Although it is a relatively large city (a little over 500,000 people) Bristol's accommodation options aren't as varied as might be expected - possibly partly explained by the fact it hasn't historically been a tourist destination.
This can pose some challenges for visitors on summer weekends, especially when one of the many summertime festivals is on, as the budget accommodation options (including CS hosts) can fill up - Bristol is also very popular with "stag" and "hen" weekends, so there are often many visitors from other parts of the UK. Planning ahead somewhat is definitely recommended!
This can pose some challenges for visitors on summer weekends, especially when one of the many summertime festivals is on, as the budget accommodation options (including CS hosts) can fill up - Bristol is also very popular with "stag" and "hen" weekends, so there are often many visitors from other parts of the UK. Planning ahead somewhat is definitely recommended!
CouchSurfing
Obviously, for a CouchSurfing event, one of your best options is to look for a local host and send them a request - a few things to be aware of:
- The filters on CS's search functionality can be flaky - if you get "No results", try clearing the filters and searching again
- Many long-time hosts have their couches set to "Maybe", so don't forget to include them (not just "Yes" status hosts) when searching
- Don't just assume that a potential host knows about the event - CS isn't great at communicating about events these days, and many hosts have never been so much into the social scene
- You may have to send a fair few requests - if so, it's advisable to try and avoid completely copy/pasting as many members don't react that well to them
Hostels
If you prefer to be completely independent of a host, or want to stay right in the city centre, or if you just haven't had any luck with finding hosts, the next-best budget option are the hostels - Bristol currently has 5 reasonable ones:
- YHA Bristol - http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/bristol (right on the Harbour in the centre of town)
- Bristol Backpackers - http://www.bristolbackpackers.co.uk/ (just off the Centre)
- Full Moon Backpacker Hostel - http://www.fmbristol.co.uk/full-moon-backpacker-hostel (bottom of Stokes Croft, above a pub)
- Bristol Backpackers - http://www.bristolbackpackers.co.uk/ (near the Broadmead shopping area, above The Lanes venue, where some of the Friday festivities are happening)
- Kyle Blue - http://www.kylebluebristol.co.uk/ (the newest option, on a boat near the M Shed museum)
Other options
Bristol does also have a few "budget" hotel options (Premier Inn, Travelodge, Ibis, etc) so it may be worth looking on sites like Booking.com, Agoda, Lastminute, Laterooms if you are either wanting a bit more privacy or just totally stuck. Similarly, you could always look at what options there might be on AirBnB.
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