Part of a five-property chain with outposts in some of the UK's creative hotspots, the Artist Residence Bristol opened in 2021. Its look is bang up-to-date, combining the exposed original features of the converted boot factory it occupies with eclectic art works, inviting upholstery and textiles rich in texture. The surrounding area of St. Paul's can feel a little edgy, but the hotel is striking distance from some of the city's coolest spots - as well as the amenities of the centre. Food and drink here is a highlight, whether you're in the market for a Bloody Mary brunch or charcuterie and cocktails post-sundown. Be sure to allow enough time to enjoy your room, too - each one is thoughtfully designed to encourage downtime.
Although it's walking distance from the best of central Bristol, Portland Square is quiet and feels like one of the city's forgotten corners.
A former boot factory in one of Bristol's prettiest Georgian squares, the hotel is moments from the buzz of Stokes Croft and Cabot Circus.
By car: around 2 hours 30 minutes from London and 3 hours 30 minutes from Manchester. Parking costs £16 per day.
By train: Bristol Temple Meads station is 10 minutes by taxi. thetrainline.com
Anyone with an interest in interiors will find bags of inspiration here - there's lots to look at, and every space has been carefully curated. From a pink artwork instructing guests to 'party like it's 1999' to the photobooth in the bar, there's an infectious emphasis on fun.
Service at this hotel is standout - that winning combination of attentive without being overbearing, informal yet winningly courteous. The hotel offers a selection of pet-friendly rooms, and canine guests are charged at £15 per night - that includes a dog bed and bowl and Lily's Kitchen organic treats. There's a park in the square for walkies.
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Pet-friendly
- Free Wi-Fi
The Loft allows guests to fall asleep under the watchful gaze of a giant John Lennon portrait, and has a tub with a view over Bristol's redbrick townhouses. Rooms are equipped with champagne flutes and ceramic teacups, while the mini-bar features local 6'O'Clock gin and Tony's Chocolonely.
Crash Pad, Broom Cupboard, Shoebox, Boot Room, Factory, Chapter St., Workshop, Loft, The Lookout, Suite
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, Nespresso machine, TV, free Wi-Fi
The cocktail list is good value and genuinely inventive, featuring everything from a limoncello and thyme sour to a tequila-based rosemary paloma. The sweetcorn fritters served with roasted vine tomatoes plus spinach and herb yoghurt make for a flavourful vegan breakfast.
Boot Factory: hip hangout, bar and lounge seating. Bar snacks and brunch. All-day menu, open daily. Mains from £11.
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