Looking at the hotel details for our short break in Bristol, it was the quirky artwork, the great location and parking which jumped out at me – but writing this Mercure Bristol Grand hotel review, following two 36C days in Bristol, I also found myself celebrating the air con!
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Which isn’t to say that it didn’t tick all my other boxes too. In fact, we’d have been hard pressed to find a better base for a few days walking around Bristol, seeing the sights and spotting Gromit statues (along with Wallace, Feathers McGraw et al).
So if you’re planning your own family break in Bristol, here’s how it measures up in my review of Mercure Bristol Grand with kids.
Mercure Bristol Grand hotel: vital statistics
The four-star hotel has 186 rooms including family rooms and suites, as well as various double and twin room options.
Based on Broad Street, the hotel is just moments from the restaurants on Corn Street and St Nicholas Market, as well as around 10 minutes on foot from the shops at Broadmead and the Harbourfront, so it’s a fantastic location for exploring.
There’s been a hotel on this site for over 155 years, originally opening in 1869 as the White Lion hotel and renamed the Grand Hotel in 1874. You’ll still find elements of the Victorian heritage in the Grade II listed building although with a recent refurbishment and plenty of modern art giving it a far more contemporary feel.
There’s a bar and restaurant (with a fun bee theme), where breakfast is served and where there was live music one evening. The hotel also has parking (paid but discounted for guests). The previous spa and pool closed several years ago so is no longer available.
Check the latest prices for Mercure Bristol Grand hotel here as well as on booking.com
Mercure Bristol Grand Hotel: review
Having read some slightly mixed reviews online before we checked in, I’ll admit I was slightly nervous as we arrived at Mercure Bristol Grand .
Stepping from the exterior, with its vintage glass and traditional feel, into the more modern reception decorated with modern art, the friendly and professional welcome started to put my mind at rest – an impression completed by the first glimpse of our family room.
As well as a big double bed, there was a sofa bed already converted to another double, with a desk and seat over to the side, and a huge TV on the wall. And unlikely some family rooms, where you’re crammed in without space to swing a kitten, we had plenty of space to walk around, including a stand for the suitcase.
There’s also a small cupboard with hangers, although storage is limited if you’re planning a longer stay. For our short break, it didn’t bother us, especially with some space on the second bed if needed for unpacking.
There’s also a little safe and mini kettle with tea/coffee although no fridge or minibar if you’re hoping to chill anything. There isn’t water provided in the rooms, but you can help yourself to lemon water in reception, so you can fill glasses or bottles there.
The lovely bathroom was another highlight – I coveted the black and white patterned tiles, while the big bottles of toiletries were scented with neroli and bergamot. There’s no conditioner but there is handwash, shower gel and shampoo.
There’s also the choice of an overhead shower and a handheld shower as well as a bath, perfect for cooling down after walking around hunting for Gromit statues on the new trail (and just as good warm in the mornings).
And even better, there was lots of space for our toiletries – the perils of travelling with a tween who has more than I do! – rather than the often tiny corner provided.
As Bristol sweltered in 36C sunshine, the deliciously cool air con meant you’d never have known it in the room. We had it set on 20C but coming back from walking around in the heat, it felt instantly cooling – there was a fan provided too, but we didn’t need to use it.
Best of all, the room was very quiet too, set away from the road – although we did have various chatty pigeons outside the window as well as a handful of seagulls. If you do sleep lightly, it’s worth bringing earplugs, I found the cooing relatively relaxing, but it’s surprisingly penetrating if you’re asleep.
There’s a great choice at the buffet breakfast as well. Sadly the pancake machine was broken, but there’s proper coffee including espresso, plus hot dishes, toast/fresh bread, various jams, cold meat and cheeses, yoghurts, fruit, cereals and fruit juice. Everything you needed to set you up for a day walking around Bristol.
And while we didn’t eat in the restaurant, we did stop in for a drink another night as well – my daughter’s apple juice was the size of her head which pleased her no end, and all the staff we met here were as friendly and helpful as our check-in (and check-out) experience.
There’s more to a stay than practicalities, of course – although having a hotel car park right next door was a major bonus as I was driving (it’s worth knowing the spaces and corners are relatively tight, although my little car had no problems, and the lift was out of order during our visit).
While Mercure Bristol Grand is a venerable old lady in the world of hotels, she’s had a recent glow-up (as my daughter would put it).
Inspired by Bristol’s UpFest, the largest urban street art and graffiti festival in Europe, you can find over 500 pieces of commissioned street art around the hotel, from bigger pieces in the reception to colourful works dotted around the rooms and corridors, not to mention other quirky touches such as the old-fashioned typewriter right by the entrance.
While we’re past the point of needing baby and toddler facilities, if you’re visiting Bristol with tweens and teens, this beats your average chain hotel hands down.
For more things to do in Bristol with kids, check out my top picks
Mercure Bristol Grand with kids: the verdict
This is one hotel which manages to tick a lot of boxes, regardless of what you’re hoping for – traditional heritage but a contemporary feel, essential modcons like air con and comfortable beds and a great shower with lovely toiletries.
While it might not have some of the flourishes of others, whether that’s a minibar and biscuits in the room or hotel pool, there was nothing we couldn’t live without, and plenty – like parking – which made our life much easier.
And the location is almost impossible to beat – especially with the sun shining down, nothing was more than a short walk away… something which would also come in just as handy in the rain!
Disclosure: My stay was courtesy of Mercure Bristol Grand hotel and Visit Bristol – all opinions in my Mercure Bristol Grand hotel review are my own (and my daughter’s). This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission
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