Bristol, November 2013: Nothing feels more festive than skating on an outdoor ice rink; it's the combination of exhilaration when gliding over the ice, cheeks made rosy by the cold winter air, and the promise of a delicious mug of hot chocolate or, perhaps even a vin chaud, at the end of it.  The Bristol Hotel has bottled up that feeling and placed it in its Strictly Skating Package, valid from 9 November 2013 to 3 January 2014.

Ice skating is a time-honoured festive tradition dating to "The Great Frost Fair" of 1683, when the River Thames froze over for several weeks, allowing stalls and entertainment to set up on the solid ice.  An event recorded in Samuel Pepys's diary, as he took the opportunity to skate on the frozen river with King Charles II's mistress Nell Gwyn.  Later, in 1876, the world's first artificial ice rink (known as a Glaciarium) was unveiled in London's Chelsea and ice skating has played its part in Christmas ever since.

The Bristol Hotel has linked up with At-Bristol's ice rink, which will be built under the city's iconic chrome-plated Planetarium building on Millennium Square, just a few minutes' walk from the hotel to create a distinctly festive package.  Strictly Skating includes overnight accommodation and a delicious full English breakfast for two people sharing a double room, 2 skating passes for a 45-minute session, a hot drink at the hotel's Shore Cafe Bar (which can be a Hot Chocolate, Tea, Coffee, Mulled Wine or - given that you're in the West Country - Mulled Cider), free car parking, free Wifi and free use of the hotel's gym, from £109 per night.  Book online at www.doylecollection.com/bristol.

With the 450 square metre rink open seven days a week from Saturday 9 November, from 10am to 8pm, there will be sessions running on the hour, every hour, accommodating up to 150 skaters at a time, so The Bristol Hotel's guests will have the opportunity to skate during the day or late into the evening.  What are you waiting for?  Get your skates on and book the Strictly Skating package now - perfect for families and super romantic à deux!  Happy skating!

Notes for Editors

The Bristol Hotel, currently Bristol's Large Hotel of the Year, is located in the heart of the city, between the historic cobbled Narrow Quay and elegant Queen Square, just a few minutes' walk from major cultural landmarks such as The Bristol Old Vic, Arnolfini, Watershed, SS Great Britain and M Shed, as well as the fabulous new shopping district of Cabot Circus.

The Bristol Hotel has 187 rooms and suites, which are among the largest and most luxurious in the city.  All of the rooms have been completely restyled, refurnished and re-equipped in the last few years, with the deluxe rooms and juniors suites having additional luxuries such as media hubs and Nespresso coffee machines.

The Bristol Hotel has an outstanding, self-contained Meetings and Events Centre with rooms for as few as six people or as many as 400.  Executive boardrooms, large breakout rooms and an impressive main suite are all equipped with the latest technology and luxurious decorative touches.

The Bristol Hotel is housed in a distinctive 1960s building, recognised as a prime example of the Modern architectural movement.

Immediately prior to joining The Bristol Hotel, Executive Head Chef Matt Lord worked at Charlton House for a year, where he achieved 1 AA rosette, and previously was Executive Chef at the former City Inn Hotel for 3 years with its 2 AA rosettes and Head Chef at Hunstrete House for 2 and half years as, which also had 2 AA rosettes. 

For more details, please visit the website: www.doylecollection.com/bristol

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For more details, hi res images and/or to book a review visit, please contact:

Sue Heady
Heady Communications
T: 01608 651 692 / 078 5595 0705
E: sue@headycommunications.com