Bath has a plethora of city centre hotels that make a great base for exploring. Gleaming Georgian townhouses, budget staples, quirky boutiques, thermal-pool-access luxury boltholes, even a luxury hotel inside a famous city landmark.
To help you choose where you lay your head, we’ve rounded up some of the best city centre hotels right in the buzzing heart of Bath.
Affordable Luxury | Push the boat out | Family-Friendly | On a Budget
Affordable Luxury
Francis Hotel Bath
A mass of eighteenth-century townhouses (seven to be precise) located on one of Bath’s architectural masterpieces, Queen Square, The Francis has the feel of a boutique hotel despite its chain connections. Interiors riff on Regency style, with fun contemporary twists. Bedrooms are individually designed – go for a feature room if you want a four poster and views. For meals, head to the on-site French-style café restaurant Boho Marché, which overlooks Queen Square and has an alfresco terrace.
Image: The Francis Hotel
The Bird, Bath
Run by seasoned hoteliers (who also have countryside mansion Homewood in their brood), this joyful boutique hotel fills a four-storey Victorian villa with vivacious artworks, snazzy furnishings, whimsical charm and avian inspiration. Bodacious bedrooms wear theatrical touches with swagger, many have wide-reaching views, one has room for a family, another an al fresco hot tub.
Dine inside at the restaurant or gaze out over Bath from the outdoor terrace. With free parking and big attractions a short stroll away, this place will have you feeling happy as a lark.
Image: The Bird, Bath
Harington’s Hotel
Bursting with personality, this cosy little hotel on a cobbled side street in Bath’s centre is spread over three interconnecting Georgian houses. Classic seventeenth-century frontage hides 13 fabulously furnished, boldly wallpapered bedrooms and a coffee lounge. There’s also a rather delightful courtyard hot tub – available for private one hour time slots, plus fluffy robe, slippers and champagne (if you want to splash out).
Breakfast is brilliant and included with all bookings, and the hotel is pooch-friendly too.
Image: Harington's Hotel
Eight in Bath
This stylish boutique hotel is based within two original Georgian townhouses on North Parade Passage, in an enviable city centre location just minutes away from top attractions such as The Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa. Choose from 20 beautifully appointed bedrooms, each with its own historic charm and modern comforts, then in the mornings, savour one of the acclaimed breakfasts, including classics such as Full English and Eggs Benedict.
Image: Eight in Bath
Hotel Indigo Bath
Once five separate townhouses that housed lodgers like Sir Walter Scott and William Wilberforce, this 166-room hotel now takes up most of the Georgian-terraced South Parade. Part of the InterContinental Hotels Group, it’s boutique in style with quirky Georgian Bath-inspired décor.
Bedrooms come with spa-inspired bathrooms, and there’s a separate private townhouse on adjacent Pierrepont Street, which is perfect for a small gathering. The Elder restaurant on site celebrates British dining with a strong ‘field to fork’ philosophy.
Image: Hotel Indigo Bath
The Roseate Villa Bath
Complimentary tea and cake and a friendly team welcome guests to this boutique-style Victorian house hotel. Hidden away on a quiet side street overlooking Henrietta Park, you’ll find smart, elegant and unfussy interiors here, spacious bedrooms, a lovely light dining room and a garden for afternoon tea, or drinks from the Henrietta Bar.
Image: The Roseate Villa
Hampton by Hilton Bath City
One of the city's newest hotels, you can expect all of the mod cons in your room, from 55-inch TVs to a laptop-sized safe. The onsite gym is open to all guests, and the complimentary hot breakfast buffet includes their renowned fresh waffles! A range of family-friendly and accessible rooms are also available.
Image: Hampton by Hilton Bath City
Broad Street Townhouse
This Grade II listed boutique bolthole in the heart of Bath dates back to 1885 and the hoteliers have retained many of its original architectural features, but upped the funk factor. 11 impeccably designed bedrooms ranging from snug to superior, are split over three storeys and boast individual artwork, organic Bramley toiletries and mini fridges stocked with local goodies. For food, coffee and cocktails, head to café bar The Blind Pig on the ground floor or pop next door to sister venue, The Pig & Fiddle.
Image: Broad Street Townhouse
Dukes Bath
This beautiful boutique 17 bedroom bed and breakfast hotel occupies two magnificent Georgian townhouses on Great Pulteney Street, one of the finest boulevards in England, and is a mere 5 minute walk from the centre of this wonderful World Heritage City. Dukes specialises in exceptional service and a sensational breakfast, and it is their reputation and emphasis on service and unforced hospitality, towards all guests, that rests at the heart of this wonderful property.
Image: Dukes Hotel
The Griffin Inn
Treat yourself to a stay above a 300 year old pub in the centre of Bath, with characterful rooms to retire after a busy day sightseeing.
Image: The Griffin
Stay in Bath
You'll find a wealth of independent city centre options on the Stay in Bath's website, whether you're looking for a quaint guesthouse, a luxury apartment or a spa hotel. For a range of self catering properties in and outside the city, check Bath Self Catering. Use their app once you've booked to redeem discounts at businesses across the city.
Push the Boat Out
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Want to be close to the action in Bath? How about staying in an iconic attraction itself? The Royal Crescent Hotel is one of the only landmark buildings in the world you can sleep in. Spread across two Georgian townhouses on Bath’s spectacular Royal Crescent, you can’t get a much better location than this luxury city sanctuary. Sitting in an acre of pristine gardens (where you can dine al fresco), the hotel is famed for its dreamy spa, exemplary service and afternoon teas.
Roughly half of the bedrooms are in the main crescent townhouses, while the other half are in buildings at the end of the garden. They range from palatial suites to cosier accommodation, but all have lovely views and are brimming with five-star splendour. If you’re really pushing the boat out, check out the glorious Garden Villa – a private residence within the hotel for up to 8 guests.
Image: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
Just a 15-minute walk from the city centre, this majestic Georgian mansion is set in seven acres of beautiful landscaped gardens. The hotel has 131 bedrooms, many with beautiful views across the city and all with ensuite marble bathrooms.
The restaurant has a canopied outdoor terrace for you to enjoy afternoon tea or dinner, plus a drawing room with garden views and a couple of bars. The hotel’s major plus point is its sleek spa with outdoor hydrotherapy pool, heated indoor pool, thermal suite with infrared cabin, sauna, salt infusion room, sensations shower, ice room and aroma steam room.
Image: Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
The Gainsborough Bath Spa
Make like the Romans and tap into Bath’s famous hot springs – The Gainsborough is the only hotel in the UK that gives guests access to the city’s natural thermal waters. Guests get a complimentary Bath House experience at the Spa Village, where you can wallow in the three colonnaded thermal pools, or choose one of three exclusive spa bedrooms, which offer in-bathroom access to the steaming waters. The Gainsborough's restaurant Socialize uses only fresh and locally sourced produce to create inventive modern British dishes and afternoon teas here are top notch.
Image: The Gainsborough Bath Spa
The Queensberry Hotel
If you’re looking for gourmet getaway, The Queensberry Hotel has some of the finest food in town. Home to Bath’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, Olive Tree, Chef Chris Cleghorn serves impeccable, innovative food – try the tasting menus or order a la carte.
The hotel itself is quite delicious too. Spread across four Georgian townhouses, the hotel is quite modern in looks. There are 29 bedrooms, the smallest are cosy and have garden views, one has side-by-side showers, another a four poster. There’s also an elegant sitting room, bar and beautiful courtyard garden for guests to enjoy. If you’re travelling with kids, a baby listening service, mini robes and toy and activity packs are a lovely extra.
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Image: The Queensberry Hotel
The Bath Priory Hotel
This luxury bolthole has all the trappings of an upmarket country house hotel yet is within walking distance of the city centre. It’s incredibly spoily, with four acres of lovely gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, the only L'Occitane spa in the UK, fine dining, 33 beautiful bedrooms and plush spaces for guests. In fine weather, the large terrace is put to good use, big roaring fires are lit during the colder months.
Families are welcome and the hotel can hook you up with all the kit (think monitors, steriliser, bottle warmer etc). Play boules or croquet, follow a nature trail or have a go at yoga in the gardens. Choose to dine in the more formal Bath Priory restaurant, or opt for a more casual experience at The Pantry & Terrace.
Image: The Bath Priory Hotel
The Kennard Hotel
Nestled within the heart of Bath's historic landscape, The Kennard Hotel stands as a beacon of timeless charm and refined elegance. Located mere moments from the city's iconic attractions, this distinguished establishment offers a gateway to an enchanting journey through centuries of history and culture.
One of The Kennard Hotel's most alluring features is its proximity to Bath's renowned attractions. Step outside and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the city's UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the majestic Bath Abbey, the Roman Baths, and the iconic Royal Crescent. Explore the cobblestone streets lined with Georgian townhouses, boutique shops, and quaint cafes, each offering a glimpse into Bath's rich heritage and vibrant cultural scene.
Image: The Kennard Hotel
Family-Friendly
Apex City of Bath Hotel
Popular with families and businesspeople, Bath's biggest hotel has 177 bedrooms, some of which feature balconies and gorgeous city views. Stylish, modern, convenient and comfortable, there’s also an indoor heated pool, fully equipped gym, sauna, steam room, restaurant, and large bar lounge. Bedrooms are chic, spacious and have a Scandinavian air about them, with plenty suitable for a family. All come with an Apex rubber duck!
Image: Apex City of Bath Hotel
Abbey Hotel Bath
The characterful Abbey Hotel encompasses three interconnected Georgian townhouses and a big outdoor terrace. Inside, streamlined interior design is inspired by the building's architect, John Wood, in appreciation for his love for Palladianism.
Regular curated exhibitions of eye-catching works by local artists (all for sale) grace communal areas, notably in the natty ArtBar and large restaurant. The 65 bedrooms have themes which reflect the arts – photography, gallery, and cinematography. Of these, there are eight Family Gallery Rooms which can sleep up to four.
Image: Abbey Hotel
Doubletree by Hilton Bath City
For families wanting a central location, Doubletree by Hilton Bath City is a great option. Set on the banks of the River Avon, some rooms have views of the city, river and countryside beyond. The hotel has 173 bedrooms – including family rooms – a 24-hour fitness room (if you’re not worn out from exploring the city all day), restaurant and Lobby Bar serving light meals, afternoon tea and cocktails. Their signature chocolate chip cookie welcome is a nice touch too!
Image: DoubleTree by Hilton Bath City
Henrietta House
This 66-room B&B is spread over three townhouses on a curvaceous residential Georgian terrace near Great Pulteney Street. A hotel of two halves – the ‘boutique wing’ has been revamped in an eye-catching Art Deco Georgian style, while the ‘traditional wing’ awaits a makeover and has a simpler look and feel. Three bedrooms cater for families, the largest – a suite on the top floor is the most spacious. Cots and Z-beds can be put in some other rooms. You’ll be spoilt for choice at breakfast, served on the ground floor next to a trendy mirror-backed bar.
Image: Henrietta House
No.15 by GuestHouse
Located on one of Bath’s grandest streets, No.15 by GuestHouse is a stone’s throw from the magnificent Pulteney Bridge and Holburne Museum. There are 37 bedrooms in the main townhouses and separate charming Coach House across the garden, all are playfully designed, blending original Georgian features with quirky artworks.
Young guests have been thoughtfully considered and the hotel can provide baby cots, a ‘goodies’ menu, instant cameras, mini tipi hideouts and arrange babysitters. Grownups have their own treats in the subterranean spa set in the stone vaults of the building. There’s also a larder on each floor with complimentary drinks and snacks.
Image: No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath
On a Budget
The Royal Hotel
Designed by Victorian genius Brunel (of Bristol’s SS Great Britain and Clifton Suspension Bridge fame) in 1846, The Royal Hotel counts Queen Victoria among its visitors. Located just across the street from Bath Spa station, it’s especially convenient for those arriving by train. 31 bedrooms have period touches and the Parisian-style brasserie is known for dishing out some of the city’s tastiest steak plates. The hotel also offers good-value spa packages with treatments at nearby Thermae Bath Spa.
Image: The Royal Hotel
YMCA Bath
Located between bustling Broad Street and creative Walcot Street, the YMCA has a range of double rooms and dorms to choose from, and all bookings include a complimentary continental breakfast. There's also an on-site Health & Wellbeing Centre with a gym and classes which hostel visitors can use at a discounted rate.
Image: YMCA Bath
Holiday Inn Express
This modern hotel is a one-mile stroll away from Bath city centre and is particularly handy for those with a car, thanks to its easy M4 motorway and A4 access. There are 145 rooms altogether with Freeview TVs, bedside USB ports and free WiFi access.
The Z Hotel Bath
In a prime location opposite the Theatre Royal, the Z hotel Bath is part of an affordable boutique group that offers a slightly hipper alternative to budget chain hotels. Ideal for short breaks, the assumption is you’ll spend much of your time out exploring the city, so the design is compact no-frills.
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From quaint guesthouses to country spa hotels, discover even more accommodation in Bath and beyond.
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