Here's another corker from one of the UK's most innovative and creative hotel groups. Artist Residence Bristol has been a labour of love for Charlie and Justin Salisbury and their team. Housed in a handsome Grade-I listed Georgian townhouse and former boot factory on leafy Portland Square, it endured a litany of planning consents, and then a year-long lockdown hiatus. But boy, it was worth the wait.
The vibe is their usual eclectic mix of industrial, vintage, and bohemian - particularly apt for Bristol, with its rich street art and alternative music scene (think Banksy, Massive Attack, Idles et al). Alongside original coving, exposed brick, high ceilings and huge sash windows, its 23 rooms and suites bristle with upcycled furniture and thought-provoking artworks. Downstairs is a laid-back bar and eatery, plus a fire-warmed lounge-bar and a sun-trap patio for summer drinks.
Step outside, and you've got all the independent boutiques, cafés, pubs, street art and music venues that are revitalising Stokes Croft and St Paul's; plus the harbourfront and historic centre in easy walking distance. Come here for a fun and fresh look at one of Britain's most vibrant but underrated cities.
Highs
- Centrally located at the heart of the action, with loads of indie shops, cafés, pubs and the harbourfront all in walking distance
- We love the delicious breakfasts packed with local produce
- The vibrant restaurant is fast becoming the neighbourhood hangout (and our first-choice venue for i-escape cocktail parties!)
- Lots to look at: thoughtful design, vintage furnishings, enviable (and highly Instagrammable) pieces by local artists
- Great value for money
Lows
- No designated parking – although there's metered parking on the square, and other car parks close by (some with EV charging)
- This is a Grade 1 listed building, so it isn't totally soundproofed – ask the hotel which rooms are quietest
- If you're here for the iconic suspension bridge and chic Clifton village, be prepared for a bit of a hike
Best time to go
Bristol has plenty to do all year round. Summer is the liveliest season, with festivals and events most weekends, and plenty of open-air eateries and parks along the harbour. Key festivals include St Paul’s Carnival and the Harbour Festival in July, and the famous Balloon Fiesta in August. The colder months are a perfect excuse to explore the city's shops, cafés and museums; there's enough for a week just within walking distance of the hotel.
Our top tips
Bristol is gaining an enviable range of film venues. Near the hotel, The Cube is a tiny and wonderfully quirky venue showing a refreshingly eclectic mix of world and cult movies, as well as cabaret nights and live music. For indie cinema, The Watershed on the Harbourside is one of the best around, while for luxury and decadence, Everyman Cinema on Whiteladies Road is set in a gorgeous auditorium with plush, sofa-style seating and tasty food and drink brought to your seat.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 10 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Another lovely stay. I relax as soon as I step through the door. Everyone is so friendly, the rooms are so cosy and the food, especially the breakfasts, are delicious.
Fantastic stay. This place is so warm and welcoming and I love that I can bring my dog. Food is great although sometimes service is a little slow. If you are not in a rush, though, this is the perfect place to hunker down and relax.
This is a great place to stay in Bristol!
I do love this place. The majority of the staff are all so friendly and it is really relaxed and cool. This time, I had to dash off after ordering a meal because I got the start time of my son's show wrong and they were so relaxed about cancelling it and even poured me a small glass of wine on my return as I had to leave my original glass half drunk! Overall, I love being here which is just as well as I go frequently with my son at the uni there.
Gorgeous hotel in St. Paul’s, very central, in a beautiful Georgian square. Buzzy restaurant and bar, nice breakfast and coffee (though no beans and tomatoes in full English?). Service always friendly and helpful. Our entry level double small but well appointed - coffee machine, fluffy robes, small but luxurious bathroom, very comfy bed. Though the area and communal areas can be loud at weekends, no noise reached our second floor room. Love this hotel!
Such a fabulous, welcoming place! Relaxed as soon as I walked through the door. And such an added bonus that they love dogs! Enjoyed long, lazy and delicious brunches and can’ t wait to go back.
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