Chamber conversations: Jane Guy from The Bristol Hotel
At Business West, we’re proud to support a diverse network of businesses and organisations, from ambitious start-ups to established firms and charities, all working to make our region stronger and more connected.
As the festive season approaches, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our Chamber Members whose work plays a vital role in the city’s hospitality and events landscape. We’re pleased to feature The Bristol Hotel as our Chamber Member of the Month, recognising their commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences, supporting local businesses, and contributing to Bristol’s vibrant visitor economy.
Please introduce yourself and tell us about your role at The Bristol Hotel – what does a typical day look like?
My name is Jane Guy, and I am the Director of Sales and Marketing at The Bristol and have been with the hotel for over 23 years. I collaborate closely with our meeting and events and revenue and reservations teams to promote and sell every aspect of the hotel - from corporate business accounts and individual bedrooms to large conferences and dining experiences. My role focuses on building strong relationships with clients and our internal teams, while always seeking new business opportunities. In hospitality, there’s no such thing as a typical day — I might be strategising with the team, hosting a potential client, analysing figures, or giving a hotel tour. Flexibility is key, and it’s what makes every day exciting.
Can you tell us more about The Bristol Hotel: what you offer, where you're based, and the impact you have on the local business community, tourism, and events sector?
We’re proud to be part of The Doyle Collection, an Irish family-owned luxury hotel group. Located on the waterfront in the heart of the city, The Bristol offers 187 stylish bedrooms and nine versatile meeting and event spaces, including one that accommodates up to 400 guests. The River Grille, our popular on-site restaurant, is a favourite among locals, while Rick’s bar is the perfect spot for expertly crafted cocktails — cosy and inviting in winter, vibrant and lively in summer when the harbourside terrace comes to life. Above all, our passionate team ensures every guest experiences the warmth of true hospitality through creativity, thoughtfulness, and care.
The festive season is one of the busiest times of the year for hospitality. How does The Bristol Hotel support corporate guests, business events, and local celebrations during this period?
This festive season, we’re delighted to welcome a wonderful mix of guests through our doors — from corporate groups enjoying celebratory lunches and dinners to families gathering before Christmas to spend quality time together. Our menus bring all the traditional flavours of the season to life, while also offering delicious alternatives for those who prefer something less festive. At Rick’s, our festive cocktail menu is designed to capture the spirit of the holidays — don’t miss the Pine Tree Spritz, a true taste of Christmas in a glass!
How does The Bristol Hotel bring a bit of Bristol’s character into your festive celebrations and the way you support local businesses at this time of year?
We’re proud to support our local community throughout the year. This year, our chosen charity is Windmill Hill City Farm. In the New Year, we’ll also make a donation to Tree Aid for every guest attending our Christmas parties by hosting “crackerless” events. Plus, earlier this December, we contributed food to our local food bank to help those in need.
How long have you been a member of Business West Chambers of Commerce, and what prompted you to join?
We have been members since before I joined the hotel...and that was over 23 years ago! So, I guess that speaks for itself.
What has been most valuable to you as a Business West Chamber Member?
The sense of community is invaluable. It connects you with people across a wide range of sectors, offering a fantastic opportunity to learn about other businesses in the region. You’ll always have someone to call on for advice. Business West is also a powerful voice for the region, influencing future city growth, funding, and investment.
Finally, what advice would you give to a business thinking of becoming a member of our Business West Chambers of Commerce?
Just go ahead and do it! Once you have started to be part of it, you will see the benefits and remain as committed as us.
Join the Chamber and make connections that matter
Whether you’re a charity, SME, or multinational company, Business West Chambers of Commerce is here to help you connect, grow and thrive. By becoming a Chamber member, you gain access to:
- a vibrant network of businesses
- networking and profile-raising opportunities
- local influence and business representation
- dedicated support from our expert teams.
To find out more about becoming a Chamber member, click here. And if you are already a Chamber member and would like to be featured in a blog just like this one, then please get in touch with Amy.