Bristol

Jurys is an Irish chain, with a number of outlets in Eire and the States, with their New Style Inns or older hotels in many of the major cities across the UK. The majority of new builds for Jury's are 3 star Inns rather than hotels, although quite what the differences are between the two except that the Inns are more modern, I haven't quite worked out yet!). Rates start from a very reasonable £45 (depending on location) but can stretch at busy times to well in excess of £100.

A two day event in Bristol, combined with two 9am starts meant that unusually, I had cause to stay in a hotel in a city normally considered an easy day trip.

I normally like to book, or at least select hotels I stay in myself, however, I wasn't a party in booking this particular outlet but felt reasonably safe in the knowledge that although some of the Jury's outlets are a little weatherworn, they are generally comfortable and offer reasonable value for money.

REWARDS
There isn't a reward scheme for Jury's customers as such, however, you can claim 1,000 miles with British Midland Diamond club for each night stayed (up to a maximum of 3,000 miles per stay)



LOCATION & GETTING THERE
In the centre of Bristol, alongside the Quay, the hotel is located a few miles off the end of the M32, and I would heartily recommend running off an AA route planner and having someone with you for direction, as this is not a fun city to drive around in rush hour with its one-way systems and weird shaped roundabouts.

There is parking on site at the hotel, although what doesn't appear to be made that clear is that it is in a multi-storey car-park attached to the hotel. Guests stay free between 5.30 and 9.30am each day, and can have an all inclusive rate of £8 to cover weekends. Each floor of the multi-storey has a door directly into each floor of the hotel, although you will be unable to take advantage of this until you have checked in, as you will require your room card-key for access. Parking for hotel guests is limited to floors 2, 3, 4 and 5. If you are not particularly mobile, then assuming you have someone travelling with you, it may be an idea for them to drop you at the hotel entrance on arrival prior to parking.



CHECK-IN
This was efficient, friendly, and extraordinarily swift. I was asked if I wanted to add extras to the room, for which a credit card was required, a note was made of my personal details and car registration number, and I was offered both an early morning call and a daily newspaper (a service that so many receptionists fail to offer these days).

Once the pleasantries were complete, and I had confirmed I had been allocated a smoking room, I was despatched with my card key and instructions for breakfast timings the next morning and directions to the lift.



THE ROOM
My initial impression of the room was spacious but rather overstocked with furniture. There was a double and single bed, a large workbench area, a stand alone mirror, colour TV, Tea and Coffee making facilities, loads of drawer storage space and a built in wardrobe, trouser press and clothes rack. There was also a small and secluded seating area, thermostatically controlled radiator and a full wall of double glazed windows covered by heavy duty curtains. Interestingly, the room was quite cool; I can only assume it was because there were so many windows. The overall demeanour of the room was old-fashioned, and the furniture was more reminiscent of the 60's and 70's; whether this is deliberate I am uncertain, but for me it didn't really work.

A high speed wired internet connection is available (and at a hefty 3Mb) it is definitely worth the £10 for 24 hours (£5 for one hour) - Jury's coming in as the cheapest daily rate for high speed access I have yet to encounter. The cable was missing from my room, and one was supplied within a few minutes of contacting reception - HOWEVER, not sure if my room was indicative of others, but the 1m cable supplied wasn't long enough to permit the laptop to sit on the desk, and I therefore had to position the laptop onto a chair and work off the bed. Thankfully on this occasion I wasn't spending a lot of time in my room and therefore I let it go, however, had I have been travelling alone, then I would definitely have requested a move or longer cable.

Despite only being on the second floor, and overlooking a main road, the room was very quiet. That said, this hotel is on the Quayside, overlooking many of Bristol's upmarket nightspots and therefore I suspect that if you had the more attractive view overlooking the Quay, a quiet restful night may not be as guaranteed on weekends (although of course if you are there for rest over the weekend then I would recommend an out of town outlet, as this place is definitely for the partygoers amongst you).

The bathroom was nicely furnished with lots of fancy toiletries on offer, although small is too kind a word for it, midget size would be more appropriate. The bath wasn't full-size, as at 5ft 2, I didn't find myself drowning in it, so if you are a six footer, you will probably rather use the accompanying shower. Towels provided were amply sized for me, although my toilet did stop flushing at the end of my stay (and I forgot to report it to reception - whoops!!!) Some of my colleagues weren't overly impressed with their rooms / bathrooms, commenting that one or the other needed refurbishing in equal measures.




LEISURE FACILITIES
Zilch, Zippo, Nicht - there again, I would guess that if travelling for pleasure this hotel is a socialites paradise and not for those looking for a restful pampered break. During the night, eating and drinking places are aplenty, and for the day, there is plenty of sightseeing and shopping opportunities a short walk / drive away.



EATING & DRINKING
We weren't hanging around to sample the culinary delights in the evening, but were advised to book a table if we did want to. But with many eateries in short walking distance to suit every taste and budget then you would be foolish not to explore.
Breakfast was a sumptuous feast if ever I saw one. All in buffet style, on offer was a range of pastries, branded cereals, juices, yogurts, cold meats and cheeses, and a not so healthy offering of freshly cooked hot foots including bacon, sausage, fried potatoes, beans, eggs, black pudding, tomatoes all washed down with freshly brewed tea or coffee.

I didn't buy any alcohol in the bar myself, but a 300ml bottle of water set me back £1.40 which is around average for many hotels, and cheaper than some I've stayed in.



CONFERENCE FACILITIES
Jury's Bristol offers a range of hi-tech conference facilities accommodating groups from a mere 40, to a jaw dropping 490; combine this with the on-site parking and superb location and you couldn't go far wrong for a large event.


COST
Rack rates start at £155. We paid £92 Bed and Breakfast, which for a dynamic city like this, which offers an outlet of virtually every hotel chain known to man and beast (including 2 Marriott's within spitting distance of each other) it is clear there is high demand and therefore the price could be considered reasonable.


MY VERDICT
For the purposes in question, Jury's Bristol fitted the bill perfectly, and is definitely aimed at the business and fun seeking leisure traveller rather than those looking for a few days relaxation.