Bristol Harbour Hotel

Merging two former banks, the recent addition to the Harbour Hotel group has an impressive architectural interior (a converted Grade II listed former Lloyds bank building, designed by renowned architect William Bruce Ginger). It sits in a prominent position close to the city’s amenities. Stepping into the aptly named and extensive Gold Bar with its vast arched windows edged with blue stained glass, guests might be struck by the sheer scale of the building. The trademark Jetty fish restaurant offers high ceilinged spaciousness with sumptuous banquette and velvet throne-like seating. A vast grand reception room, once the banking hall, is available for weddings and formal functions. The previous labyrinthine vaults, still with original heavyweight barred doors, are now home to the in-house HarSpa. Rooms are well appointed with plush textures and hues and indulgent bedding. Staff are extremely helpful and friendly. All in all this makes for a wonderful urban retreat or west country pitstop.