Heritage and modernity combine at this grand Georgian property in the centre of Bath, with a swish brasserie offering an eclectic menu of European and Asian flavours, elegant bedrooms, and perhaps the best spa in the South West – with access to its own geothermal waters
Location
Plumb in the middle of Bath, reached down a maze of narrow streets. And despite the central location – the main shopping area is just a five-minute walk away – it’s wonderfully quiet around the property. Nearby attractions include the Royal Crescent (great for a stroll), the Jane Austen Centre and, if you don’t mind a bit of drive, Stonehenge. You can learn more about the geothermal waters at the nearby thermae (part of the reason Bath is the only UK city that’s a Unesco World Heritage site in its entirety) but those aren’t for sinking into – you can do that without leaving the hotel.
Bath Spa train station is seven minutes on foot from the hotel; the Great Western Main Line runs west from London Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads, and it takes around 90 minutes from the capital to Bath.
The vibe
The hotel unfurls inside what was a Georgian-era hospital (and then for years was part of the city’s art college). From the outside, it’s an imposing honey-hued façade, synonymous with this Roman city, while inside is a slick amalgamation of the historic and contemporary. A reception of bold marble flooring and white pillars gives way to spaces lent charm by wooden panelling, a jumble of high ceilings and low, and grand sash windows; a soothing palette – gentle greys, cream, muted gold – ensures nothing feels dated, but instead a homage to its past. Vibrant modern art from locals – including students – can be found throughout. From the higher floors, you get views over mottled rooftops, the abbey and fields in the distance.
The service
Polished and professional – but with a smile. This extends from the staff greeting you on arrival through to those taking your drinks order at breakfast. Reception staff are particularly helpful with local recommendations on how to spend your day, and those working in the spa seem to have a genuine love of both the…
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