The best luxury hotels in Bath, including thermal pools and indulgent afternoon teas
In the 1700s, Bath was transformed into an elegant resort out of the local golden-hued Bath stone. Leading architects designed and built sweeping crescents and harmonious terraces, most of which are still visible today. The city as a whole has a graceful refinement to it, and much the same can be said of its finest hotels, many of which occupy Georgian premises. As well as decadent hotels in the city, we have also highlighted below our favourite high-end places to stay a short drive away. Here's our pick of the best luxury hotels in and around Bath.
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Bath, Somerset, England
9Telegraph expert rating
This luxurious hotel encompasses two townhouses in Bath's showpiece Georgian crescent – the best possible location in town. The biggest draw is the elegant spa: the inviting main communal area includes an indoor relaxation pool, a vitality pool with massage jets, plus a sauna and steam room. There's also a beautiful Mediterranean-inspired walled garden, great for dining al fresco in the summers. The bedrooms are all individually designed, with your name hand-written on a card on your door. On the dining front, The Royal Crescent is best known for its very indulgent afternoon teas with sweet and savoury choices. Read expert review From £264 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
The Gainsborough Bath Spa
Bath, Somerset, England
9Telegraph expert rating
This is the only hotel in Bath with access to the city's natural thermal waters. The Romanesque Spa Village is impressive: three substantial thermal pools (the largest is set under a glass-roofed atrium), as well as saunas and a steam room. The rooms and suites have an understated neo-Georgian look, with a grey-blue palette, period-style black furniture, and marble bathrooms. In three of the rooms, you can run a bath with the thermal waters. The level of service is simply the best of any Bath hotel, and the afternoon tea is qually first-rate. Highly creative, modern British fare are served at Dan Moon restaurant. Read expert review From £200 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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The Bath Priory
Bath, Somerset, England
8Telegraph expert rating
This ivy-covered stone mansion from the 19th century overlooks nearly four acres of beautifully maintained grounds, which include expansive lawns and a kitchen garden. It boasts a L'Occitane Spa, with treatment rooms and a fetching shop and nail bar overlooking the gardens. There's also a pleasant relaxation room, sauna, steam pod, and smart indoor swimming pool. Rooms have a soothing, traditional country-house look: even the cheapest Classic rooms are spacious and very comfy, though they don't have views of the garden. Dinner is a formal affair overlooking the greenery, serviced by a white-gloved waiter. Read expert review From £140 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
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The Queensberry Hotel
Bath, Somerset, England
9Telegraph expert rating
This privately owned, contemporary-styled hotel is spread over four interconnected Georgian townhouses. It’s just up from the Assembly Rooms, with the showpiece Circus a two-minute walk away. Despite its 18th-century surroundings, it has a rather modern look. Rooms are individually decorated, successfully combining modern furnishings with elegant Georgian features (sash windows, marble fireplaces). The Olive Tree, the hotel's basement restaurant, offers some of the best, creative fine dining in Bath – which earned him Bath's only Michelin star. The slick Q bar offers a wide selection of cocktails and whiskies. Read expert review From £89 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
No.15 Great Pulteney
Bath, Somerset, England
9Telegraph expert rating
This well-appointed and imaginatively designed boutique hotel is set in a Georgian Grade I-listed building on one of the most charming streets of Bath. The original fittings and features are blended with quirky and creative touches, from chandeliers made out of earrings, to collections of kaleidoscopes and musical instruments. Rooms are fitted with Hypnos beds, eye-catching furniture and Dyson hairdryers. The basement spa really adds to the hotel: its facilities include a cedar wood hot tub, sauna, steam room, and post-massage 'retreat room'. There’s a quirky bar and café, serving a British-based menu and a lovely afternoon tea. Read expert review From £115 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Apsley House
Bath, Somerset, England
8Telegraph expert rating
A substantial late-Georgian house, built in 1830 as a country home for the Duke of Wellington, Apsley House is probably Bath's classiest b&b. It has expansive views over the outskirts of Bath and the countryside beyond.The best (and priciest) bedrooms include Wellington (supposedly where the duke slept), with a carved mahogany four-poster bed. The Mornington Room also has a four-poster, as well as French doors leading out into the garden. Breakfasts are ultra civilised – think napkins in napkin rings, proper butter on dishes. The lounge has a well-stocked and beautifully presented honesty bar. Read expert review From £109 per night Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Contributions by Simon Horsford & Fred Mawer
