17 best hotels in Bath 2023: Beautiful Bath hotels for a Southwest countryside escape
An enchanting weekend spot boasting gorgeous scenery, picturesque Georgian architecture and a vibrant foodie scene, Bath has long been a popular staycation hotspot among avid UK travellers. Luckily, it's home to a plethora of incredible English hotels that are guaranteed to make you swoon. Yep: the world of Bath hotels is a burgeoning one.
There's no wonder Bath has been named one of the top ten staycation destinations in the UK. It's the only place in the UK where an entire city has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and it's home to beloved ancient Roman Baths. Take Thermae Day Spa, for example, where you can bathe in the same natural hot springs as the Romans did, while taking in the gorgeous city views.
Elsewhere, find Great Pulteney Bridge, the Museum of Bath and the colourful Southgate Umbrellas – as well as a plethora of stylish boutiques, quirky cafes and delightful restaurants (from beloved local pubs to Michelin-starred gastronomic experiences). Oh, and Bridgerton and Jane Austen fans will recognise the iconic façade of the Royal Crescent and The Circus which has served as the backdrop for plenty of regency films and Netflix series over the years.
The city of Bath is surrounded by some pretty fantastic Cotswolds scenery, too. With the very best landscapes, National Trust properties and stately homes that Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire (and nearby Bristol) have to offer.
Whatever your reason for visiting the Southwest's beautiful countryside escape, we’ve got you covered. We’ve searched far and wide for the very best luxury bath hotels, boutique hotels, Georgian hotels and townhouse hotels in the heart of Bath so you can explore this Roman city and live out your Jane Austen fantasies in style.
Best Hotels in Bath at a glance
- Best luxury hotel in Bath: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
- Best spa hotel in Bath: The Gainsborough Bath Spa
- Best hotel in Bath for design: The Bird
- Best hotel in Bath for foodies: The Queensberry Hotel
- Best boutique hotel in Bath: No 15. By GuestHouse
Ahead, the best hotels in Bath for a spa weekend you won't forget.
Best hotel in Bath overall
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Located in what is probably Bath’s most iconic address, you can’t find a more central or better located hotel in Bath than the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. Open for over 250 years, the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa boasts a unique history and heritage that no other hotel in Bath can. Relax in the spa, admire the Georgian architecture, enjoy the chic country décor or simply have a stroll in the Royal Crescent lawn – this landmark hotel, one of the best luxury hotels in the city of Bath, offers the ultimate Bath experience and there’s nowhere else quite like it.
Spa: Yes
Address: 16 Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LS, United Kingdom Price per night: From £392
Best spa hotel in Bath
The Gainsborough Bath Spa is the only hotel in the country that lets guests experience Bath’s natural thermal waters. (The very same waters enjoyed by the Romans almost a thousand years ago). This award-winning luxury Bath hotel is the ultimate getaway for those looking to add a little bit of zen. Plus, it has partnered with The Bath Tour Guide to offer guests bespoke tours that include everything from literary Jane Austen book tours, to a tour of all the Bridgerton filming locations in town.
Spa: Yes
Address: Beau Street, Bath, BA1 1QY, United Kingdom
Price per night: From £239
Best hotel in Bath for design
The Bird couldn’t be more appropriately named as avian-themed décor is what brings this colourful and fabulous hotel together. You will see all types of birds throughout the hotel, from the crockery in reception to the stuffed birds in the lounge and even the bird-themed wallpapers in the 31 guest rooms. The Daily Squawk – the hotel’s daily newspaper is a nice touch and gives guests the low down on Bath’s coolest happenings. The hotel’s on-site restaurant Plate is helmed by Leon Smith and offers an excellent menu that celebrates locally sourced produce from Somerset and Wiltshire. There is free parking if you book directly with the hotel and even goodbye cookies – which are all nice, friendly touches that set The Bird apart from the rest. The Bird is located a little bit outside the hustle and bustle of central Bath but is just a quick 10-minute walk away from Great Pulteney Street, The Holborne Museum and the National Trust Bath Skyline Walk. Flamboyant, bold and unique - we love how The Bird fully embraces colour and embraces its avian theme.
Spa: No
Address: 18-19 Pulteney Rd, Bath BA2 4EZ, England.
Price per night: From £137
Best hotel in Bath for foodies
The Queensberry Hotel is countryside chic and is spread across four gorgeous Grade II listed Georgian townhouses. Situated in a quiet, tree-lined street just a stone’s throw away from The Circus, one of Bath’s top attractions, the Queensberry Hotel boasts a pretty central location minus all the tourist noise. Once the home of the 8th Marques of Queensberry, the hotel retains a flavour of the aristocratic elegance of its former occupants albeit with a contemporary flair. There are 36 bedrooms, all with en-suites, are decorated in bright pastel shades, some with four-poster beds. There are also eight rooms in the coaching inn by Henrietta Park, which are fabulous and boast glorious freestanding baths sitting in the middle of the rooms. Breakfast at the basement dining room is sensational, but the afternoon tea – must not be missed. Plus, did we mention that the Queensberry Hotel is home to The Olive Tree, the only Michelin-starred restaurant in the city?
Spa: Yes
Address: Russel Street, Bath, BA1 2QF, United Kingdom
Price per night: From £207
Best five star hotel in Bath
The Bath Priory combines the rural elegance of a country house hotel with an excellent central location in the heart of Bath. Just a short walk from Bath’s famous Victoria Park and the quirky charity shops, boutiques and cafés, The Bath Priory, a Relais and Chateaux hotel, is a great place to explore all that Bath has to offer. Inside, guests can relax in The Garden Spa by L’Occitane or indulge in the hotel’s world-famous afternoon tea – which can be enjoyed in front of a roaring fire in the winter or under the sunshine in the gardens during the summer.
Spa: Yes
Address: Weston Road, Bath, BA1 2XT, United Kingdom
Price per night: From £219
Best romantic hotel in Bath
This gorgeous boutique hotel in the centre of Bath has just finished a major restoration project to introduce 12 incredible underground vault rooms. Exposed brickwork, soft lighting and of course – vaulted Bath stone ceilings make the rooms an experience in itself in this beautiful city. Hotel Indigo Bath is an 18th century Grade 1 listed building set in a stunning Georgian Terrace. Luxury meets a sort of tongue-in-cheek charm at Hotel Indigo with rooms themed to reflect Bath’s colourful history: These include the ‘Romance & Mischief’ rooms, ‘Literary Hideaway’ rooms’ Architectural Beauty’ rooms and ‘Garden rooms’.
Spa: No
Address: 2-8 South Parade, Bath, BA2 4AB, United Kingdom
Price per night: From £150
Best cosy country inn in Bath
The Bradley Hare is located in Maiden Bradley in Southwest Wiltshire, just a short drive away from Bath. Located in the Duke of Somerset’s Estate, the Bradley Hare is countryside chic at its finest. There are 12 bedrooms in total, seven in the main house and an additional five dog friendly rooms in the Coach House. All rooms are designed by James Thurstan, ex-European Design Director for Soho House. Expect antique furnishings blended with Soho House’s contemporary cool style, plus excellent seasonal British fare, with ingredients sourced from the kitchen garden and local Wiltshire suppliers.
Spa: No
Address: The Bradley Hare Church Street, Maiden Bradley, BA12 7HW, United Kingdom
Price per night: Weekend rates will start from £150 per room per night including breakfast.
Best hotel in Bath for art lovers
Abbey Hotel, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Colour is what greets you when you enter the Abbey Hotel, whose walls are covered with the vibrant, joyful works of Bath’s local artists. Occupying three 18th century townhouses in Terrace Walk, the Abbey Hotel is in the centre of Bath’s vibing cultural scene. The Thermae Bath Spa, Roman Baths and eclectic cafés and shops are literally on your doorstep so it’s a great base for exploring. We particularly like the ArtBar which is as quirky as it is colourful – a great place to enjoy some great food while surrounded by local art. Part of Marriott’s Tribute Hotel Portfolio, Abbey Hotel offers up plenty of personality albeit still with all the excellent service and amenities you’d expect in any Marriott property, like free Wifi throughout the hotel.
Spa: No
Address: 1 North Parade, Bath, BA1 1LF, United Kingdom
Price per night: From £135
Best hotel in Bath for nature lovers
Just six miles outside of Bath, Homewood is exactly what you’d expect from a stylish rural escape, but with a twist. Homewood sits on a tree-lined road and maximises the very best views of the Somerset countryside and Avon Valley. While it is away from the hubbub of Bath, Homewood is surrounded by 20 acres of manicured grounds and plenty of pretty pastoral walks. Owned by local hotelier Christa Taylor – who was also refurbished The Bird Hotel in Bath, Homewood is all about subverting your expectations of a country house hotel.
In the garden, you will find the usual country house hotel elements like beautiful rose bushes and hedges, mixed with giant teddy bears and glass dining domes and an excellent kitchen garden style restaurant. Inside, you will find quirky design touches that give this country house hotel a little bit of extra oomph. We like the indoor and outdoor spa, which is complete with hot tub, steam room, terrace and heated outdoor swimming pool. We especially like how dog friendly Homewood is, with four-legged travellers getting a doggy bed, bowl and plenty of treats.
Spa: Yes
Address: Abbey Lane, Bath, BA2 7TB, United Kingdom
Price per night: From £275
Best family-friendly B&B in Bath
While the Roseate Villa Bath is technically a B&B, its décor, service and all around excellence make it feel more like a luxury hotel. Occupying two handsome Victorian town houses, the Roseate Villa Bath has everything that you need for a tranquil stay in this Roman city. While it sits on a quieter side of town, it’s a quick and very picturesque walk away from Great Pulteney Bridge, the Roman Baths and all of the city’s stylish shops and restaurants. The service is excellent – and you simply must try the afternoon tea. Plus, Roseate Villa Bath is dog friendly too.
Spa: No
Address: Henrietta Street, Bath, BA2 6LX, United Kingdom
Price per night: From £219
Best value hotel in Bath
While Gray’s is a 15-minute uphill walk on one of Bath’s southern slopes, it is certainly worth the hike. Known as one of the best B&B’s in the city’ Gray’s is the epitome of country house hotel chic. The interiors feature a muted colour palette of beiges and grey’s with elegant blue accents. The rooms, one with four-poster beds, are the picture of understated elegance. Owned by local hotelier Mark Cole, whose other property Brindley’s is also worth mentioning, Gray’s is a celebration of luxury country living and we’re all for it. While Gray’s does only serve breakfast, it does so impeccably. Served in the conservatory – breakfast is a true joy with choice of full English, eggs Benedict or smoked salmon all made from locally sourced Wiltshire ingredients. We think that Gray’s gives a bang for your buck in Bath.
Spa: No
Address: 9 Upper Oldfield Park, Bath, BA2 3JX, England.
Price per night: From £92
Best quirky hotel in Bath
No two rooms are alike at this charming and colourful boutique hotel in the centre of Bath, which is situated in a lovely cobblestone street surrounded by charming cafes and restaurants. While Harington’s only has 13 rooms, each one is decorated in with creativity aplenty. Picture bold wallpaper, retro touches, Egyptian cotton sheets and plenty of character. There is also a hot tub in a little courtyard, which is something you don’t see quite often in Bath B&Bs. Unlike other B&B’s, Harington’s Hotel also has an all-day menu of light bites and an on-site lounge bar that stays open until midnight. Located in bustling Queen Street, Harington’s Hotel is just a quick stroll away from the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Thermae Bath Spa and plenty of delightful book shops, boutiques and cafes.
Spa: No
Address: 8-10 Queen St, Bath, BA1 1HE, United Kingdom
Price per night: From £203
Best boutique hotel in Bath
Located on No. 15 Great Pulteney Street, the style, vibe and atmosphere of No 15. By GuestHouse make it feel more like a buzzy European city break hotel than a countryside retreat in Bath — and we dig it. This chic upmarket hotel foregoes traditional rustic décor for a more art-filled aesthetic that blends Bath’s Georgian architecture with plenty of whimsical artworks. The millennial-friendly aesthetic make this much hipper than other hotels on our list, but it still boasts plenty of five-star amenities like a swish vaulted spa, charming luggage cargo bike and excellent cocktails.
Spa: Yes
Address: 3-15 Great Pulteney Street, Bath, BA2 4BS, United Kingdom
Price per night: From £249
Jake EasthamBath hotel with best pub grub
This award-winning Grade-II listed boutique hotel is right in the centre of town and perfectly situated within walking distance of The Roman Spa, The Theatre Royal and all the main shopping streets. The Townhouse has its own cafe and bar, which serves a mean cocktail and an even meaner fry up for the morning after. Its 11 Kingsize rooms (each with en-suites) are all situated above the cafe and the neighbouring sister pub, The Pig and Fiddle, which is one of the city’s most popular and buzzing watering holes. It also has some of the best pub grub in town, with a seasonal and local menu from brilliant chef Alex Weber, that also caters extensively for food allergies. The spatchcock chicken, slaw and polenta chips with a mango vegan yoghurt was exceptional.
Spa: No
Address: 2, The Pig & Fiddle, 32 Saracen Street, Broad St, Bath BA1 5BR
Price per night: From £114 inclusive of breakfast and VAT.
Hotel with the best view of Bath
Situated about a 15 minute walk out of town (up a hill!) this charming B&B set in a 140-year old Victorian villa offers spectacular views of the city and the rolling hills surrounding Bath. The staff are incredibly friendly and eager to help. There is a lovely and peaceful garden area to the front of the property where guests can sit out and enjoy the view. Complimentary on site parking is available to all guests - which is a real bonus in notoriously hard to park Bath. While there is no restaurant or bar on site, Leighton House is within walking distance of some great pubs. The rooms are recently refurbished and very cosy, with incredibly comfortable beds. Breakfast is delicious, served at a leisurely pace and has good options for vegetarians and allergies.
Spa: No
Address: 139 Wells Road, Bath, BA2 3AL
Price per night: From £124 inclusive of breakfast and VAT
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Best Georgian Hotel in Bath
The Francis Hotel is our top choice for a cosy weekend in the heart of bath. This stylish boutique hotel occupies seven Georgian townhouses and was first opened by Emily Francis in 1884, who was a Girlboss of her time. Marrakech meets Mediterranean at the hotel’s on-site Marché restaurant, which maximises locally sourced There’s plenty to do right at your doorstep at The Francis Hotel, including the River Avon trail – which is one of the most loved walking routes in the city.
Spa: No
Address: Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HH, United Kingdom
Price per night: From £139.00 inclusive of breakfast and VAT
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