Clayton Hotel Bristol City review: This former print works is steeped in local history
The hotel's tiled facade entrance dates back to 1900 and is an important piece of city history
Highlights
- Sustainable approach to hospitality
- City centre location
- King size beds
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Focus on healthy food
- Grade II listed exterior
Clayton Hotel Bristol City Review
Situated in Bristol’s old city, the Clayton Hotel is a contemporary city centre hotel inside a Grade II listed building.
Housed in the former Everard's Printing Works, the hotel’s tiled facade entrance dates back to 1900 and is an important piece of city history. A founding member of the Bristol Master Printers’ and Allied Trades’ association, former owner Edward Everard wanted the design to reflect the city and it draws inspiration from the nearby Church of St.John the Baptist.
Inside, the hotel has a sleek modern feel with a wide and welcoming lobby. There are plenty of tables in the entrance area for guests who want to enjoy a cup of tea or for business travellers who want to work outside their room.
Although the Clayton is a large hotel with 255 rooms, it never felt crowded during our stay. The Clayton has one restaurant, a bar and a fitness suite which all have a modern design and feel. The hotel also has plenty of homely touches including infused water available by the entrance and comfy seating in the lobby area.
Staff are incredibly friendly and check-in was a smooth and easy experience. WIFI is available throughout the hotel so guests who want to relax in the communal areas can stay connected at all times.
Ideally located for both business travellers and tourists, the hotel has several special offer packages such as a graduation deal which includes a complimentary bottle of prosecco.
The Rooms
Rating: 4/5
The Clayton Hotel has three different types of room,ranging from deluxe doubles to executive kings and suites which come with a separate living room. We checked into a luxurious executive king room for our stay.
The bedroom had a king-size bed, table and chairs, sleek desk set-up and plenty of closet space. King rooms come with bathrobes and slippers while each room has a large flat-screen TV.
Staff are incredibly friendly and check-in was a smooth and easy experience
Our bathroom was equipped with a power shower but baths are available on request. The Clayton’s complimentary toiletries are all full-size to reduce wastage which is a welcome sustainable touch without losing out on luxury.
The hotel’s city centre location means that many of the rooms look out onto other buildings but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to look at. Our room looked out over Nelson Streets, one of Bristol’s main street art hotspots, and we had great views of works by some of the world’s most celebrated street artists.
Dining and Drinking
How does The Clayton Hotel Bristol City compare to other UK hotels?
Rating: 4/5
The hotel’s ground-floor Everard Restaurant has seating for 150 guests and hosts breakfast every morning.
There’s an extensive buffet spread with an array of hot dishes, cereal, continental options, pastries and fruit. Hot dishes include all the classics with veggie options also available.
While many hotel buffets only have eggs on order, The Everard has a unique focus on porridge. Guests can order fresh porridge from the staff and there’s a huge range of options.
Try the chef’s traditional porridge which uses regional ingredients or opt for the popular seasonal bowl. Breakfast can also be ordered ahead of time to a guest’s room via Guest Services.
Throughout the day, the Everard serves a global menu with dishes including smoked brisket, loaded potatoes and salads. Guests can opt for the pre-theatre menu if they're catching a show while in Bristol.
Amenities
- Gym
- Accessible
- Family-friendly
- WIFI
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Meeting rooms
- Air conditioning
Standort
Rating: 5/5
The Clayton Hotel is ideally located just inside the city’s old town walls. It’s only a 10-minute walk from the harbour with its range of bars, restaurants and museums.
The hotel is also just a short walk from key city centre attractions including Bristol Cathedral and Bristol Art Gallery. Guests can catch the bus to Clayton from five minutes away.
It’s around a 20-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads station or just five minutes in a taxi. Bear in mind, the hotel is located on a one-way street so guests will sometimes need to walk to the next street to meet their taxi.
Value for Money
Rating 5/5
A one-night stay in a deluxe double room starts from £117.90 without breakfast while prices start from £128.70 with breakfast included. Guests can also select packages including a theatre dinner, bed and breakfast deal for £138.33 per night. Find rooms and book direct on The Clayton Hotel website.
Or compare deals and prices for a stay at The Clayton Hotel with Booking.com or Hotels.com.
Final Verdict
The Clayton Hotel is an affordable and efficient hotel, located in the heart of Bristol.
Its Grade II listed entrance means guests enjoy a piece of Bristolian heritage every time they walk through the door.
It’s the ideal accommodation for a business trip due to its in-room desk space, universal WIFI and meeting rooms.
Tourists are also within walking distance of nearly all the city’s main attractions, while pretty Clifton is just a short bus ride from the hotel.
Staff are incredibly friendly and efficient and the 24/7 reception desk means that someone is always on hand for any requests.
The restaurant’s healthy breakfast options make a refreshing change from the heavy fare on offer at some hotels.