I’m sitting on my pink velvet sofa in a beautiful Georgian terrace in Bristol, enjoying a fresh croissant with raspberry jam and a cup of coffee. It feels like a typical morning at home, but I’m actually on a staycation at Berkeley Suites in Clifton.

The Berkeley Suites are housed in a Georgian townhouse, conveniently close to the shops, cafes, and museums of Park Street. It’s a short walk from Clifton Village in one direction and the Harbourside in the other. The suites, once part of a family home, retain their traditional plasterwork and fireplaces. My bedroom features a queen-size bed, cream walls, polished oak flooring, and a bedspread piled high with cushions.

I was pleasantly surprised to find the bed made up with white cotton sheets and a blanket, a rarity these days. I slept soundly under the fleecy blanket and bed cover, tucked in on both sides. The room’s decor is stylish and eclectic, with an oversized herringbone check on the chair, a sparkling glass chandelier, and reclaimed wood bedside tables reminiscent of an old country barn.

The room includes a small modern wardrobe with a full-length mirror, plenty of coat hangers, a miniature iron and ironing board. The safe is only big enough for a passport and wallet, not very useful for business travelers. Beside my bed is a retro Roberts radio, matching the room’s blue color scheme, perfect for some morning tunes. As I woke up, I heard pigeons cooing and a bell chiming from the Wills Tower.

The bathroom at Berkeley Suites is cleverly designed with glass panels, providing just enough privacy for a couple. The sink and toilet are tucked behind a screen, and there’s a large walk-in shower. The bathroom is all white, with white tiles in the shower and a black slate tiled floor, complemented by shiny chrome fittings. The shower is powerful, though the temperature fluctuates a bit.

In the living room, there’s everything you need for a short stay. Sociable couples who prefer eating out but want to make a snack or coffee will love it here. The miniature kitchen is hidden in a cupboard, equipped with a microwave, toaster, Delonghi coffee machine, and kettle. There’s also a dishwasher and fridge doubling as a mini-bar. Although there’s a hob, there are no pots and pans, so it’s not ideal for serious cooking.

The sitting room’s decor is stylish, with a chesterfield sofa, a hidden projector that can double as a TV, and video paintings that project slowly changing images. There’s no hotel breakfast, but a hamper of breakfast goodies is provided, along with a small carafe of Bristol sherry and a hamper of crisps and chocolate bars.

For work, there’s a small table with two modern chairs, perfect for settling in with a laptop. The view of the small garden is soothing, and the wifi is good. Guests can also use The Square Club and lounge area of the Berkeley Square Hotel for work or informal meetings.

The Berkeley Suites are located at 6 Berkeley Crescent, Clifton, Bristol, with check-in at The Berkeley Square Hotel at 15 Berkeley Square. The Square Club, located in the Berkeley Square Hotel, has a lounge area with a bar, a terrace garden, and is a quiet place to relax or work.

We dined at The Square Kitchen, the hotel’s restaurant, which impressed me with its stylish yet casual decor and delicious food. The menu features West Country produce, with dishes like seared scallops, pan-fried cod, and white chocolate and strawberry mille-feuille. The restaurant is great for dining with friends, business contacts, or family celebrations.

The Square Club membership is a good option for those needing a place to entertain or have informal business meetings in Bristol. The club is often used for private functions and events, with no charge for members to hold events there.

There are plenty of things to do in Bristol, and the Berkeley Suites are conveniently located near many attractions. Park Street, one of my favorite shopping streets, is nearby, along with the Bristol City Museum & Art Gallery, the Wills building, the Royal Academy, the Georgian House, the Red Lodge Museum, and Bristol Cathedral. Brandon Hill Park and Cabot Tower offer great views of the city.

Thanks to Berkeley Suites for hosting my stay and to Square Kitchen for the complimentary dinner for this review.