Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Avon Gorge are among the most iconic landmarks in the city of Bristol. Stay at the Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin and you’ll be afforded front-row views of them both. The heritage building on Sion Hill was once a spa, with its steam pumps, the original marble and stained glass windows preserved as part of the sleek refurbishment carried out in 2018 by the Hotel Du Vin group. Read on to discover more about our recent stay at this boutique property in Bristol.

    

Background and Concept

Undoubtedly one of the best locations for a hotel in this part of the UK, the Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin offers uninterrupted and incredible views of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge, which soars above the River Avon. The building is Grade II listed dating back to 1898 with a fascinating history. This grand Victorian property was originally known as the Grand Clifton Spa and Hydropathic Institution which took waters from the hot springs below Clifton. Victorian guests were aided by a water-powered funicular railway that transported them up the gorge and you can still see the disused station entrance which closed in 1934 next to the hotel.

Hotel Du Vin gave the property a complete renovation and reopened it in 2018. Now offering 78 rooms and suites along with the hotel’s White Lion Pub which has one of the largest terraces in the southwest, with an urban industrial-chic interior and there’s an art-filled cocktail lounge. While Goram and Vincent is the main restaurant, featuring an open kitchen replete with coal-fired grills, a smoker and bespoke clay ovens.

Location

Located in pretty Clifton Village which is full of Georgian terraces, boutique shops and restaurants. Staying here is almost like visiting two cities in one trip. The hotel’s views of Clifton Suspension Bridge are incredible with the Observatory being a short stroll from the hotel and Bristol Zoo a further 15-minute walk away. Bristol city centre is around a 30-minute walk from the hotel and getting from the hotel to Bristol Temple Meads train station will take around 30 minutes on the road.

Rooms and Suites

Each of the hotels’ rooms and suites are tastefully designed, with colourful accents and stylish wooden furniture to complement the dark greys, navy and green colour palette. We thought the play on Georgian paintings in the rooms was fun. At first glance, they look like classic portraits, but on closer inspection, they depict modern-day scenes, like a Georgian squire reading a copy of Playboy or an elegant 18th-century lady listening to an iPod.

Rooms have either a view of the Gorge or of Clifton Village’s quaint Georgian streets and rooftops. and come with desks and white-tiled bathrooms, including powerful rain showers, heated floors and luxury bath products. The beds are super comfy, and the rooms include a Nespresso machine, tea making facilities and a selection of complimentary snacks.

Rooms

Junior Suites

The Junior Suites at the hotel feature an Emperor sized bed, a chaise lounge, an LCD TV, and air conditioning. The suites all have views of the Gorge whilst the Lallier & Bollinger suites’ entrances are from outside the hotel and include stairs. Both have garden views with the Bollinger suite having additional shared access to the garden.

Suites

Laurent Perrier Suite 

This elegant suite features rich, warm tones and an Emperor-sized bed with fine Egyptian cotton bedding and an LCD TV. A special feature of the room is the bay window complete twin roll-top baths, where you can both soak in the bubbles and enjoy the view of the Clifton Suspension bridge.

Perrier Jouet Suite

This extremely comfortable suite will make you feel right at home. It features a separate bedroom with an Emperor-sized bed, a large living room area with stylish furniture and access to a shared garden with a private terrace that has spectacular views of the Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge. The suite also comes with a King-sized bed and a walk-in monsoon drench shower in the bathroom.

Food and Drink

Goram & Vincent

Goram and Vincent are legendary giants in the folklore of the Bristol area, who were fighting for the love of one woman and created the Avon Gorge in their conquest and this is aptly the hotel restaurant’s name. The restaurant features a smokehouse with an open kitchen, coal-fired grills, a smoker, and bespoke clay ovens. The menu appeals to meat lovers, with big hand-cut steaks, mouth-watering fillets, and exciting sides that complement the meat perfectly and all rounded off with those incredible views.

The White Lion

Open throughout the year, the White Lion Bar has become a favourite with locals and visitors alike and is not surprising as it has one of the largest terraces in the southwest of England. Enjoy those panoramic views of the world-famous Clifton Suspension Bridge and the hills of Somerset while sipping on a glass of wine.

The Lounge

Relax in the hotel’s cosy lounge. With sofas, modern armchairs, and plush cushions for you to enjoy while you admire the hotel’s art collection. There is an eclectic wine and cocktail menu which the lounge team can give advice and guide you with.

Breakfast

Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Goram and Vincent while enjoying those views. Choose from a range of continental options in the self serve area and order from their hot food menu, With options ranging from a Classic Full Cooed Breakfast, through to Eggs Benedict and Oak Smoked Salmon with Scrambled Eggs.

Final Thoughts

The Hotel du Vin Avon Gorge is an excellent hotel with stunning views of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge. The Hotel du Vin group’s renovation of the building has resulted in a destination boutique hotel with bold-coloured bedrooms, excellent dining, incredible views and all set in the lovely location of Clifton Village – making it the place to stay when you visit the city of Bristol.

This hotel has been included in our guide to the best hotels in Bristol.

Plan a city break to Bristol with our Eat Do Sleep guide to the city.

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