A typical British hotel that has been slightly renovated to become a design hotel. This renovation looks mostly successful but the typical problems with the British hotel rooms are readily apparent: rattling air conditioning, windows that cannot be closed and so on. On the plus side the rooms are spacious and the washroom is clean.
Breakfast looks good, but it is not that tasty. Not bad tasting but just plain.
Be aware that the hotel rooms are on the both sides of the hotel. So you might get a nice view to the river with swans or not so nice view to the backyard with the garbage cans. As a business traveler the view is not that important for me but if I would bring my girlfriend with me I would make absolutely sure which of the views I am going to get with my money.
Also free internet connection would be nice, but as that is anyway paid by the company there is really not such a big issue with that.

This hotel was fantastic. We held a conference there and the staff were so helpfull. I loved every second of my time there and can not wait to return. I have told at least 10 people how nice it was and would recommend it to anyone.

Good location. Views from some rooms onto the water. Reasonably furnished rooms but a bit on the small side. Good value overall -- we got a reduced rate of £75/night by booking in advance. Breakfast was fairly standard (but included in the price of the room).

The Mercure Brigstow Hotel is located in Welsh Back, an interesting little backstreet facing onto the river.

It's in the Old City, which has lots of good pubs, bars and restaurants and some handsome Georgian (and older) buildings. It's a short walk from the floating dock area and College Green. It's about 12 minutes walk from Bristol Temple Meads rail station.

There's a very good outdoor cafe/bar scene in this part of the city in summer. You can drink/dine al-fresco and watch the little ferry boats come in and go out of the floating dock alongside St. Augustines Parade .

If you like ecclesiastical architecture, industrial/maritime history, twisty little back-streets and markets, there is much of interest within 15 minutes walk of the Brigstow.

As for the hotel itself, I found the staff pleasant and helpful. The style and atmosphere is typically corporate, yet pleasant.

My room (although sadly not facing the river) was clean, quiet and well equipped. The public areas are comfortable and tastefully furnished. You get the impression that someone has actually put some thought and effort into making this hotel a place you'd want to stay in.

A previous reviewer said that the Brigstow was not 4-star. I disagree. While it may just be on the brink, it's a lot more 4-star than many other places I've stayed that claim the same distinction.

I ate a bar meal which was slightly pricey but very nicely done. If you don't want to eat in, and don't fancy a walk, there is a floating restaurant boat moored just opposite the hotel which looked very tempting and seemed very popular.

All in all I would recommend the Brigstow to anyone for business, a shopping expedition, or a city break.

Highly satisfactory. I'll be coming back!