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 Bath Hotels
Entrancing Bath has dozens of small hotels squeezed into 18th century houses, handsome from the outside, rather cramped within. And the historical vibe (Beau Brummel, Jane Austen, etc.) tempts some hoteliers to adopt a deadly repro/chintzy style. Beware. Several smaller hotels (such as the Queensberry, the Kennard and the Residence) avoid this trap and are strongly recommended. 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 with impressive results. Call it Spa Wars if you like. Of the three, the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel can't be ignored, but is hard to love, so we don't include it in our list of favourites. Standing in seven acres of formal grounds, it is competent, imposing and slighly dull, though its spa facilities are, naturally, exceptional.Bath is quite small, but it is hilly. Bear that in mind; if walking is a problem, plump for a central position. It is difficult for motorists too; make sure your hotel has parking. The hotels are listed by price category, and their order bears no reflection on our preference.
 Reviews by by George Pownall |
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| Luxury: Elegant country house hotel on the edge of the city |
| Location: One mile west of the city centre, in grounds |
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| The most English of the city's top three. Decorated with real taste in the country house style (good 20th century portraits, Victorian Gothic detailing) set in a four-acre landscaped garden that also supplies the kitchen with vegetables, the Bath Priory looks after the guests in its 27 rooms very well. Michelin starred restaurant (Bath's only such). Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, steam room, gym and solarium. Recommended. |
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| Luxury: Townhouse hotel in the centre of Wood the Younger's peerless Royal Crescent |
| Location: Located in the two central Grade 1 listed buildings in the crescent. |
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| Bath's most expensive hotel, now part of von Essen group, has comfort and amenities that are of a very high order, as well as an incomparable position in the middle of breathtaking Royal Cresent, built in 1767. Expect staff in livery, antiques and decanters of sherry, plus nice touches like Jane Austen novels in the room and a CD library, traditional shoe-shining and croquet; plus an elegant, newly refurbished restaurant and a spa that actually has character. |
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| Luxury: Exciting, theatrical new addition to Bath's hotels |
| Location: 15 minutes walk from town centre |
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| The new kid on the block. This is the one you feel Elton John and David would choose if they were in Bath. Quite camp ('our philosophy is straightforward; if you don't have fun you don't have life'), lavish and comfortable but always with a slightly arch ring. Lots of mirrors. Six large double rooms with full-scale bathrooms (big showers). Trying very hard and winning lots of friends who like this 'private club with rooms'. Not for grannies. |
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| Mid Price: Chic, calm townhouse in Georgian Bath |
| Location: In a quiet residential street just off the Circus |
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| Classic medium-sized (29 rooms, large and unusually comfortable) hotel, privately-owned, very central, smart, and well run. Although it occupies several houses of a Georgian terrace opposite the Assembly Rooms it feels anything but old-fashioned. There is a striking absence of pictures. Well-chosen colours and fabrics. Lift. Several small drawing rooms, an attractive town garden and subterranean restaurant that prides itself on an interesting wine list. Excellent concierge service. |
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| Inexpensive: Excellent townhouse hotel |
| Location: Just over Pulteney Bridge, minutes from the Roman Baths |
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| The best sort of small hotel where the owners (industrial managers recently made redundant) have committed everything to making it work well. The Kennard radiates their cheerfulness and energy. Imaginative details include a tiny formal garden newly planted with scholarly care to 18th century authenticity, excellent pictures on the walls, free newspapers in the hall, and breakfast ingredients bought from local farmers. Deservedly popular and recommended. |
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| Inexpensive: Delightful, idiosyncratic yet professionally run alternative to staying in Bath |
| Location: Bathford, a conservation village 3 miles from the city |
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| Despite its outwardly grand Georgian exterior (the house was designed in 1752 by John Wood the Elder) this tranquil guesthouse has the feel of a family home, where John and Ros Napier go out of their way to provide a relaxed welcome. Quirky (house empty, doors open, welcoming note when we arrived) but underpinned by professionalism, Eagle House offers a wonderful alternative to the city centre (bus every 15 minutes). A tennis court, fine views, very large family rooms and a lovely drawing room; no restaurant. |
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| Inexpensive: Charming b&b in the heart of Georgian Bath |
| Location: Next to the Assembly Rooms and Costume Museum |
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| Very small (three bedrooms), very central and as neat as a new pin, the Town House makes an excellent choice for those who prefer not to walk too far, though it has no lift so doesn't suit the very infirm. South African pictures and artefacts make a pleasant and refreshing change from snuff boxes and prints of Regency ladies and gentlemen. Very comfortable rooms and a warm welcome. |
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| Inexpensive: Characterful and homely b&b, personally run |
| Location: Ten minutes walk from central Bath |
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| A four-room guesthouse that has been a favourite for years, reflecting the much-travelled personality of its owner, Mrs Muriel Guy, who has found fabrics, furniture and ornaments all over the place and arranged them with skill and taste. The rooms only have showers, but this is an inexpensive place. Breakfast (mainly organic and cooked to order) is served in the kitchen/dining room. No website. |
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