Mollies Motel is just off the M5 outside of Bristol, it is perfectly located for us to stay there to break up a long journey to & from Scotland (to see my family), or we like to stay there if we have an early flight from Bristol airport. Mollies have 3 locations, Bristol, Oxfordshire and the newest addition will be Manchester (still being finished ETA Autumn 2025). They have been designed by the man behind the iconic and stylish SoHo House, as a nod to the American roadside Motel / Diner concept, and they have done a fantastic job.
The big red neon sign greets you as you leave the motorway and is very Americana, the Motel is in a sleek black wood with big windows and looks very minimal. You instantly know from the lobby that SOHO house has had a hand in the design, the reception area is bright and welcoming, they have lots of snacks, toiletries and essentials you might have forgotten to pack or need for your stay. They have free clipper tea (a variety of flavours) and free filter coffee in the lobby for you to enjoy 24 hours a day.
There is also a very nice (well stocked) bar in the lobby too, where you can enjoy a beer, cocktail or get a barista coffee. I love all the seating around the reception, lots of nice sofas, armchairs and even a long tressel table that’s perfect for sitting with your laptop to do some work. There are even wireless phone chargers at every table (including the diner), so you don’t ever need to be on 1% battery and in a panic.
In the warmer months they open the bifold doors, and you have access to the courtyard, which is a lovely space to enjoy the evening sun and have a drink. I am a big fan of the orange patio furniture, I just need to be there when it is sunny enough to sit outside.
We always pay the extra £10 for early check in, which is 1pm, or their normal check in time is 3pm. We tend to get there at 1-ish so we can head to Cribbs which is a fab retail park and shopping centre. We have NOTHING like it in Cornwall, and it is nice to do some retail therapy and grab some dinner there. I tend to get my eyebrows done at Benefit and pick up the last bits and bobs for travelling. The shopping centre has some great shops like, Harrods Beauty, Mango, John Lewis, Oliver Bonas and the usual shops like Boots, Superdrug & all that jazz. There is more than just the shopping centre, they have a huge retail park with lots of shops, and it is a 2-min drive from Mollies, so handy.
Because Mollies is so close to the M5 and has free parking (and EV charging), we often stay here when we have gigs in Bristol city, as the access to the city centre is so easy. We get the bus from Mollies in to the city which takes about 30 mins (buses are every 15 mins) and the last bus back is really late, like after midnight, and it is much more affordable than staying in the centre and paying car parking. It works well for us.
We have stayed here about 8 times now and always ask for the same room, we are creatures of habit and a good nights sleep is a must. We have found a quiet room, that has always worked for us, we like to look over the Diner, on the 2nd floor, and we ask for their non feather bedding (as my husband has allergies). The rooms are well laid out, lots of space and very bright, the mix of yellow, green and the wooden touches make it feel calm and stylish. You get coffee and tea in your room (as well as in the lobby) and there is a hot tap and filtered water tap on every floor.
One thing that I appreciate are the Cowshed products, there is a handwash and hand cream by the sink area as well as shampoo, conditioner and body wash in the shower. These products are luxurious and smell like a cowshed spa, such a nice touch. In every room there are also Dyson hairdryers and GHD straighteners, which is also fantastic. These small touches make such a difference when you are travelling, they make your stay more comfortable, I also like that their bath towels are huge! No one wants to get out of the shower & have to use a teeny tiny towel.
The king-size bed is very comfortable, the bedding feels like nice quality, the rooms have black out curtains and the windows let in zero noise, you would never know that the M5 was right there because it is silent. The bathroom has a rainfall shower and like I said Cowshed products, there are two chairs, a table and plenty of space for your clothes / suitcase so you’re not tripping over your belongings.
We have had dinner in Mollies Diner which is right next door, I know that they’re quite famous for their breakfasts, American style pancakes, but sadly they’re not vegan so we have not been over for breakfast. I can tell you that their plant based burgers are pretty damn good, it is as you would expect for a Diner, very American style in both decor and the menu. Cool booths, and an open style kitchen which creates a cool atmosphere. The food is always 10/10 very tasty, well presented and priced.
They sell their own beer which my husband really enjoys, and we were also given free prosecco once as it was my birthday, again another very nice touch. The staff in both the Diner and the Motel are so friendly and accommodating even when very busy.
Like most hotels, the price fluctuates, we have found that the weekends are cheaper, as due to the handy location for the motorway & Bristol a lot of business people stay during the week. Also as you would expect Summer holidays are more expensive, we have booked for as little as £60 and also paid £150 so quite a range of prices.
From what I have experienced, their customer service is impeccable, I always ask for the same room, hypoallergenic bedding and early check in, and they have always delivered without a problem. I find so many establishments have let standards slip, especially as they grow in popularity and get busy, but Mollies keeps to a standard, and it is nice to see.
Are you a creature of habit and when you find a hotel you like tend to return? Let me know if you have been to Mollies and what you think, or if you have heard of them and always wondered if they were any good.
