my sister and I have just stayed in bristol for the weekend, can't comment on the nightlife, but we always stay at the city inn it is good value and we have never had a bad stay there.

Found these web sites really helpful...hope you find what you are looking for and have a fab weekend.

http://www.cityinn.com/bristol/index.htm

http://visitbristol.co.uk/site/home

http://www.at-bristol.org.uk/
http://www.britainsbestbreaks.tv/bristol/eat/

we always stay at Walkabout
http://www.walkabout.eu.com/010/CB/intro.html
It's like a TravelInn. (room only)
It's right in the heart of the pubs and clubs and only a short walk into the shopping area. It's close to the Hippodrome too.

There are many pubs to choose from.
We've been many a time, usually catching the train from Port Talbot.