Our budgets may be stretched these days, but that doesn’t meant we want to forego luxury entirely. That’s where Mollie’s comes in; a modern motel that combines upmarket design with a playful atmosphere and very appealing prices (rooms start from £60 a night). Whether you’re visiting Bristol or stopping off on the long journey down to Cornwall, this motel – which opened in 2021 – provides a great pitstop. And whatever you do, do not miss the food.

Sleek and modern is the name of the game at this contemporary hotel, designed by Soho House. This is reflected in the décor of the 123 rooms, which are divided into four categories: double, twin, bunk-bed or interconnecting rooms, providing lots of options whatever the size and make-up of your party. With a clean palette of soothing grey walls, white cotton bedding and light oak panelling, there’s a definite Scandi vibe here, and it manages to feel minimal and uncluttered but still cosy. In keeping with the ‘budget-luxe’ ethos of Mollie’s, guests can enjoy Conran furniture and sumptuous Hypnos mattresses, plus opulent Cowshed toiletries.

There are thoughtful design touches in the rooms, such as alcoves in the wall to house a Dyson hairdryer and ghd stylers, located opposite a full length mirror (too many hotels forget the fact that we want to check our shoes match our outfits!)

In a separate building next to the motel, Mollie’s Diner offers the American eaterie experience – think tomato-shaped ketchup bottles and leather banquette seating – with a contemporary edge. It’s a light, welcoming space run by some of the friendliest staff we’ve come across, and is extremely child-friendly for those travelling with kids.

The all-day menu features decadent burgers, rotisserie chicken, flavoursome salads and ‘eggs all day’ options to please the brunch lovers. Don’t neglect the ‘Bites’ section of the menu – the sweetcorn fritters were top notch. At breakfast, choose anything from a pancake stack to a full English breakfast, which you can enjoy with bottomless coffee made from the house blend.

It sounds weird to say the lobby was your favourite part of a hotel, but Mollie’s has managed to create a very appealing space at its heart. There’s a sleek co-working desk (which people actually use), a general store-meets-bar area where you can grab all-day cocktails, toiletries and snacks, and an airy lounge that leads out to an appealing garden. On a gloriously sunny day, the terrace offers the ideal space to sit and drink G&Ts – we felt like more like we were in Majorca than just of the M5 motorway.

The immediate surroundings of Mollie’s are not particularly glamorous – it’s next to Cribbs Causeway’s out-of-town shopping mall. However, it’s just a 20 minute drive to the centre of Bristol from here, and nearby attractions include the Wild Place Project (where animals including big cats and bears live in a parkland setting) and an inland surfing lake at The Wave. Blaise Castle Estate is also worth a visit, especially if you have little ones who need to run off some energy. The motel’s app has a handy guide of things to do nearby.

A fun pitstop close to Bristol or a stop-off en route to the South West.

Rooms at Mollie’s Bristol start at £60 a night. For more information, visit the website.

READ MORE: Review of The Varsity Hotel in Cambridge 

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