Bath
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One of the jewels of England, Bath's Roman and Georgian history are everywhere, whether you want to simply enjoy being surrounded by some of the best architecture in the world or to more closely examine the city’s fascinating past.
Sites such as the ravishing Pulteney Bridge which, like Florence’s Ponte Vecchio, was designed for practicality as well as beauty with built in shops. It’s the perfect place to visit if one of you prefers sipping cappuccinos to history.
The Roman Baths from which the city takes its name were built by the Romans around the only hot spring in Britain and are still filled with natural warm water. As well as audio guides in eight languages the admission fee includes guides specially for children in both English and French. Genius.
The Fashion Museum’s 150 figures chart fashion from the late 16th century to the present day. There are exhibits of menswear, womenswear, day and evening wear and alternative fashion. You can even try on a crinoline at the Corsets and Crinolines display.
Bath is hilly which you should bear in mind if walking is a problem. It can be tricky for motorists too so if you are driving, it is advisable to make sure your hotel has parking.
This entrancing city has a vast choice of places to stay. There are dozens of smaller hotels in 18th century houses, handsome from the outside, though sometimes rather cramped within. And the historical vibe (Beau Brummel, Jane Austen, etc.) tempts some hoteliers to adopt a deadly repro/chintzy style. Beware.
Best Places to stay in Bath - Smaller Hotels
The following are small hotels which avoid camping up the history and are strongly recommended.
The Queensberry is a chic privately owned townhouse hotel occupying several houses in a Georgian terrace. Smart and modern it is handy for the Fashion Museum being directly opposite the Assembly Rooms.
Centrally yet quietly located, The Kennard boasts ornate decor and Jane Austen inspired garden. The helpful owners’ attention to detail and delicious breakfasts prepared with ingredients sourced from local farms make it deservedly popular.
The Halcyon is a great choice if you want somewhere a bit funky and buzzy in the city centre. There is a cocktail bar and if you want to eat breakfast downstairs and not in bed you’ll pay extra. As if.
Harrington's Hotel is an excellent value option a stone's throw from all the major attractions. It's great for families too with a couple of self catering apartments across the road. Best of all, it's got its own parking (albeit a couple of minutes walk away)!
Super smart places to stay in Bath
In the upper echelons of price and grandeur, competition is fierce and the Big Three; the Bath Priory, Bath Spa and Royal Crescent, have each splashed out heavily on spa facilities.
Highly recommended, is the Bath Priory, though it is just on the edge of the city and not in the centre. Decorated in traditional English country house style, it has an award-winning Michelin-starred restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, glorious four acre gardens which also supply the kitchen with vegetables and extremely comfortable and luxurious rooms and bathrooms. Bath is quite small so the centre of the city is easily accessible from the hotel.
The well-known Royal Crescent hotel is hard to beat if you are planning a treat. Situated right in the middle of one of the most jaw-droppingly impressive pieces of architecture in Britain, there is little chance of waking up here and wondering where you are.
Effortlessly combining traditional and modern interiors it is a classy delight both inside and out. And the fabulously grown-up spa is a child-free zone so there is nobody running about screeching as they drip-dry.
Of the three, the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel can't be ignored, but is hard to really love. Standing in seven acres of formal grounds, it is competent, imposing and slightly dull, though its spa facilities are excellent.
Browse through our list of the best places to stay in Bath and start to plan your stay. Please feel free to call or email a friendly guru for advice. Contact
The best hotels in Bath
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The Royal Crescent Hotel
Bath
Five star luxury hotel situated in the classical splendour of Bath's Royal Crescent, with Bath House Spa and Dower House Restaurant - ideal for exploring the World Heritage Site on your doorstep.
45 rooms from $5565* Luxury - Very high service standards.SpaSwimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorRecommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet, Frommers, Johansens, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux, Travel Intelligence -
Thornbury Castle
Bath
Historic castle dating back to Henry VIII's reign. Sumptuous decoration, extensive grounds, spa.
27 rooms from $370Four poster beds - For romantics.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.SpaRecommended by - Fodors, Travel Intelligence -
Bath Priory
Bath
Elegant country house hotel on the edge of the city with award winning restaurant plus indoor and outdoor pools.
27 rooms from $338Traditional - Great paintings, objets d'art and belle epoque chandeliers.Garden - 4 acres of landscaped gardens.Restaurant - Michelin starred dining.5* Luxury - Very high service standards.Recommended by - Frommers, Good Hotel Guide, Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux, Sawdays, Travel Intelligence, Michelin Travel -
Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
Bath
Elegant, informal Georgian hotel near Roman Baths. Landscaped gardens, spa, beautiful rooms. Award winning restaurant.
129 rooms from $2385* Luxury - Very high service standards.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.Swimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorSpaRecommended by - Frommers, Travel Intelligence -
Apsley House
Bath
Grandeur on a human scale; run with love and attention to detail on the eastern fringes of Bath
12 rooms from $217Traditional - Furnished with antiques and fine paintings.Historic - Built by the Duke of WellingtonSights nearby - A short bus ride to the centre of townFour poster beds - For romantics.Recommended by - Frommers, Good Hotel Guide -
Queensberry
Bath
Chic, calm privately owned townhouse hotel in Georgian terrace house, smart with large rooms, good restaurant and wine list
29 rooms from $209Good wine list - Along with a good line in whisky tastingParking - Free parking in the heart of Bath.Sights nearby - Opposite the Pump RoomsFour poster beds - For romantics. -
Brittons Farm
Bath (Beach)
Family friendly B&B in Jacobean manor house in quiet rural surroundings with beautiful grounds. A good base for visiting Bath and the south Cotswolds, with lots of space for children.
from $201Suites - All suites feature Nespresso Coffee machines and Molton Brown smellies.Child friendly - Help feed the farm animals including micro pigs, horses and ponies.Sights nearby - Just 10 mins drive to the centre of Bath. -
The Wheatsheaf
Bath
Country gastropub 10 minutes from historic Bath. Rustic chic interior, fresh locally sourced food, gardens.
3 rooms from $193Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, Travel Intelligence -
Kennard
Bath
Great value small townhouse hotel with ornate decor and pretty Jane Austen inspired garden a stone's throw from Bath's centre.
12 rooms from $177Exclusive offer - Midweek breaksSights nearby - Just minutes from the Roman baths and Thermae Spa.Restrictions on children - Over 8s only.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide -
The Halcyon
Bath
Funky informality and affordable style in this trendy hotel in the centre of Bath. Buzzy bar, small rooms, can be noisy, but fun.
21 rooms from $159Bar - Popular bar and loungeSights nearby - 2 mins from the Abbey, Roman Baths & Thermae SpaLively - Hip and happening. -
Three Abbey Green
Bath
Family friendly bed & breakfast in the heart of Bath located in a handsome listed Georgian townhouse.
7 rooms from $145Cooking classes - Cookery lessons and full day courses on request.Sights nearby - A stone's throw from Bath's top sights incl Roman Baths and AbbeyGreat walks - Good for walkers.Four poster beds - For romantics.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide -
Harington's Hotel
Bath
Excellent value town centre hotel a stone's throw from the best that Bath has to offer. No restaurant, but in this city there's plenty of choice elsewhere. Great for families and those on a budget.
13 rooms from $142Sights nearby - Closest hotel to the Thermae Spa
