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Leonardo Royal Hotel Bristol
Bristol, United Kingdom · Leonardo Hotels · Core Luxury
A Brutalist landmark overlooking Bristol's floating harbour, this hotel opened in 1966 as The Unicorn Hotel, designed by architects Kenneth Wakeford, Jarram and Harris. The Doyle Collection renamed it The Bristol in 1994 and sold it to Leonardo Hotels in October 2026, which is renaming it Leonardo Royal Hotel Bristol; its 187 rooms held MICHELIN One Key for 2025.
- 187 rooms
- Opened 1966
- Neighborhood: Harbourside
- Rooms from 269 sq ft (25 m²)
- Architect: Kenneth Wakeford; Jarram and Harris
About Leonardo Royal Hotel Bristol
- In 1994 the hotel joined the Irish family-owned Doyle Collection and was renamed The Bristol.
- Entry-level rooms start at 269 sq ft (25 m²).
History
The Bristol is a Brutalist landmark in the heart of the city, opened in 1966 as The Unicorn Hotel and designed by the architectural practice Kenneth Wakeford, Jarram and Harris. Its bold concrete form made it a distinctive part of Bristol's post-war cityscape overlooking the floating harbour.
In 1994 the hotel joined the Irish family-owned Doyle Collection and was renamed The Bristol. The Doyle Collection traces its own origins to 1959, when P.V. Doyle opened his first hotel; today The Bristol offers 187 rooms in a contemporary, art-filled interior.
In October 2026 the Doyle Collection sold the hotel to Leonardo Hotels UK & Ireland, part of Israel's Fattal Hotel Group, which is renaming it Leonardo Royal Hotel Bristol and plans a phased £11.5 million refurbishment of rooms and public spaces.
The setting
2-minute walk to At-Bristol science centre. 5-minute walk to Bristol Hippodrome.
Awards
- MICHELIN One Key (2025)
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