The Holiday Inn Express City Centre in Bristol is a budget hotel offering a little more bang for your buck. Look forward to power showers, air conditioning and a well stocked bar open until late. Luxury beds and a hearty breakfast will make your stay all the more enjoyable, with Sky Sports and pizza on hand in the lounge areas when you need some downtime. There’s a mouthwatering menu on offer at The Spot Kitchen and Bar – try the Bristol Smashed Burger or their man-sized portions of BBQ ribs. This hotel is the place to stay if you’ve got a bunch of lads arriving by train, because Temple Meads station is just over the road.
This is a brilliant location for exploring the city, so head west into town via the Floating Harbour to reach King Street and Queen’s Square. The ideal spot to sink a few Somerset ciders, this 17th century cobbled street has a fun vibe with plenty of pubs and restaurants. If it’s your big night out, the hotel is a ten minute-walk from Motion, an epic club in a converted skate park that spills onto the harbour – a must see for Bristol newbies.
At the Ibis Hotel you can rely on sleek modern interiors, spotless service and tasty 24-hour food for an additional cost, which is always handy after a night out. This is the place to stay if you’re arriving by train, as Temple Meads station is an easy ten-minute walk away. The hotel regularly hosts large groups and families alike, so expect a relaxed and comfortable feel. Check in, take a hot shower and regroup with the lads in the bar and buy a cheeky pint. You can enjoy a slap up meal here in the restaurant for a decent price, or take a four-minute stroll to the Barley Mow for pub grub and craft beers.
Bristol offers a diverse mix of music, food and street art to keep you on your toes. Look out for a Banksy as you explore the bustling city centre, head down to the Waterfront to hang out at Harbourside No.1 and sample some Somerset cider. This venue has a real festival vibe, offering live music and markets at the weekend, with good food and local beers all week. Catch a band before heading to Thekla, Bristol’s legendary floating venue and nightclub. We recommend grabbing a cab back to the hotel from here if you’ve had a skinful.
Choose the Clifton Hotel if you want to explore both sides of Bristol – a mere ten-minute walk in either direction will take you from the trendy pubs and venues of Clifton Village, to the slick bars and superclubs of the city centre. This is a vibrant hotel, offering stylish and affordable en suite bedrooms in a Grade II listed building. Staff here are chilled out and fun-loving, ideal for big groups of lads. Look forward to comfy beds, along with coffee and biscuits in your room - you'll also be able to purchase a hangover-busting breakfast in the morning too if you fancy it!
Get together and buy a pint in the hotel bar, or treat yourself to some juicy steaks from the grill for a hassle-free dinner option. There’s a wicked shisha bar round the corner called Dristi’s, so make sure you stop in to check out the talent and sink a few posh beers on the terrace to get the night started. Whether you’re into hip-hop, indie or dance, Bristol’s diverse music scene is at your fingertips. If you’ve got any steam left on your last day and you fancy a bit of culture, take a head-clearing 20-minute stroll to the spectacular Clifton Suspension Bridge, you won’t regret it.
If you and the lads are flocking to this fine city from all over the UK, we recommend resting your weary heads at the Travelodge Central on Mitchell Lane – this spot is well connected to the airport, and Bristol Temple Meads train station is less than half a mile away. Once you’re here, look forward to an epic night’s sleep in one of the coolest cities that Britain has to offer. It’s going to be an action packed weekend, from graffiti trails to brewery pubs and waterside clubs, and you can trust the Travelodge to provide slick 24-hour services with plush beds and a gut-busting hot buffet breakfast (extra cost).
Check into your comfy modern rooms and head to the bar, where you can purchase burgers and beers to get you started. Located in the Temple Meads district, this hotel is just over the river from the city centre – catch one of the regular buses or take a 20-minute stroll. Explore the area around College Green in the daytime, heading from the Cathedral up Park Street, where independent record stores and trendy pubs make for a chilled afternoon. Turn into the Bristol Ram for a pint and plan your route for the evening – this area is a pretty safe bet for clubbing too.
Push the boat out and book your stag group into the Hilton Doubletree Hotel. This slick and stylish hotel has a top-notch refurb to include multiple lounges and a large gym. Expect a warm welcome when you check into your posh rooms with awesome beds, walk-in rain showers and 24-hour room service. The location is superb, with Temple Meads train station a five-minute walk away and Bristol’s bustling Waterfront a 12-minute walk across the Floating Harbour.
Regroup with the lads in the bar downstairs and treat yourselves to a mammoth steak in the Kiln Restaurant. When it’s time to hit the town, we recommend a warm-up Somerset cider in the Llandoger Trow. This massive 17th century pub sits on cobbled King Street, a busy area with a party vibe, just a ten-minute walk away on the edge of Queen’s Square. Round off the night at Syndicate just up in town, our superclub of choice for big name DJ’s, dancers and pyrotechnics. In the morning, bust that hangover with one of the hotel’s hearty breakfasts, ordered to your room if you’re feeling lazy.
If you and the lads are planning a wild one, we suggest heading to Holland House to ensure your downtime is as restful as possible. The perfect antidote to Bristol’s sleepless party scene, this hotel offers air-conditioned bedrooms, a heated pool and awesome food round the clock. Get a sweat on in the gym to make sure you look extra fit for your night out, take a hot power shower and then regroup in the bar for a Somerset cider to get things started.
Enjoy dinner in the hotel or take a five-minute stroll to the Ostrich, an 18th-century pub serving decent grub with a large waterfront terrace. Now it’s time to hit the town and discover some of Bristol’s legendary nightlife. Holland House is a great base to explore the Floating Harbour and Waterfront area, where you'll have a great selection of cocktail bars and pubs to choose from!
