Radisson Blu Bristol

The river walk was lovely this time of year, and the Christmas market was within easy walking distance. The location is central, with pubs, restaurants, takeaways, and shops close by, and the airport bus stops beside the hotel. The staff were warm and welcoming throughout, and happy to help. The hotel was clean, modern, comfortable, and relaxing. They even lend you a brolly if the weather turns bad. I had an outstanding long weekend visiting friends and would happily return. Highly recommended.

The location suited us well, close to the Bristol Beacon for a show, the airport bus, and the bars and clubs. The staff were friendly enough, but the attention to detail wasn't what I'd expect from a Radisson hotel. My wife had arranged and confirmed a package with wine in the room for our arrival, but it wasn't there and nobody seemed to know about it. The hotel needs updating: the superior room carpet was stained, the furniture dated, the lighting very dim, and there were no bedside sockets or shower gel. The bed was comfortable. The bar felt soulless, and the seating wasn't arranged very well. Breakfast had a good buffet selection, but the coffee machine just had an Out of Order sign and there was no alternative coffee dispenser or pot. It's a very basic hotel in a good location, and the friendly staff don't make up for how dated and overpriced it feels.

I got an upgrade during my work stay, possibly because I'd been at a London Radisson Blu the week before. The room was very large, with a big bed and great views over the city. There was a dressing gown, slippers, and a Nespresso machine, while the bathroom had shampoo, conditioner, and body and hand wash. Breakfast was good too, with a hot buffet, yoghurt, fresh fruit, smoothies, pastries, cakes, cookies, and cereals. Good location.

The bed was huge and really comfortable, and the room was quiet with no outside noise. It was spacious and had everything I needed, though the lighting wasn't bright enough when I had to make a video call in the afternoon. The tea tray was fine, but there were no decaf drinks, so I went to reception for a hot chocolate. Toiletries were available in case you'd forgotten anything, and there was a great fruit bowl and flavoured water in reception. Parking was easy once I found the entrance, but at £20 a night it wasn't cheap, and I hadn't realised there was a parking charge from the booking information. There are no power sockets by the bed. One socket was being used by the lamp, but for some reason it wasn't a UK socket. That's a problem if you have a medical device. I had to call reception for an extension lead.