The Bristol Wing is awarded the 2026 Traveller’s Choice Award!

22 June 2026

Our little boutique hostel in the heart of Bristol is getting noticed!

The Bristol Wing, one of our two social enterprise hostels, has been awarded the 2026 Traveller’s Choice award based on customer reviews on Tripadvisor. This means we are in the top 10% of hotels worldwide! And to top it off, The Bristol Wing holds the spot for number 1 rated hostel in Bristol.

Hostel as social enterprise

The Bristol Wing re-opened its doors in March 2023 after extensive renovations post-Covid. During the pandemic, we sublet the building to St. Mungo’s Homeless Charity who used it to shelter the street homeless. Our YMCA Brunel Group values are embedded into every nook and cranny of the building and embodied by each and every staff member. Surplus profits from the hostel are donated back into our charitable work, helping us to cover our central costs. This means that 100% of any donations we receive as a charity can go directly to our charitable work.

Always improving

Let’s face it, we’re not perfect. When a negative review comes in, our team don’t get disheartened. They put their heads together and brainstorm ways to improve. They question not only how they can prevent the issue from happening again, but how they can make it into something positive and memorable.

Local and sustainable ethos

Everywhere we can, we endeavour to source from local or environmentally friendly companies. Not only are we mindful of our custodianship of the planet, but we are also proud of the city of Bristol and love showcasing the local products.

One example of this can be seen in the milk we offer to guests. Our dairy milk comes from Chew Valley Dairy, just a few miles outside of Bristol. It is produced on family-run farms, all of which are Red Tractor certified, ensuring the milk is traceable, safe, and farmed with care. Dairy not your thing? (Me neither). We also provide Float, a Bristol-based oat milk whose focus is on sustainable and ethical practices.

A deserving team

This recognition is truly earned by member of the team at The Bristol Wing. Kindness and care flows through their every task in ensuring that the hostel is a welcoming and memorable stay in Bristol.

Chris, the Hostel Manager, has been involved since day one. From Duty Manager to Deputy Manager to Hostel Manager, Chris’s leadership and dedication have been the beating heart of The Bristol Wing. Chris and his Deputy Manager Paul have fostered a strong and caring culture among both staff and visitors.

Another shout-out should go to Dave, who began as Hostel Manager and now directs both The Bristol Wing and YMCA Bath Hostel. From the start, Dave was the bedrock of The Wing. His hands-on enthusiasm was crucial in the renovation stage, and he remains committed to making our hostels the best they can be.