I felt.






In conclusion, the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel is a historic, beautifully restored hotel in the centre of Bristol close to the waterfront area and the Bristol Hippodrome. Check out our video below from the dedicated travel blog and YouTube channel I created with my husband Fly Drive Explore.



Recent updates mean that rooms in the Royal Wing are chic and effortlessly glamorous without trying too hard. Facilities including a spa, pool, gym and its own parking make it an excellent luxury choice when in the city. The Miller and Carter Steakhouse is a welcome addition to this hotel. Staff were welcoming, efficient and well trained. We would return for sure. Recommended.

Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
College Green 
Bristol
BS1 5TA
+44 117 925 5100


* We were given a complimentary stay in exchange for an honest review. 

17 comments

  1. What an amazing stay. I always find Marriott hotels to be fabulous and this doesn't look as if it would disappoint. Mich x

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    1. It's a beautiful historic hotel. Wished we had more time to use the pool.

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  2. What a gorgeous looking hotel. It bet you had a lovely stay there. The rooms seem comfortable and spacious and the party night sounds like fun.

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    Replies
    1. They have done a great job with the refurbishments!

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  3. What a gorgeous looking hotel, it looks like they have really managed to balance history and modern with the decor inside as well.

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    1. They have done an excellent job of balancing history and modern facilities.

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  4. This hotel looks beautiful! It seems to combine the period features with modern luxuries so well

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    Replies
    1. The architecture is just stunning. I think they have mixed modern amenities well with the historic property.

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  5. This looks lovely! I need to visit Bristol again, it's such a vibrant city.

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    Replies
    1. Bristol is a fantastic city, we visit every few months.

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  6. I could just dive into that pool - what a stunning building

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  7. What a stylish and beautiful looking hotel! I love the look of that buffet breakfast!

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  8. OK....WOW....what an absolutely stunning {and very luxurious} hotel!

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  9. I love hotels with modern interior and hotel bedding, that bed looks so comfortable!

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