With 150 years of history behind her the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel – the Grande Dame of the city has reaffirmed her regal position in the premium hotel market with a new look fitting of her noble past, but on point for an enduring future.
The city’s oldest hotel stands pride of place in the centre of Bristol elevated on the historic Park Street and College Green moments away from the grand and colourful streets of Clifton chequered with Georgian and Victorian properties.
If the hotel could speak it would tell stories of its famous guests since 1868 – Queen Victoria, Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, Gracie Fields, Mickey Rooney, Winston Churchill and Laurel and Hardy to name just a few.
The hotel’s intricate and unique layout with the highest suite inventory, not only in Bristol, but in the Marriott Hotel’s UK portfolio has resulted in a reputation for being a jewel in the crown for premium hotels in the city. It has 13 different bedroom types and has its own royal wing a seven-bedroomed suite complete with its own private dining for intimate events.
While the décor has been brought right up to date with modern navy and grey hues and soft metallic furnishings it is still reminiscent of its Victorian heritage and its West Country surroundings. The carpet in the hotel’s leading suite – Kings depicts the nearby Bristol Cathedral and the décor captures the colours of the city such as the classic Bath stone which covers the outside of the hotel. Each room also has a variety of premium additions outfitted with plush bedding, large desks with comfortable chairs, four poster beds and room for entertaining.
Miller & Carter Steakhouse opened a flagship restaurant inside the hotel in December 2018 offering breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as an extensive bar list.
The Marriott Group has kept the hotel’s iconic Palm Court known as ‘the place to be seen’ when it first opened in keeping with its original style – Grade II listed architecture and a stain glass roof.
Niten Sobti, General Manager at the Bristol Marriott Royal, said: “We are extremely proud to showcase our preciously restored hotel – the Grande Dame of the city. We hope our guests have a unique experience as they walk through the doors by enjoying its rich history but with the premium modern hotel touch. It is only right to give a hotel of this stature the kind of restoration it deserves in order to elevate its position as a premium hotel in the city. As the Bristol hotel scene continues to grow and flourish, we know our hotel will continue to be a premium choice for overnight stays and weekend breaks, giving our guests the Royal Treatment on every visit.”
Kathryn Davis, Head of Tourism at Destination Bristol, said: “Bristol really is a destination on the up. The city is seeing record visitor numbers, including the highest ever number of international visitors, and its winning accolades such as being named as the Rising Star destination by readers of the National Geographic Traveller Magazine. It’s an incredibly productive commercial city region that successfully manages to attract business events, including high profile international events, as well as being a first-class short break destination.
She continues: “Its charm lies in the diversity of our neighbourhoods, the friendliness of our people and the constant development of the visitor experience, through investment in new attractions, enhancements to the retail offer, development of new events and exhibitions, as well as raising the quality of our hotels. Visitors are delighted by the sheer range and quality of food and drink and the night time culture that means the city feels alive and welcoming.”
Today the hotel is still one of the leading spaces in the city for weddings and corporate events. The hotel includes a fitness centre with an indoor pool, gym and inviting sauna, as well as a serene day spa.
Room prices start from £150 per night for a double bedroom.