Holiday Inn Express Bristol - North, Bristol

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS

Intercontinental Hotel Group is an international hotel company that says it always tries to see the world through the eyes of others. They claim to have more guest rooms than any other hotel company in the world – that's 558,153 rooms in over 3,700 hotels across nearly 100 countries. They claim guests make over 130 million stays in Intercontinental Hotel Group hotels every year through the seven hotel brands – InterContinental, ...
.../> Intercontinental hotels state that Holiday Inn Express is one of the fastest growing hotel brands in the industry, opening on average two hotels a week. The chain offers a fresh, clean, uncomplicated hotel choice offering comfort, convenience and good value. Globally the chain currently has 1,708 hotels and 145,872 rooms.

EXPRESS by HOLIDAY INN (commonly called Holiday Inn Express) at BRISTOL NORTH

The full address ... more

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS

Intercontinental Hotel Group is an international hotel company that says it always tries to see the world through the eyes of others. They claim to have more guest rooms than any other hotel company in the world – that's 558,153 rooms in over 3,700 hotels across nearly 100 countries. They claim guests make over 130 million stays in Intercontinental Hotel Group hotels every year through the seven hotel brands – InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites.

Intercontinental hotels state that Holiday Inn Express is one of the fastest growing hotel brands in the industry, opening on average two hotels a week. The chain offers a fresh, clean, uncomplicated hotel choice offering comfort, convenience and good value. Globally the chain currently has 1,708 hotels and 145,872 rooms.

EXPRESS by HOLIDAY INN (commonly called Holiday Inn Express) at BRISTOL NORTH

The full address is:
Express By Holiday Inn
BRISTOL-NORTH
BRISTOL PARKWAY BUSINESS PARK
BRISTOL,
BS34 8SJ

The Express by Holiday Inn at Bristol North is situated close to the M4, M5 & M32 motorways and it provides the ideal base to visit Bristol & the West Country. It’s location also makes it a good stopover point for those heading on holiday to destinations further afield. In addition to the good road connections, Bristol Parkway Railway station (with regular connections to London, the Midlands, South Wales and the South West) is only half a mile from the hotel. Bristol Airport is 18 miles away.

The hotel has over 130 fully equipped en-suite rooms over four floors. Each room features an en-suite bathroom with power shower, direct dial telephone / modem point, hairdryer, tea /coffee facilities and a colour TV with satellite & pay movies.

Accommodation is in twin rooms with two single beds which sleep a maximum of two adults. Double Rooms with a double bed and sofa bed can sleep a maximum of 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children.

The hotel has a large free car park, wireless internet access, two meeting rooms and a bar with lounge. All rates include a complimentary continental breakfast. For guests in a hurry a vending fridge is available in the foyer. A range of sandwiches, snacks, chocolate and drinks can be found.

There is no restaurant in the hotel but a Vintage Inn Public House is next door.

The hotel in house Bar is situated on the ground level where a quiet drink or snack can be enjoyed in the comfy lounge area with satellite TV. A fully licensed bar offers a wide range of drinks that stays open late for residents.

Internet is also available (at a charge) for 24 hourly or 12 hourly sessions.
There are laundry facilities available but these seemed fairly expensive.

ARRIVAL AT THE HOTEL

At initial reception we found the welcome to be genuinely warm and friendly. We received a brief rundown of the hotel facilities and services, and all our enquiries were answered professionally and with courtesy. We were told that there is air conditioning in all public areas and a safety deposit box is available at the front desk. By the end of 2007 it is also intended that all rooms will be air conditioned. The main entrance has a reception area with a few comfortable sofas and a bar area with more comfortable seating.

Local attractions include: Bristol (5 miles); the Mall at Cribbs Causeway (3 miles); Bristol Zoo (8miles); Clifton Suspension Bridge (8 miles); Broadmead shopping centre (6 miles); Cardiff Millennium Stadium (45 miles).

We were off to the South West for our Summer Holiday and we needed somewhere to stay on route. The Holiday Inn Express at Bristol North seemed an ideal choice and it was booked simply on the internet for the date we required. As a family of four we needed a room with enough space for the night and hotel facilities to allow us to relax part way through our long journey.

The receptionist informed us that our room was on the ground floor. It was non-smoking (as requested).

OUR ROOM

We went to our room which contained a double bed and a sofa bed as booked. It was clean and welcoming and the beds made properly. There was an open wardrobe with attached coat hangers and open drawer spaces near the entrance to keep clothes on. Further into the room there was a long mirror and a hairdryer. The window provided a view to the side of the hotel and the double glazing prevented significant noise from the car park, which was full by the time we went to bed. The television had the range of channels we were promised and for an extra fee you could pay to view film channels (not something we normally do with children anyway).

Tea and coffee making facilities were situated near to the open wardrobe, and these facilities were very welcome just after we arrived.

There was a shower room with a strange door arrangement for giving privacy to those using the toilet. The usual sink was also to be found in what we thought was a generally cramped part of the room. However, along with the rest of the room the shower room was very clean upon our arrival. Despite there not being a bath the shower was very effective with hand wash, hair and body wash provided to enable a sooth and relaxing experience.

When we went to bed we all slept well and the beds were comfortable and sufficient for our needs. I don’t think we would have had too much trouble sleeping after our six hour drive to reach the hotel during the previous afternoon. Extra pillows were available for those who like a soft nights sleep.

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

Breakfast is served between 6.30-10.30am on Saturday and Sunday and up to 9.30am on weekdays, and it is buffet style.

It is important to remember that the breakfast is continental and the selection was very good, although the breakfast area was very busy when we stayed. The cereal selection included one-portion boxes and they were well known brands. Jugs of milk were available to pour on the cereal or use in a glass as a drink. Fresh orange or grapefruit juice were available and the usual hot drinks, including tea and coffee.

Other options included yoghurts, grapefruit segments and fresh fruit.

Bread (white or brown) was available for toasting, normal rolls and various croissants for the true continental experience. As well as butter, marmalade and jams were available to round off the meal.

HOTEL BAR

The bar area was comfortable with soft sofas and coffee tables to sit around. Air conditioned and with television it was light and bright, but unfortunately the drinks prices were a bit high for our budget. As the bar doesn’t sell meals in the evening we took the trip to the nearby “Vintage Inns” pub for affordable drinks and some food.

COST

We booked through the Express by Holiday Inn internet website, and a bedroom that sleeps 4 (including the continental breakfast) will now cost you from around £70 to £110, depending on the day of the week and the time of the year. Compared to Premier Travel Inn or Travelodge this could be considered a bit expensive, especially if you don’t take the optional breakfast at the other travel hotels.

SUMMARY

I would definitely recommend this hotel as a base for the West Country or if you want a stop over on a longer journey. The staff were great, the bed was comfortable, the breakfast was delicious, and the price was competitive if you take into account the continental breakfast which was included for all the family. 

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