Visited Bristol specifically to see ss great britain and was not disappointed. Hotel very good as they upgraded our room and waived car parking fees as they incorrectly called us with alarm call at 6.00 am. Twice!.

We'd previously visited bristol at easter 2010, and while we had a thoroghly enjoyable time, the weather was awful, and wanted to do the things we couldn't do first time. The mercure hotel was superb, and while the rooms were not as nice as the hotel we stayed at in 2010 (the ramada), cannot fault the food, staff and cleanliness. The day we arrived was the royal wedding, so the atmosphere in the bar area was very pleasant. I do think we've 'done' bristol now, as travelling from manchester on the train, can be an expensive weekend; however mercure is certainly a brand we'd look to, when making future weekend break plans.

Hotel conveniently placed within walking distance of train/bus station and city centre. Hotel receptionist pleasant enough and allocated our room keys in an automated fashion. When asked for directions got the impression it was the 100th time that day and there was little empathy and understanding that we did not have any prior knowledge of the city. Room good, hotel facilities very good but an unimaginative menu for dinner and the barman could not produce a dry gin martini! very easy to get into the city. Took the water taxi to almost the base of the suspension bridge and then walked up to the top! explored the clifton area and had supper at the lido - fantastic! had been recommended the Albion Pub which did look great but too young and lively for our taste. The following day had a look at the new shopping centre and then took a bus to Cribbs Causeway which gave us the opportunity to look at other areas of bristol. On our final morning visited the cathedral and the church local to the hotel. Enjoyed a walk along the waterfront and had coffee on the quay.

I was disapointed on this visit to the hotel previously we had a lovely time this occasion we found that the hotel was quite empty, the restaurant was closed and once again we couldn't gain access to the spa that is advertised within the hotel. As a hotel guest it would be appropriate that the spa reserved spaces for hotel guests i was informed that i would have had to book two weeks in advance to gain access. As this hotel booking was an adhoc event to celebrate our engagement and to continue the new year celebrations it wasn't possible to book two weeks in advance and as the spa has 14 treatment rooms additional staff should have been available for the new year weekend - possibly something to review for the future.