College Green is right by Bristol University in the center of the city, and on nice days, a myriad of students were seen lounging in the grass here or kicking about a football. I couldn't help but look at the strange mix of kids...a few in blazers and ties who must have attended nearby private schools like Bristol Grammar close to some boys with mohawks playing guitars. An imposing statue of Queen Victoria is directly in front of the hotel, so it's easy to spot the entrance. To one side you'll also see beautiful Bristol Cathedral.

So how was our experience? Our room was what you would expect from a nice Marriott. It was of a nice size with two lounge chairs, a desk, and a double bed. High speed wireless access. Five public channels on the television plus pay-per-view for movies. Restaurants and a lounge on site. A car park with plenty of space (for a charge.) Room service. A nice gym downstairs with treadmills and cycles. (I watched England playing a World Cup match here as I huffed and puffed through a few miles.) A large pool and Jacuzzi overlooked by Roman busts. (I regretted not bringing a suit!) There's a small business center available with an extra charge for Internet access that I used a couple of nights because I left my own computer at home. (You bought a time card from the front desk.) The water pressure in the shower was really fabulous. Modern plumbing. Even a long shower stayed hot.

What are this hotel's best features? The service was phenomenal. The concierge went above and beyond to give us guidance on the area. The staff is first rate. The location put us within easy walking distance of several nice restaurants and the Hippodrome, a theater where Cary Grant actually started his career.

Hotel drawbacks? None except that it's not for the weak of budget. A nice base from which to explore both Bristol and Bath.

I'd certainly stay here again.