To get the most out of the city of Bath and its surroundings, you need to stay for a few days, or even longer. I’ve rounded up some of the best hotels and other places to stay in Bath. Some are historic, some are quirky, and some are both! However, they will all guarantee a memorable stay.
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Hotel Indigo Bath, South Parade, BA2 4AB
I’ll start with my favourite, the Hotel Indigo Bath. Part of a chain of boutique hotels known for their quirky design and great food, this is the place to stay if you are looking for somewhere a bit different with attentive customer service.
The first thing you notice about the Indigo is the classic architecture. Opened in 2020, it incorporates twelve Georgian townhouses and two former hotels, retaining many of the original features. Lifts go to all floors, and there are four fully accessible bedrooms (but note that some rooms can only be reached via the stairs).
The hotel has 166 rooms, based around local themes. Recalling some 18th century preoccupations, there are Romance and Mischief, Architectural Beauty and Literary Hideaways. The lowest level leads out to the Garden Rooms, and the newest addition is the Vaults, stunning rooms with exposed brickwork and stone ceilings, created from the historic vaults beneath the hotel.
The Indigo also incorporates the excellent Elder Restaurant. It is – deservedly – very popular, and you will need to book in advance. The emphasis is upon wild food and game; non meat-eaters should ask for the separate vegetarian menu.
Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel, Beau Street, BA1 1QY
The Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel is unique in that it is the only hotel in the UK whose spa is fed by a natural, mineral-rich, hot spring. The hotel itself was built as a hospital in the 18th century, on the site of an earlier Roman spa (you can see a replica of the Roman mosaic floor that is now hidden underground).
There is a choice of different types of bedroom including the “Bath Spa Rooms” whose bathtubs are connected to the thermal water supply. All guests have access to the hotel’s Spa Village, with thermal pools, saunas, steam room and ice alcove. Several rooms are suitable for guests with limited mobility – check when booking.
The Gainsborough Brasserie serves contemporary British cuisine.
Francis Hotel, Queen Square, BA1 2HH
Right in the centre of Bath, occupying a row of historic townhouses alongside Queen Square, the Francis Hotel has recently undergone a full refurbishment. There are 98 rooms to choose from and – a bit of a rarity in the city centre – a car park.
A major attraction of the Francis Hotel is the Emberwood Restaurant, with its emphasis on local produce and excellent food. And don’t forget to stop by the bar and try its bespoke collection of locally-themed cocktails.
Abbey Hotel, North Parade, BA1 1LF
The Abbey Hotel has a very central location, a short walk from the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. It is also the only hotel I know of that has its own Artist in Residence! You can see works by local artists around the hotel, including in the aptly named Artbar and the restaurant.
The hotel incorporates three Georgian houses built in 1739. Rooms come in different styles and sizes, all with – naturally – lots of pictures on the walls. Several rooms have lift access – check when booking.
You can dine in the Abbey Hotel Kitchen, and the Artbar is famous for its cocktails.
The Yard In Bath, Monmouth Street, BA1 2AT
A recent addition to Bath’s hotel scene, The Yard in Bath is a historic venue with a range of rooms to suit all budgets. The 18th century King’s Arms was a coaching inn; today’s hotel is still based around the original courtyard.
The hotel has 14 bedrooms of different types, from cosy to large rooms with roof terrace. Three of the rooms are on the ground floor.
The Yard in Bath has a café and a wine bar. Prices vary according to the size of the room.
Eight, North Parade Passage, BA1 1NX
Eight is a small, independent hotel in the heart of the old town. It is the oldest of the buildings on this list, being of a similar age to the neighbouring Sally Lunn’s Eating House, dating from the 15th century and reputedly the oldest house in Bath.
The hotel has 20 bedrooms on three floors; note that none of the rooms is on the ground floor, and there is no lift. The hotel has a historic bar but no restaurant. However you are right in the heart of Bath with lots of places to eat nearby.
Quirky Self Catering In Bath
There are lots of options for those who prefer the freedom of self-catering. But, if you’re looking to stay in a historic building, check out the Landmark Trust, whose properties include the eccentric Beckford’s Tower, and the grand Elton House in Abbey Churchyard. Or have a look at Panda Sanctuaries, whose offerings include former toll houses and a converted chapel.
