Nestled amid the rolling hills of Somerset, the city of Bath emerges like a well-preserved gem from the annals of time. Renowned for its breathtaking Georgian architecture, Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site that welcomes with its timeless elegance and historical significance. Steeped in Roman history, the city’s thermal springs have been a source of relaxation and rejuvenation for over two millennia, earning it the moniker “Aquae Sulis” in ancient times. Bath’s iconic honey-coloured stone buildings, graceful crescents, and the majestic Royal Crescent create a picturesque backdrop that transports visitors to a bygone era. As you stroll along the cobbled streets, explore the Roman Baths, or indulge in the city’s rich cultural scene, Bath reveals itself as a harmonious blend of antiquity and modern charm, making it a captivating destination for those seeking a quintessentially English experience. Here are our favourite 5-st and luxury hotels in the city.
Hotel Indigo Bath
Located on South Parade, the historic frontage of this heritage building gives way to modern interiors with pops of vibrant colour. The boutique establishment houses 166 bedrooms (each furnished with Hypnos beds, Egyptian cotton linen, spa-style bathrooms, minibars and Nespresso coffee machines), chic restaurant The Elder specialising in wild food and game and an entire eight-bedroom townhouse for exclusive private hire. In the main hotel guests can choose from four room categories: Romance & Mischief, Architectural Beauty, Literary Hideaway, Garden Rooms and The Vault – each reflecting its theme, with tasteful and sometimes quirky decorative features. Read our expert review here.
The Yard in Bath Hotel
This ex-coaching inn has been sensitively restored. 14 king-sized bedrooms on three floors are each unique, with features such as high sash windows, a terrace, a large stone fireplace and freestanding baths. All come with REN toiletries, Netflix, Roberts Radios, mini-bars, Nespresso coffee machines and a fresh delicious continental breakfast hung on the door daily, awaiting guests’ awakening. And most bedrooms can be arranged to accommodate a child in a cot or small bed. Yard’s courtyard coffee bar serves hot drinks and pastries by day, becoming a sophisticated bar – serving biodynamic and organic wines alongside small plates – by night.
Bird Bath Hotel
31 bedrooms at the Bird Bath tell their own stories, from dinky doubles through to the Abbey Deluxe. Each is replete with superb views afforded by the building’s raised vantage point, hand-crafted wallpaper, unique artwork and bold designs. And at the top end of the category, guests can enjoy a freestanding copper roll top tub, Malin & Goetz toiletries, a Dyson hairdryer and a Nespresso machine. Meals are served at the hotel’s dramatically decorated restaurant, Plate, with afternoon teas on its terrace overlooking The Abbey. There’s also the option of private dome dining, or The Lodge, for larger groups.
Queensberry Hotel
Conducive to romance, this consistently highly-rated hotel offers a four-poster suite with a seven-foot bed and chaise longue. Other bedrooms come in palettes of neutrals and soft retro colours. Some have a light Regency feel, others lean toward an art deco vibe, while others again have a distinctly contemporary air – all have bags of luxury character. This hotel is also the location for Bath’s only Michelin starred restaurant – the Olive Tree is at the bottom of the Queensberry’s Georgian townhouse building and the Old Q Bar, widely believed to be one of the best pubs in the city.
Francis Hotel Bath – MGallery by Sofitel
Francis Hotel MGallery is distinctive and full of character, comprising of seven townhouses that were joined into a single residence in the late 19th century the hotel is ideally located on the historic Queen Square near the Circus, Royal Crescent and Roman Baths. The property comprises of 98 luxury bedrooms, all individually styled with four-poster beds and glorious views of the city. Rooms range from classic through to feature and superior rooms. All come with Egyptian cotton sheets on the bed land luxury toiletries in the bathrooms. The hotel’s Brasserie Blanc has been created by celebrated chef Raymond Blanc and serves informal French Cuisine and after dinner head to their stylish Lounge Bar for a post-dinner cocktail.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa
Stay in refined luxury at the 5 Star Gainsborough Bath Spa located in the heart of Bath. The only spa hotel in the city, the Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel is a contemporary take on the city’s thermal water heritage. Originally built in the 1800s, The Gainsborough Bath Spa occupies two Grade II Listed buildings with distinguished Georgian and Victorian façades. The hotel was completely redesigned in 2017 by award-winning Champalimaud and is a Leading Hotel of the World, Design and YTL’s first Hotel in the United Kingdom. All guestrooms and suites are custom furnished, subtly combining fine period details with graceful interiors and modern functional elements which range from classic and deluxe rooms through to their Barth Spa rooms which include in bath access to the thermal waters right through to their suite class of rooms. The hotel’s jewel in its crown is its Spa Village Bath, which includes thermal pools, infrared saunas, steam room and relaxation area. After the spa take afternoon Tea in the Canvas Room and in the evening enjoy a menu of locally sourced dishes in their three AA Rosettes restaurant The Gainsborough restaurant.
The Bath Priory
Nestled within four acres of mature award-winning gardens, The Bath Priory Hotel is a tranquil oasis just a short walk away from the city centre, think country house in the city. The hotel feels like a private residence, rooms are named after flowers and each of the 33 guest rooms are different, and adorned with artwork and antiques, sourced by Andrew and Christina Brownsword the hotel proprietors. Rooms come in various categories from classic through to deluxe with beautiful views out to the garden and their own balconies and if you want to go for the ultimate luxury experience choose one of their suites which includes decadent roll-top baths and separate living areas. The hotel includes the UK’s only L’Occitane Spa, with treatments using products from the Provencal brand as well as an indoor pool, sauna and steam-room. The 3 AA Rosette restaurant takes guests on a culinary journey with a focus on fresh local produce and garden views.
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is a five-star haven of elegance and tranquillity in the historic centre of Bath. The hotel is an iconic property in Bath set within an acre of manicured gardens. Each of the hotel’s bedrooms is unique in design with its own character and charm, while their suites are brimming with Georgian elegance and 5-star amenities. If you want to go all out, book their garden villa which provides guest with their own private residence within the grounds of the hotel. Their award-winning spa includes a 12-metre relaxation pool with a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gym and dining at the hotel’s Dower House Restaurant is sure to delight and in the summer months, you can dine in the garden. Read our expert review here.
