Radisson Blu Hotel Bristol

We had a brilliant long weekend at the Radisson Blu while visiting friends. The hotel was modern, clean and comfortable, with a relaxed feel, and the staff were warm and ready to help throughout. They even lend you a brolly if the weather turns bad. Getting around was easy: it’s central, and the airport bus drops you beside the hotel. Pubs, restaurants, takeaways and shops are all nearby. We enjoyed the river walk at this time of year, and the Christmas market is within walking distance too. I’d happily come back.

We picked this hotel because it’s near the Bristol Beacon, where we were seeing a show, and it’s very convenient for the airport bus, bars and clubs. The bed was comfortable and the staff were friendly enough, but the hotel feels dated and the attention to detail wasn’t what I’d expect from a Radisson. In our superior room the carpet was stained, the furniture looked old and the lighting was very dim. There were no sockets by the bed and no shower gel in the shower. The bar felt soulless, with the seating poorly arranged. Breakfast had a good buffet selection, but the coffee machine was marked out of order and there was no pot or backup dispenser. My wife had arranged a package with wine in the room on arrival and confirmed it with the hotel beforehand, but it wasn’t there and staff had no knowledge of it. For what you get, it’s a basic, dated and overpriced hotel in a good location.

Breakfast had a good spread: hot buffet food, yoghurt, fresh fruit, smoothies, pastries, cakes, cookies and cereal. My room was very large, with a big bed and great views across the city. I was upgraded while travelling for work, possibly because I’d stayed at a London Radisson Blu the previous week. There was a dressing gown, slippers and a Nespresso machine, and the bathroom had shampoo, conditioner, and body and hand wash. The location was good too.

I had a video call in the afternoon and found the room lighting too dim for it. The room itself was spacious and quiet, with no noise from outside, and the huge bed was very comfortable. The tea tray was fine but didn’t include decaf drinks, so I went to reception for a hot chocolate. They also had toiletries in case you’d forgotten anything, plus a great fruit bowl and flavoured water in reception. Parking was easy once I found the entrance, though at £20 a night it wasn’t cheap, and I hadn’t realised there was a charge from the booking information. There weren’t any usable power sockets near the bed: one was occupied by the lamp, and for some reason it wasn’t a UK socket. That could be a problem if you have a medical device. I had to call reception for an extension lead.