5 min read‘Tis the season of colourful leaves, crisp sunny strolls, beautiful misty mornings and cosying up by a log fire. Make the most of this snuggly time of year with a bit of ‘hygge’ at one of Bristol’s cosiest hotels for autumn hibernation.
Leaf a smile on your face at Harbour Hotel Bristol
Step out of the cold and hunker down in one of the 42 bedrooms at Harbour Hotel Bristol – we love the one with a roll-top bath for gazing out at historic Corn Street in the gorgeous autumn light. There’s a whole range of spa treatments, spa days and breaks to choose from to warm your cockles and give you a glorious autumn glow. Head underground to their subterranean spa to find a sauna, steam room, swimming pool and various cushioned snugs for cosying up in.
Image - HarSPA at Harbour Hotel Bristol
Cuddle up for the night at Hotel du Vin
Treat yourself to an autumn stay at Hotel du Vin in the Old City With its dark furnishings, squashy leather armchairs, twinkly courtyard, wood panels and open brickwork, it’s the perfect place to hide away when the weather turns colder. Add to that candlelit dinners in the bistro and a tootsie-warming nightcap in front of the fire and you’ll be more than ready to cuddle up in your comfy king size bed.
Image - Hotel du Vin, Bristol
Hibernate at Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin
Perched on the edge of the magnificent Avon Gorge, this prime position hotel is currently revelling in its new boutique chic appearance. The cosily dark, sophisticated interiors offset by glittering chandeliers make you want to hibernate inside and there’s good reason to. With that gigantic view of Clifton Suspension Bridge, Avon Gorge and Leigh Woods now given pride of place - quite rightly - with wall-to-wall glass in the dining room. 55 of the bedrooms have Gorge-facing views (the rest look over pretty Clifton Village) and are equipped with Nespresso machines, spoily toiletries and a mini-bar, all of which should keep you more than comfortable on a chilly autumn night.
Image: Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin
Curl up in the city at Berkeley Suites
The colourful, bright décor inside these Georgian townhouses and next door private members club The Square Kitchen (which guests are automatically given access to) echoes the vibrant colours of the trees outside and immediately banish any thoughts of grizzly grey days. The five-star luxury rooms have state-of-the-art projection cinemas for snuggling in front of with a warming beverage. From here, a leafy square stands between you and the beautiful parkland of Brandon Hill, where you’ll find panoramic views over the city. To appreciate Bristol’s autumnal makeover in all its glory, climb the steep winding steps to the top of Cabot Tower for a handsome scenic reward before returning to your cosy nest.
Image: Berkeley Suites
Enjoy a pampered pub stay at Hort's Townhouse
Refurbished in 2023, Hort's Townhouse is nestled in the Old City, with 19 individually designed bedrooms set above a large and stylish gastro pub. Expect comfy furnishings, state of the art in-room tech, rainfall shower, all-natural Bramley toiletries, a Nespresso coffee machine, and a mini bar stocked to the brim with treats and tipples.
Image: Horts Townhouse
Experience some quirky comforts at Artist Residence
Choose one of the suites at this art-filled boutique hotel to enjoy some of the period features of this Georgian townhouse and old boot factory, as well as some great views of Portland Square. As well as the statement artworks adorning the walls in every room at Artist Residence, you'll also find organic Bramley products, luxurious robes by Cleverly Laundry, and a mini bar stocked with artisan goodies - including local Lost & Grounded beers, wine from Averys Bristol and local 6 O’clock Gin.
Image: Club Suite at Artist Residence
Get ready for an autumn glow at Berwick Lodge
If you like the thought of hibernating in the countryside, there are 18 acres of woodland and landscaped gardens (looked after by Prince Charles’ former Highgrove gardener no less!) to explore at this elegant country house, before curling up next to the crackling fire in the lounge. Luxuriously-decorated rooms overlook the changing trees in the gardens, distant Monmouthshire and Bristol Channel – the perfect place to hole up for a few hours. Wallow a while in one of the freestanding claw foot baths before padding downstairs for dinner at the award-winning Hattusa restaurant.
Image: Berwick Lodge, credit Richard Lewis Photography
Leafy strolls and spa time at De Vere Tortworth Estate
Marvel at scarlet, copper-y and russet-coloured leaves on a wander around Tortworth Court’s very own arboretum. There are over 300 plant and tree specimens to explore in the extensive grounds before getting your cosy on inside this Cotswold country house. The refurbished Victorian mansion takes snuggly autumn days to a new level with a magnificent winding staircase dominating the entrance hall, lamp-lit foliage in the Atrium Bar and wood-heavy library complete with log-filled fireplaces and soft velvet chairs in the 1853 Restaurant and Bar.
Image: De Vere Tortworth Court
