YHAgroup.org.uk

This is a fairly new hostel, situated in a converted warehouse in Bristol’s regenerated dockside area. It’s a stunning location, handy for pubs and clubs, the Old Vic theatre is around the corner, the Arnolfini gallery practically next door, and Bristol’s many other attractions just a short walk away.

It would be quite difficult to find this hostel by car, were it not that there is excellent signposting guiding you practically to their doorstep. When you get there, you find that you have to park in the local pay & display car park - which is quite expensive during the week but not too bad at weekends. Of course Bristol is easy to get to by public transport instead!

The hostel is bright, clean and well-run. At nearly £20 a night it’s not cheap, but the price does include a substantial breakfast. I didn’t check the Members’ Kitchen myself, but I’m told its adequate, with so many cheap (and not-so-cheap) eateries nearby it probably doesn’t get used much.

As the place is five stories high, come prepared for some climbing if (as we were) you’re given rooms on the top floor. Fortunately there’s a lift to take you as far as the fourth floor, and you are rewarded with some fine views over the harbour.

I’m not sure I’d want to be here in the height of the season, as the dining and seating areas don’t look big enough to accommodate the numbers that could sleep there - but that’s true of a lot of hostels. As a not-high-season city break, Bristol’s a real winner.

# Posted by Chris Hunt 723 days ago