A few months ago I went on my holidays to the Algarve. Lovely and sunny (it hadn’t rained for 6 months believe it or not!). My girlfriend is currently studying at The University of Bath, so we decided it would be a good idea to avoid the chaos of Stansted airport and travel via Bristol instead.

Normally parking at Stansted – or indeed any of the major airports around London where I live – can be a bit of a nightmare, and very costly. That was our other option, my girlfriend the previous year had stayed with me and we went via Stansted which was a horrible experience.

We found a nearby pub who provided car parking for a very reasonable £30 for 7 days. They dropped us off at the entrance to the airport and picked us up too. £30 would’ve been the cost of the taxi from Bath to Bristol, so a real bargain.

The airport itself is a little gem, still pretty undiscovered and not too busy. We were through customs nice and quickly and took 5 minutes to sort out car hire for when we arrived at our destination too.

Bristol airport is growing fast, but remains a very well run and efficient airport if you are looking to avoid all the hassles of some of the bigger terminals and hopefully it will remain a well kept secret for a few more years yet.

I have found that when flying into the Bristol Airport, there is plenty of restaurants right here in the airport where you can get a quick bite to eat if you don’t want to wait until you settle into your hotel room.

I love Starbucks coffee, so I always stop for a cup at the airport. For those who are not familiar with Starbucks, they offer great coffee, as well as specialty drinks and fresh snacks. The Soho Coffee Co. and the Ritazza Coffee Bar are also great places to grab some coffee at the Bristol Airport. The Soho Coffee Co. has really good organic milkshakes, smoothies, and sandwiches made with organic bread. Of course, whenever I am meeting somebody at the airport, I always wait at the Ritazza Coffee Bar, because it is at the arrivals end of the concourse, and is a great place to have a cup of coffee while you wait.

Every time I have eaten at Dexters Chargrill and Bar the food has been great and you have to try the Superfood salads. I also love their “Fast Lane Menu” for when I am in a hurry or ready to catch a flight. They also have a great dessert menu, brunch items, and a children’s menu. If you just want a drink, they have a nice variety of wines, cocktails, spirits, and beer, as well as soft drinks, smoothies and coffee drinks. If you are looking for fast food, of course there is always Subway or Burger King.

Imagine flying into Bristol Airport, picking up your rental car and heading a short distance to the most luxurious hotel you’ve ever stayed in for a little rest and relaxation. Right now, that fantasy can become a reality.

I’d like to tell you more about the Plush Hotel – a boutique style hotel with stunning views, and fabulous amenities.

First things first, you’ll be glad to know that you won’t have to travel very far in your rental car to get to your destination. Plush Hotel is the closest hotel to Bristol International Airport – only 1.2 miles away.

And guess what’s waiting for you? An indoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, flat screen TV’s and Egyptian cotton sheets. Each suite has decadent furnishings with a Jacuzzi perfect for winding down after a long flight.

You will have to make your reservation quick because there are only eight lavishly furnished rooms throughout the entire hotel.

If you can tear yourself away from your room, take a walk through the 2 acres of superb gardens. Mark my words, the stunning panoramic views will simply take your breath away.

Since Bristol airport-parking facilities get booked super fast, you’ll really appreciate the security the large car park offers for your rental car. There’s a gated entry for all guests, which ensures parking will never be a problem.

As for dining, unlike many airport accommodations, Plush Hotel offers all day dining. Plus you’ll have access to a list of wines that have been specially selected for you to enjoyment.

Make no mistake about it, when you fly into the Bristol airport, think about how comfortable you’ll be staying at the Plush Hotel where tranquility is plentiful and where you can indulge in endless relaxation.

Being one of the closest hotels to Bristol International Airport, you can expect your stay will be a unique one.