The welcome
After a half-hour drive from Bristol Airport, we arrive at the shiny new Hampton by Hilton, which has been open since the autumn. Check-in is reasonably fast and efficient, aside from a short delay while a receptionist verifies some details of our booking on the hotel’s computer system.
The neighbourhood
Within sight of the Holiday Inn and Premier Inn, the Hampton is the latest in what seems to be a growing hotels hub – a receptionist tells us that an Autograph Collection by Marriott hotel is due to be built nearby. Bristol is a real music city, having been a breeding ground for trip hop, dubstep and drum ‘n’ bass, and audiophiles will rejoice in the hotel’s location: multiple venues along the cosmopolitan Stokes Croft are just round the corner. Alternatively, it’s an easy five-minute walk to the huge Cabot Circus mall, and the majority of Bristol city centre’s attractions are easily walkable from there. For transport links, the bus station is nearby and the M32 motorway is only two minutes away.
The room
Our third-floor queen room is pleasingly modern, and has all the basic essentials, including a curved work desk and chair, lounging chair with footstool, extra-comfortable queen bed and a 32-inch TV. There are full-length mirrors on the walls, and another large one in the bathroom framed by two dressing-room-style fluorescent lights. The other highlight of the generously proportioned bathroom is a similarly sizeable shower. The sights inside the room – framed prints of Bristol attractions such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge – are thankfully better than those outside. Our room overlooks a main road towards the motorway, although the city-centre rooftops in the distance, including numerous church spires, soften the view.
The service
The staff, who are mostly British or Eastern European, are chatty, amiable and fuss-free.
The scene
Maybe it’s the colourfulness of the lobby and bar/restaurant areas, but the whole vibe seems unusually cheerful for Britain. Like the rooms, there are large photographs of local landmarks, while the bar ups its social element by screening live football games. There’s a polite English friendliness about breakfast, with more bumbling “excuse me”s than a Hugh Grant movie marathon. The hotel also has a fitness room with cardio and weight equipment.
The food
While the Hampton doesn’t outwardly seem to push its dining elements, there’s a good-value quality on display in the hearty-bar-food vibe at dinner. The smoked haddock risotto (£11 [Dh58]) is far tastier and inventive than you might reasonably expect from a mid-priced hotel. For those averse to room service, pizzas are also served 24 hours a day. The buffet breakfast is no-frills but not at all bad, with hot English breakfast, juices, fruit, cereals, breads and pastries, and to our approval, a waffle baker with batter dispenser to cook your own.
Loved
The atmosphere, the food and the value for money.
Hated
If you’re used to five-star service, the Hampton might not be your bag, but there’s really nothing to gripe about.
The verdict
Take in one of England’s most-underrated cities without breaking the bank.
The bottom line
Double rooms at the Hampton by Hilton Bristol City Centre (www.hamptoninn.hilton.com) cost from £64 [Dh344] per night, including taxes, breakfast and Wi-Fi.