If you’re traveling along the M5 motorway in the UK and looking for accommodation options heading northbound, there are several convenient hotels situated near key junctions and service areas. These hotels are especially handy for long-distance drivers, business travelers, or anyone needing a comfortable overnight stay close to the road. Below is a detailed guide to hotels accessible from the M5 northbound carriageway, including locations around Gloucestershire, Bristol, and Somerset.
Hotel at Michaelwood Services (Junction 14)
One of the most direct options for northbound drivers is theDays Inn Michaelwood M5 Northbound, located just off Junction 14. The property sits within Michaelwood services and is ideal if you want minimal diversion off the motorway. Reviews describe it as clean, quiet, and good value, with guests reporting that motorway noise was not intrusive.
Key Features:
- Direct access from M5 northbound via Welcome Break Michaelwood Service Area
- Free parking and WiFi
- Adjacent fast food options, a microwave in reception, and basic amenities
- Budget-friendly rates, often below £60 per night
Hotels Around Junction 11A Cheltenham/Gloucester Area
Approximately 13 miles east of Junction 11A are several well-known options, making this an excellent area for travelers needing a high-quality stay.
- Premier Inn Gloucester (Barnwood) around 1.2 miles from the northbound exit of J11A, offering familiar chain comfort and onsite restaurant options.
- Premier Inn Gloucester Business Park similarly close at about 1.2 miles, ideal for both leisure and business guests.
- Premier Inn Little Witcombe around 3 miles from the northbound exit, offering slightly more distance but still quick access.
- Premier Inn Cheltenham Central about 2.5 miles from the northbound exit, offering more hotel options in Cheltenham town centre.
Hotels Near Bristol Junctions 16 and 17
Further south near Junctions 16 and 17, travellers will find several options within a few miles of the motorway:
- Premier Inn Bristol (Alveston) roughly 3.7 to 4.3 miles from the northbound exit at J16, convenient for access to both Bristol and Gloucestershire countryside.
- Premier Inn Bristol Cribbs Causeway (J17) around 1 mile from the junction, located beside a major shopping centre and motorway access road.
- Travelodge Bristol Cribbs Causeway also about 1 mile from J17, offering affordable choices near the motorway and commercial park.
- Village Hotel Bristol approximately 2 miles from Junction 17, with onsite gym, restaurant, and meeting facilities.
Hotels Near Junction 25 Taunton Area
If your journey extends into Somerset, Junction 25 offers more hotel choices, particularly around Taunton and Wellington:
- Days Inn Taunton M5 (J25) just off the motorway, convenient for breaking a long journey between Exeter and Bristol.
- Holiday Inn Taunton M5 (J25) a more upmarket option with meeting facilities, restaurant, and modern amenities.
- Corner House Hotel Taunton about 3.1 miles from J25, a Victorian-style property with character and onsite dining.
Motorway Service Area Hotels
Certain motorway service areas also include on-site hotels, designed precisely for motorway travellers:
Michaelwood Services Days Inn
This Days Inn sits directly within Michaelwood Services and offers the ease of pullin access, free parking, and a peaceful night’s sleep despite being next to the motorway.
Sedgemoor Services (Somerset) Days Inn
At M5 Sedgemoor Services (between J21 and J22), there’s a Days Inn northbound offering direct access to the motorway without needing to navigate local roads.
Gordano Services (J19) Hotel Option
Although primarily a food & fuel stop, Gordano services near J19 is part of Welcome Break chain which commonly hosts Days Inn hotels adjacent or nearby. It provides a useful rest point near Bristol.
Choosing the Right Hotel for Your Journey
When selecting accommodation on the M5 northbound, consider these factors:
- Proximity: Hotels located directly at service areas (like Michaelwood or Sedgemoor) require minimal time off the motorway.
- Purpose: Budget stops for an overnight break? Days Inn locations are ideal and economical. Longer stays or business travel may benefit from Premier Inn or Holiday Inn options.
- Facilities: Look for amenities like free parking, on-site dining, WiFi, and disabled access depending on your needs.
- Quiet concerns: While hotels adjacent to service areas may seem noisy, many reviews note minimal disturbance and good sleep quality.
Why Travelers Choose Motorway Hotels
Many long-distance drivers, tradespeople, and roadtrip travellers pick motorway-side hotels for convenience, affordability, and predictability. According to traveller reports, these hotels are often cheaper than city centre alternatives, provide ample parking, and reduce the need to drive into town late at night. Consistency in room quality and ease of access are key benefits, especially for overnight stays.
Summary of Recommended Hotels
- Days Inn Michaelwood (J14): Directly northbound, budget-friendly, free parking and WiFi.
- Premier Inn Gloucester / Cheltenham (J11A): 13 miles off junction, reliable chain comfort.
- Premier Inn / Travelodge Cribbs Causeway (J17): Around 1 mile off motorway, shopping and dining nearby.
- Days Inn Sedgemoor (J2122): On-site service area hotel, good for Somerset stops.
- Taunton Hotels (J25): Days Inn or Holiday Inn off junction, suitable for longer trips through south-west England.
Travelling northbound on the M5 and need to stop overnight or break your journey? You have plenty of options ranging from service area hotels like Days Inn at Michaelwood and Sedgemoor, to well-known hotel chains near junctions in Gloucester, Bristol, and Taunton. Each offers a balance of convenience, comfort, and affordability. Whether it’s a quick rest or a more extended stay, these hotels provide reliable solutions for travelers on the move.
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