Premier Inn Bristol City Centre (Haymarket) Hotel

Housed in Bristol's third tallest building, this Premier Inn occupies a gray towering slab of modern architecture that impresses little beyond its size. Stepping inside, visitors are met with all the usual trappings of the brand -- signature purple and yellow color scheme, simple contemporary furnishings, and plenty of jaunty marketing material. While the ground floor foyer feels more akin to an airport lounge than a hotel reception, friendly staff help it all from becoming too impersonal. The vibe is busy, urban, and budget with a churn of business and leisure guests using super-efficient self-check-in stations before being whisked to one of 17 floors via a trio of elevators. 

The hotel sits to the side of one of Bristol's largest and busiest roundabouts with underground walkways that lead to the Broadmead shopping area to one side and the city's main bus terminus on the other. Some passages are graffiti-lined and might feel sketchy at night for lone travelers. The bustling city center setting, however, puts most of Bristol's attractions within walking distance, including Bristol University about 10 to 15 minutes' walk away. While the location also means easy access from the M32, the main train station -- Bristol Temple Meads -- is a good five- to 10-minute drive away and parking can be a problem.

The hotel rooms all follow the chain's usual template of no-frills decor in dark purple tones with simple wooden furnishings (including combination desk and TV stands) and carpeted floors -- though the finish is looking worn in places. Amenities are perfectly adequate: free Wi-Fi (there's a fee to upgrade), small flat-screen TVs, basic tea/coffee facilities, and the brand's signature extra-comfy beds. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained with shower/tub combos, and wall-mounted soap and shampoo dispensers. Windows are double-glazed and cannot be opened, which can be an issue with the occasionally noisy air-conditioner, though this means traffic noise is kept to a minimum -- especially in the higher-level rooms, which also offer great cityscape views. 

Guests can start the day with the typical Premier Inn all-you-can eat cooked breakfast served in the second-floor Beefeater Grill restaurant -- though it's not generally included in the room rate. The eatery also offers an extensive menu of dishes throughout the day, specializing in steaks and burgers while a separate bar area serves real ales and Costa coffee. The hotel has a small car park available on a first-come basis, and guests can also get discounted parking at the nearby Rupert Street NPC, a five-minute walk away. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the hotel, though it's slow unless upgraded for a fee.