One of England's most beautiful cities and most popular tourist destinations, Bath is an historic beauty. Reminders of 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 - you can't escape it. Our pick of the best places to stay in Bath are mostly centrally located and all make an ideal base for exploring this beautiful city.

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 possibly ill-advised repro/chintzy style.

What not to Miss

• 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.
• 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 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. And don't forget that it's very busy - year round! If you want to ensure a room in one of the best places to stay in Bath, you'll need to plan ahead and book well in advance.

The best places to stay in Bath

For ‘Classic’ Bath

• 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.
• The Queensberry is also a townhouse hotel on a Georgian terrace, though a less famous one. There are 29 spacious rooms, and plenty of charming original features - including grand staircases and cosy drawing rooms. And you’re just opposite the Pump Rooms.

Smaller Hotels

The following are small hotels which avoid camping up the history and are strongly recommended as some of the best places to stay in Bath.

• Harington's Hotel is an excellent pick if you're after a small property right in the centre of town. There are just thirteen rooms, and it's the closest hotel to the Thermae baths.
• 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 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.
• 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 breakfast hampers delivered to your door.
• The Ayrlington is an imposing townhouse surrounded by award-winning Oriental gardens. There are just 16 rooms - some with spectacular views of the city, and all of them individually designed in a traditional style. Some have four-poster beds.

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. All would also claim to be high up there amongst the best hotels in Bath.

• 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 Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel stands in seven acres of formal grounds, it’s imposing and Georgian, and its spa facilities and restaurant are excellent.

Perfect for Couples

• Harington's Hotel is a great pick for couples. There are just thirteen rooms, so quite an intimate feel, and there's the added bonus of small courtyard with hot tub, which you can book by the hour - don't forget the bubbly!
• Leighton Townhouse is a Victorian villa a mile from the centre of Bath, and now converted into a ten room hotel. The decor is elegant, and all the rooms have been individually designed. They say it’s about a 15 minute stroll to the Roman Baths from here.
• Dorian House is a in a quiet spot about ten minutes from the centre of town, and offers 11 rooms decorated with an array of Asian antiques reflecting the owner’s travels - plus four-poster beds and claw-foot baths.
• No. 15 Great Pulteney is an opulent and whimsical hotel hidden behind an iconic Georgian facade in the centre of Bath. There are 22 individually designed rooms with an eclectic range of art - think handbags on the walls and jewels in the chandeliers. Suave and classy.

Great for Families

• 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.
• Built by the Duke of Wellington, Apsley House is a grand, yet homely, 12 room guesthouse on the eastern fringes of Bath. Warmly, and elegantly decorated, there’s a cosy feel, great views over Bath and good breakfasts.
• The Gainsborough Bath Spa is a large hotel with plenty of choice when it comes to rooms and suites - including family suites. All elegantly decorated with period details and contemporary features. There’s a lovely lounge serving afternoon tea, a fine restaurant and a chic bar. Plus you’re right in the centre of everything.

Great Value in Bath

• Brindleys is a six bedroom property in a quiet, residential part of town just a stroll from the city centre. The decor feels French country chic and there’s a sunny courtyard and comfortable living room. Rooms start from around £80 per night.
• Tasburgh House is around 20 minutes walk from the centre of town, set in seven acres of beautiful countryside. There are 14 elegant rooms and panoramic views over Bath. Rooms start from around £85 per night.
• 18 room Henrietta House is an elegant listed house with high ceilings, antiques and an unbeatable breakfast. Classy and authentically Bath! Rooms start from around £95 per night.
• For a similar room rate you could stay at the Bailbrook House Hotel, a newly renovated but historic property with 94 rooms and 20 acres of private gardens. Romantic and peaceful.

Best Guesthouses and B&Bs

• Brooks Guest House is a friendly boutique-style guesthouse in a Victorian row in the heart of Bath. Cosy and well located close to the Royal Crescent.
• For child-free quiet, try Grays, which is a very British feeling B&B just outside the centre of town. There are just 12 rooms, most with wonderful views across Bath and the Royal Crescent.

For a self catering Apartment or Townhouse

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private home we recommend you visit our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Bristol Airport is only 19 miles from Bath, and there’s a special bus, the Air Decker bus, which runs between them - though there are multiple stops en route and it takes about an hour. A taxi will take you between 35 and 45 minutes. Trains between London Paddington and Bath Spa take around 90 minutes, so you’re not far from Heathrow either.
• If you want to hire a car - which we strongly adivise if you’re staying in Bath and you want to see the surrounding countryside - we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Beautiful Bath is busy all year round. In summer there are a lot of American visitors who are doing their Grand Tours of Europe; the trees are beautiful in autumn, plus there’s the Jane Austen Festival in September; in winter there are Christmas markets and Bath looks beautiful in the snow, and in spring there’s the Literature Festival, the flower show and the comedy festival. But a lot of people come to Bath for weekend trips, so it’s often quieter if you visit mid-week - whatever the season.

Still not sure?

• Browse our list of all the best places to stay in Bath
• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Somerset,
• consider adjacent Bristol,
• or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.