Check In: Stay On A Luxury Hostel Boat In Bristol's Harbour

Say hello to the luxury hostel boat that's hiding in plain sight. Moored up down at Wapping Wharf in Bristol, it offers a low impact, high quality take on a hostel - in the middle of the city. We thought we'd better investigate.

What’s it like at Kyle Blue in Bristol?

For all of Bristol’s amazing qualities, and there are many, the city is a bit short on eco-hotels and boutique places to stay.

Enter Kyle Blue, a Dutch barge turned luxury hostel moored up at the edge of rejuvenated Wapping Wharf.

The rooms

There are a surprising number of rooms aboard, below deck. From dorms to private doubles, while you wouldn’t expect them to be spacious (you’re on a boat), each is a clever use of space and has everything you need for a night or two including plug sockets and free Wi-fi.

The boat can sleep up to 30 (although there were only a handful of guests when we were there), there are four shared shower rooms and while linen is provided you’ll need to bring your own towels (or rent them from reception).

While this is a hostel, it’s also spotlessly clean, warm and has one of the best locations in town.

The views

Wake up on the beautiful River Avon. It’s peaceful watching the birds swoop and soar, plus the early morning runners, canoeists and cyclists. Spend a quiet morning collecting your thoughts in the upstairs lounge, cuppa in hand, watching the life on the river.

The service

Upstairs on the boat, there’s a large lounge and self-catering kitchen but the boat has friendly hosts who can also give you a whole raft of local insider tips on where to go, eat and drink (or check out our new pebble guide to Bristol!).

Reception is staffed from 10am - 2pm and 3pm - 11pm.

The menu

There’s a self catered kitchen (with free tea and coffee) but you’re surrounded by amazing restaurants, bars and cafes.

Try Root for veggie lead small plates (read our review here) or pop into Little Victories for an oat milk latte (or cocktail if it’s the weekend).

The sustainable bit

Kyle Blue’s eco impact is pretty small. Rubbish is recycled, there’s little food waste thanks to the self-catered kitchen, no AC and proper insulation keeps the heat in.

Three reasons to book Kyle Blue

• You’re so central. Literally fall out of bed and into one of Bristol’s best brunch spots or take a walk up over the river. Wapping Wharf is well served by bike routes, you can be in Clifton in under 10 minutes.
• Wapping Wharf itself is expanding with incredible locally sourced places to eat, plant shops, galleries and more.
• Discover Bristol’s cultural side. You’re right next to M Shed, the dockside museum and over the water from Arnolfini, the city’s cutting edge arts space.

Where is Kyle Blue?

Find Kyle Blue on Wapping Wharf in Bristol.

Free Wi-fi? Yes
Children? Yes
Dogs? No

Book your stay on Kyle Blue now.