Bristol is a happening town. Its maritime heritage has had an impressive makeover, with warehouses transformed into award-winning museums; there's a pleasing eco-ethos to the city, and a strong community vibe which nurtures local enterprises. In leafy Clifton, on a hill above the harbour, lovely Georgian and honeyed-Victorian houses flank attractive parks and a bustling street scene.
Just off the top of iconic Park Street, and near the University, is a gracious tree-lined square with handsome Georgian terraces. The main Berkeley Square Hotel occupies one side; just behind it, with their own entrance, are their newer and more stylish 1-bedroom Suites, which are reviewed here - and which we think are well worth the extra cost. Original features remain such as marble fireplaces, high ceilings and polished floorboards. Luxurious additions include deeply comfortable beds, drench showers and a projector which shows mesmeric video paintings or your choice of media. You have a small kitchenette for independence, or can dine at The Square restaurant in the hotel, which sits above a cool cocktail bar. There are other great restaurants on your doorstep, along with groovy shops and a fun late-night scene. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this is a stylish sanctuary in the heart of a cool city.
Highs
- A fantastic location on the 'edge of the centre' - near the Uni, the BBC, Park Street, the Harbourside and Clifton village
- We applaud the lovely makeover of this heritage building, with walls offset by rich colours in artwork and upholstery
- Friendly, helpful staff and little treats in your Suite, including a decanter of Bristol cream sherry
- A relaxed arty ambiance, with cocktail bar and great grub in the main hotel; or you can keep yourself to yourself in your Suite
- Free entry to a local gym and fitness centre
Lows
- Be aware that reception and the restaurant are around the corner at the Berkeley Square Hotel
- The Attic Suite's sloping eaves make it smaller than the others; while the Basement Suite can feel a little damp or dark in winter
- You're near a busy thoroughfare and this is a listed building, so it isn't totally soundproofed
- Not great for families, with lots of steps (no lift) and only 1 child per Suite
Best time to go
Bristol is a year-round city, which has many sights, an interesting history, cultural organisations, and a buzzy bar and restaurant scene. The annual dance, music and arts extravaganza Bristol Harbour Festival is in July; its famous Balloon Fiesta in August.
Our top tips
Don't miss the Lower Deck Bar at the main hotel for its eclectic decor, an interesting programme of cultural events, and really great cocktails!
- Boutique Suites
- 5 apartments (sleeping 2)
- In-suite kitchenettes; restaurant & bar next door
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Concierge Service
Rooms
The elegant red-brick Georgian townhouse is in a small terraced crescent just off Berkeley Square. There's a semi-circular enclosed private garden to the front.
Each Suite occupies a whole floor. Your living room has an upholstered sofa and chairs, small table, and a cinema projector (which some guests mention finding hard to operate, but we had no trouble). There's a nifty kitchenette inside a bespoke cupboard. The bedroom is separate; expect a Vi-spring mattress on the bed (we slept soundly) and a Roberts radio bedside. The Attic Suite is the smallest, due to the sloping eaves - though of course it has the most elevated views. The middle 3 have wonderful high ceilings and glass-walled bathrooms within the bedroom - these are our favourites. The Basement Suite is the largest, with a separate bathroom, but in winter it can feel rather dark, with a slight smell of damp (though it was well heated when we popped in).
In all are a welcome decanter of Bristol cream sherry, basket of nibbles, useful directories, Elemis toiletries, a drench shower over the bath, bathrobes and slippers. Boutique bliss.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Central heating
- Coffee / tea making
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Radio
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
To compensate for the lack of restaurant at Berkeley Suites itself, each Suite has a nifty bespoke kitchenette-in-a-cupboard, housing a hob, fridge and mini dishwasher, along with a decent quota of crockery, pots, pans and utensils. There are grocery shops all around, or you can order room-service meals.
However, we found it preferable to head around to the The Square restaurant at the main hotel for meals (you get a 10% discount for booking through i-escape). For breakfast there's a good buffet of yoghurt, cereals, croissants, dried fruit, compotes, fruit juice. Order additionally from the a la carte menu; we loved our poached eggs and smashed avocado on muffin, washed down with replenished coffee.
For other meals, the modern bistro menu is crafted from West Country ingredients: perhaps pan-fried brill with leeks, mushroom and chorizo, then apple and tonka bean tart. You may need to book ahead for weekend evenings.
In the warmer months, the rear garden does duty as an additional dining / social space, atmospheric at night with strung lights.
Features include:
- Bar
- Coffee maker
- Dishwasher
- Fridge
- Hob or stove
- Kitchenette
- Microwave
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
- Toaster
Activities
- Explore the Clifton Triangle on your doorstep: a lively intersection of streets featuring independent shops, high-street staples and fun eateries. Take in handsome College Green, the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, Bristol Cathedral, and Brandon Hill Park
- Stroll down to the Harbourside for Brunel's masterpiece, the impressive SS Great Britain liner, as well as waterside dining options, art venues, markets and museums. The curiously named We The Curious is an excellent science museum, the M Shed covers Bristol's history, while the Arnolfini has modern art spaces and a great little cafe. Boat trips are available, too
- Check out Brunel's other masterpiece, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, best seen from the Clifton Observatory (20 mins walk)
- Enjoy a swim and spa treatment at the Victorian-era Clifton Lido, followed by an upmarket lunch poolside (book in advance)
- Take a day trip to Bath by train (Bath Thermae tickets are available at Reception)
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Golf
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Shopping / markets
- Theatre
- Walking tours
Kids
Children are welcome but the Suites are best suited to adults as there is nothing specifically for families on-site. That said, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, parks and activities nearby, and kids will enjoy the novelty of the in-Suite projection cinema (you can plug in your own device to watch your preferred choice of media). Note that the Suites can only take 1 baby or 1 child apiece.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
All Suites can fit 1 baby cot (free of charge) or 1 rollaway bed (additional cost). We would suggest the ground or lower-ground floor Suites are best for families as there are a lot of steps to higher floors
Families Should Know:
Steps throughout the property. Each Suite has a cleverly designed kitchenette, useful for light meals and snacks. The Square restaurant at the Berkeley Square Hotel has high chairs
Distances:
- Airport: 25 minutes' drive (Bristol)
- Hospital: 5 minutes' drive (Bristol Royal Infirmary/Children's)
- Shops: a 2-minute walk
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Berkeley Suites (and its sister Berkeley Square Hotel) are set on a Georgian square near Clifton Triangle in Bristol, England.
By Air
Fly into Bristol Airport (12km / 30 minutes away) and either take a taxi, prebook a transfer with the hotel, or catch the bus.
By Car:
Easily accessible from the M4 and M5, with a private secure car park across Berkeley Square. If renting a car, see our car hire tips.
By Train:
Get the train to Bristol Temple Meads, then take a 10-minute taxi up to Berkeley Suites.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Bristol Airport 12.0 km BRS
Other:
- Beach 21.0 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km