by Evie Andrews
Whilst some may prefer to jet off to the sunny climes of Johannesburg, the warm spring weather in Bristol has many of us looking closer to home. The dizzying rise of the staycation during and after the pandemic shows no sign of fading away, with 52% of UK holidaymakers choosing to book within the border in 2024 (Consumer Intelligence, 2024).
Moreover, it isn’t just hen-dos going feral at Butlins or middle class families cycling aimlessly around Centre Parcs anymore: the domestic tourism industry is now dominated by the British city break. Bristol accounts for 50% of the total visitor economy in the west of England, with 76% of people staying overnight being domestic visitors (Visit West, 2024). There’s no question that Bristol’s vibrant events and tourism industry forms the backbone of this appeal, but it’s worth noting that the bustling economy draws in many business travellers too.
With so many options, it would be easy to book into a chain hotel: they are nothing if not consistent(ly mediocre). I am here to tell you why that would be a mistake; enter the Berkeley Square Hotel.
You may be forgiven for wondering why I, of all people, have any business whatsoever staying in the Berkeley Square Hotel, located approximately 20 metres from my place of work (Square Works), in the city in which I live. The truth is that my flat in Old Market cannot be described as four star accommodation, and I am nothing if not a flagrant opportunist.
Getting Cosy
I stayed in a Cosy Double room, the newest addition to the hotel. Designed exclusively for sole occupancy, the room is designed to appeal to solo travellers seeking a comfortable and somewhat luxurious stay. Upon first impression, I can confirm that the room was indeed, cosy: the bed, a generous double, was situated next to the window overlooking Berkeley Square. Next to it, the vaguely Klein-blue headboard extends into another corner to form what could be ironically described as a miniature (solo) conversation pit.
From here you can perch and read some of the vintage books in the room, or answer some emails if you are that way inclined. Personally, I decided to tuck myself into bed with a glass of the complimentary Bristol Cream sherry and indulge in some licensed television, which led me to abruptly rediscover exactly why I no longer pay my license fee.
After 15 minutes of that, I decided to draw a bath. I am something of a bath connoisseur, and this particular claw-footed bathtub would not be amiss in a stately home. After an extended Elemis-scented soak, I collapsed into bed after a tough evening of sipping sherry and scrolling on TikTok.
Mornings on Berkeley Square
I would be lying if I said I was a morning person, but waking up to the birdsong on Berkeley Square almost convinced me. It goes without saying that the birds fled from Old Market a long time ago.
Between the rainfall shower and a steaming cafetière of fresh coffee, I swanned out of the Berkeley Square Hotel lighter than I had been the evening before. If you’re feeling peckish, a cooked-to-order breakfast is available from The Square Club, as well as a buffet with unlimited tea, coffee and juices. Hotel guests benefit from complimentary access to The Square Club during their stay.
I skipped into Square Works at 8:57am, notably not in my usual post-Park-Street state of aerobic distress. Any guests staying at the hotel can enjoy 50% off day passes for Square Works, so if you have calls or need somewhere to meet colleagues in a sophisticated space with complimentary tea and coffee, I’d recommend coming to take a look. I’m not biased, I promise.
Overall, the Cosy Double does feel different to any hotel room I have stayed in before. Quintessentially boutique yet pragmatically-designed, this is the room for any solo business or leisure travellers that want a comfortable base in Bristol.
Check out the Berkeley Square Hotel’s rooms on their website: cliftonhotels.com/bristol-hotels/berkeley-square. Members of The Square Club get 25% off the best available rate.
