The Ibis hotel chain is always a good option in the bigger cities as they are generally well-placed for transport links – I do drive but also use the train for longer journeys. The rooms are comfortable with the basic facilities you need – more than Travelodge for instance – clean and with comfy beds as well as tea and coffee making facilities.
The Ibis in Bristol is close to Temple Meads train station but is behind it rather than at the front where the main entrance is. OK once you know, of course! If you exit at the side of the station before going out of the front doors, just follow the path across the winding bridge to the newly-built glass-fronted office buildings and turn left alongside the river. Turn left at the end of the buildings next to the other pedestrian bridge which is closed at the moment and the hotel is in front of you – sounds further than it is!
The staff are very friendly and helpful, especially at check-in where I asked if I could have a quiet room rather than one facing the train lines. The other advantage of an Ibis hotel is that they generally have a restaurant and bar onsite which serves until very late in the evening. The Bristol Temple Meads hotel served an excellent fish and chips for £11.95 and glass of Pinot Grigio for £3.50 after 8.00pm, and people were still coming in then to order food. I didn’t have a chance to look around Bristol on this visit but will stay at the Ibis next time I am in the area.
£79 room only.
