If you’re heading to Bristol and looking for a base that combines retro charm with modern luxury, Mollie’s Motel & Diner is your perfect pick. Just off the M5 and a stone’s throw from the centre of the city, it’s a winning combination of slick design, homely hospitality and seriously good food – all wrapped in a cool, mid-century Americana aesthetic. With family-friendly perks, stylish spaces and unbeatable location, this isn’t just a place to sleep- it’s a destination in itself.
Room to Relax
Perfectly positioned just off the M5, Mollie’s is ideal for those driving from London or the Midlands –We did both! CEO TODAY travelled in from the Midlands and found the hotel quickly off the motorway. On leaving it was back to London with a few quick roundabouts to navigate and off we were. It was a real relief to skip the city traffic and be comfortably checked in and out within minutes and any hassle.
What really sets Mollie’s apart is its intelligent, eye-catching use of space. Everything has been crafted with intention – from the industrial-chic co-working lounge to the neon-lit diner booths. The shared spaces feel social but never overcrowded, and there's a sense of ease wherever you go. It’s clear that design wasn’t an afterthought here; it’s part of the experience.
The rooms at Mollie’s are an instant breath of fresh air – generous in size, big on comfort and styled to perfection. The pale woods, plush bedding and luxurious pillows make for an undisturbed night of good deep sleep. Indeed, CEO TODAY hadn’t slept this well in ages! Families will appreciate the well-thought-out layout: spacious king-sized beds for grown-ups and interconnecting rooms to keep an eye on the kids. Although there are no bathtubs, the rainfall showers are all you need and gloriously powerful– a real treat after a long drive or a hard day of exploring around the city.
Every detail, from Dyson hairdryers to Cowshed toiletries, feels luxurious yet effortless- Mollie's has thought of everything to make your stay smooth and stylish.
One of the best things about Mollie’s is how brilliantly it caters to kids without compromising its grown-up cool factor. There’s a children’s menu at the diner, games and activities available on request and plenty of space in the rooms for little ones to stretch out.
Food is ‘King’ at Mollie’s
Start your morning with one of the best breakfasts around: fluffy pancakes stacked high with berries and maple syrup, perfectly poached eggs on avocado toast, or a classic English with all the trimmings. Fresh juice, great coffee and friendly service set the tone for the day. The fact that the Diner regularly welcomes external guests too is a true testament to its popularity. The service is fast and speedy- important when you have hungry kids or need to get out quickly to start the day.
Dinner is just as tempting. The menu is packed with comfort food classics –burgers with secret sauce, mac ‘n’ cheese, southern fried chicken and indulgent milkshakes. For vegetarians, the diner doesn’t disappoint, with plant-based options that feel like the real deal and a range of mocktails and cocktails to end the evening with.
The vibe is buzzy yet laid-back – great music, soft lighting and staff who strike the perfect balance between professional and genuinely warm. No request is too much trouble.
Location, Location, Location
The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, one of the largest shopping centres in the South West and is just around the corner. It offers retail therapy galore – from high-street staples to designer labels – as well as a cinema, restaurants, a newly opened arcade and climbing centre. https://www.mallcribbs.com/
And the fun doesn’t stop there. Just a short drive away, Jurassic Immersive at Cribbs Causeway is a jaw-dropping experience for dino-lovers of all ages – walk among life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and take part in fossil-digging activities in this family-friendly adventure. https://jurassicimmersive.co.uk/
Nearby, Aerospace Bristol is a must-visit. Home to the iconic Concorde, it’s packed with hands-on exhibits, supersonic history and future-focused aerospace innovations. Kids (and adults!) can explore everything from space travel to flight simulators in a museum that’s both entertaining and educational. https://aerospacebristol.org/
Another gem is the Bristol Zoo Project, a reimagined wildlife park dedicated to conservation and animal welfare. Set in beautiful countryside just north of the city, it offers a more natural, spacious experience than your typical zoo – with large habitats, immersive trails, and an inspiring mission. https://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/
If you're lucky enough to visit Thornbury Castle, as we did, don’t miss their afternoon tea. With a beautiful setting and delicious veggie-friendly tiered treats, it’s an indulgent highlight worth making room for in your itinerary.
Indeed, Thornbury Castle holds a fascinating piece of Tudor history: in 1535, King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed there for ten days during their royal progress across England—just a year before her infamous execution. The castle remains the only Tudor castle in England that now operates as a luxury hotel. https://www.thornburycastle.co.uk/
Truly out of this world is “Wake the Tiger” – the UK’s largest immersive art experience, just a 20-minute drive away. Surreal, thought-provoking and spectacularly creative, it is part jungle, part dreamscape, Instagram content gold and an unbelievable treat for kids and adults alike. https://www.wakethetiger.com/
Bristol is set to welcome a game-changing addition to its entertainment scene with the construction of the YTL Arena near Aerospace Bristol. Once completed, it will become the UK’s 4th largest arena, hosting world-class music, sports and entertainment events right on the city’s doorstep. This landmark development is poised to transform this part of North Bristol into a vibrant hub for culture and tourism, cementing Bristol’s status as one of the UK’s most exciting destinations. https://www.ytlarenabristol.co.uk/
Final Thoughts
From reception to the restaurant floor, staff are genuinely warm, helpful and full of local knowledge. They greet you like a regular, remember your name (our waiter even remembered our booking a month back and came over to say hello and “put names to faces!”)- they go above and beyond to make your stay memorable.
Whether you’re stopping over for a family weekend, road-tripping from London, or planning a mini break with style and soul, Mollie’s Motel & Diner is a top-tier choice. With its beautiful rooms, fantastic food and brilliant location near some of Bristol’s best attractions you’ll want to return before you’ve even checked out.
Mollie’s Motel & Diner – Bristol Rooms from £70 per night.
Visit www.mollies.com or call 0117 990 2650 to book.
To find out more about attractions and things to do in Bristol visit www.visitbristol.co.uk
Images courtesy of www.visitbristol.co.uk
