Where to Stay in Bath (by an ex-resident)
Are you wondering what the best places to stay in Bath are? Read on for all of my best tips as an ex-resident!
Bath is a beautiful, yet small, city in the South West of England, about a 40 minute drive from Bristol.
There are plenty of things to do in Bath for people of any age, but it is most well-known for its dynamic historical attractions, classy bars and restaurants, and its spa.
I lived in Bath for a year, so I know a bit about the neighbourhoods around the city. Bath is such a small city that for most tourists it makes sense to stick with the city centre.
This is where nearly all of the main attractions, restaurants, pubs, and bars are. There are a few residential areas on the edge of the city, but most of these don’t have tourist accommodation options.
However, there are some great nature spots near Bath too, and if you don’t mind travelling in and out, this could be an excellent option for you.
Bath is hardly a metropolis, but there are beautiful countryside spots a short drive – you are on the edge of the Cotswolds, after all! I’ve recommended a few Wiltshire villages in this post, like Box and Limpley Stoke.
If you want somewhere that enjoys both city and nature, you could opt for Bathampton, which is still walking distance to Bath’s main attractions.
Further out is which has with a lovely village atmosphere and still is not too far away.
Let’s have a look at this list of the best places to stay in Bath!
Where to stay in Bath City Centre
All of Bath’s main attractions are in the city centre.
This means that if you are in Bath on a short break and want to enjoy Bath Abbey, Thermae Bath Spa, the Roman Baths, the Weir, Pulteney Bridge, and more – stay in the centre. It’s much easier than going in and out of the city each time.
If you are taking the train or bus to Bath, it’s also a great idea to stay in the City Centre, as you will arrive right in the middle of the city.
If you haven’t worked out yet how you are going to get to Bath, read my how to get to Bath post.
Attractions in Bath city centre include:
- Numerous pubs, bars, and restaurants
- Thermae Bath Spa
- Bath Abbey
- Roman Baths
- Jane Austen Museum
- Royal Crescent
- Queens Square
Here’s where to stay in the city centre for all budgets.
Luxury Hotels to Stay in Bath City Centre
The Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel has a claim to fame for being the only UK hotel that has access to natural thermal waters on-site.
It has a spa village, as well as a restaurant and bar. Its rooms are nothing short of luxurious, with high-quality bed linen, fluffy dressing gowns and slippers, as well as a flat-screen TV and Nespresso coffee machine.
Located in beautiful gardens, yet only a short walk from the heart of the city, the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel has its own spa on-site, as well as a pool.
The rooms are furnished with deluxe marble and mahogany decorations.
There are two restaurants on-site: the Vellore Restaurant which serves up British cuisine, and the Alfresco Restaurant and Roof Terrace which doubles up as a cocktail bar. Click here to learn more.
Mid-Range Hotels to Stay in Bath City Centre
On the corner of James Street is the luxurious yet affordable Apex City of Bath Hotel. It is just a five minute walk from Bath Abbey.
With a swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurant, bar, and room service, you’ll have all of the amenities that you’d expect in a luxury place to stay. Click here for the hotel’s rates and to reserve your spot.
The Bird is a boutique hotel with funky decor, situated in a townhouse in the centre of the city.
Each room is styled uniquely, with its own flair.
There is something for everyone here; a small double room comes in at a reasonable rate, whereas those looking for something special can opt for the room with a hot tub!
A full English is served up each morning. Click here for more information about the hotel and to reserve your spot.
Budget Hotels in Bath City Centre
Z Hotel in Bath is an awesome place to stay that will leave you with plenty of pennies to spare – so you can buy all the Bath Buns that your heart desires!
It provides clean, modern, comfortable rooms with flat screen wall-mounted TVs and cosy beds. The rooms are compact, but it is really excellent for the price. Click here to see what I mean!
Hostels in Bath City Centre
St Christopher’s Inn is in the perfect central location.
On-site is a bar and café, and breakfasts are just £3.
The bar provides local ales (such as Bath ale, which is made just up the road!), wines and spirits. The hostel often hosts fun quiz nights and live music events. When you stay at St Christopher’s, you’ll be in the heart of the action.
Facility-wise, you can expect free WiFi, cooking facilities, shared bathrooms, and laundry facilities. There are 12 or 6 bed dorms with shared bathrooms or private rooms on offer.
Bath Backpackers Hostel is in a perfect location for Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths.
On offer at the hostel is free WiFi, laundry facilities, cooking facilities, a common room and an on-site bar.
Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day too!
There are no private rooms, but if you are a girl you can opt for a female-only dorm. Click here for more information.
Best Hotels in Bath City Centre for couples
The Ayrlington Hotel is a boutique five-star hotel that just screams romance. In a prime location just over the river from Bath Spa station, it’s a stone’s throw from all the main attractions, but its romantic gardens give it a certain exclusiveness. The staff know how to treat their customers, and are prepared to give their all to ensure that each guest has a memorable experience. Click here for rates and to reserve your spot.
Best hotels in Bath City Centre for Families
DoubleTree by Hilton is situated right in the centre of the city, with spacious twin rooms for kids. Enjoy breakfast before you go out exploring, and if you don’t want to venture too far at night you can dine in the restaurant on-site.
The rooms are perfect for parents wanting some quiet time too; all have luxurious features and are cleaned to the highest standard. Click here for rates and to reserve.
Avon Guesthouse is a cosy B&B offering family, twin and double rooms.
If you have small kids, you’ll appreciate being able to stay in a spacious room together – or if your children are older, you can have some privacy while still being in rooms close together.
The staff are friendly and breakfast is provided each morning. Click here for rates and more information.
Booking.comHotels in Bathampton
As I mentioned, Bath isn’t exactly a metropolis – but if you do want to stay out of the city centre, try staying in Bathampton.
This area is close to Bath University and has some downs nearby, so it definitely feels a lot more rural while being exceptionally close to the city centre.
The Old Mill Hotel & Lodge is a three-star property in the Bathampton area.
On offer are cosy double, twin, or triple rooms with toiletries and tea and coffee making facilities. It is located on the river and there is a seasonal boat that goes into the city centre.
It’s also a really nice walk along the canal into Bath. Click here for more information.
The Bailbrook House Hotel is a great reason to say in Bathampton, however; it is one of the most exclusive hotels in the city.
Set in 20 acres of private grounds, this hotel has 81 classic and executive bedrooms, all decorated to prime luxurious style.
Enjoy deluxe bedlinen, historical features of all rooms, and bathrooms kitted to the highest standard. Also on the property is the chance to have afternoon high tea, as well as drinks at the bar. Click here for more information.
Where to stay near Bath
Hotels in Bathford
A small village close to Bath, yet world’s away in atmosphere, Bathford is an excellent option if you are hoping to stay out of the city centre.
The Ceders Bed and Breakfast is a 4* property with bus links to central Bath. There is free parking on-site and it is an accessible property.
Breakfast is included in most of the room rates. You can also enjoy the county pubs of Bathford while staying at this property!
If you want unique accommodation in Bath, opt for the restored Airstream Overlander caravan. This caravan features a private patio, a shower room, a TV with a DVD player, and a kitchenette, and is a really quirky place to stay in Bathford!
Hotels in Box
Located about 5 miles/ 8km from Bath, Box is a small civil parish. There are actually some awesome things to do here, including a 12th century church that was built on top of the second-largest Roman Villa in the country. This church also boats a pyramid grave, constructed so because the person buried in it had a wife who threatened to dance on his grave! There’s also Box Tunnel, which is where the Crown Jewels were hidden during the Second World War.
Plus, it’s only a 20 minute drive to Bath from here. Buses run every 30 minutes.
Lorne House is a cosy Victorian villa, which was the home of Reverend W. Awdry, the creator of Thomas the Tank Engine!
The hotel has stylishly decorated modern bedrooms. Tea and coffee making tools, a flat-screen TV, an iron and ironing board and a hairdryer are all provided. A cooked breakfast is on offer every day. Click here for rates and to reserve.
The Northey Arms in Box is a cosy pub with beautifully furnished rooms. Enjoy all of the contemporary amenities you need in your king, double or quadruple room, and head to the pub downstairs for a traditional meal.
The staff are friendly and cheerful, and are willing to go the extra mile to make any stay memorable! Click here for more information and to book.
Hotels in Limpley Stoke
The idyllic village of Limpley Stoke is a fantastic place to stay near Bath. It’s perfect for people who want a holiday in the country yet still want to be close to the attractions, restaurants, and pubs of the city.
The Best Western Limpley Stoke Hotel is located a ten minute drive from Bath city centre. Situated in a Georgian country house, this hotel enjoys the best of both worlds. It is very close to all of the city’s best attractions but is also at enough distance so guests can enjoy a more peaceful holiday!
The hotel boasts three acres of private grounds. What’s more, it is in an AONB (area of outstanding natural beauty), so there’s plenty to marvel at here! The actual building was constructed during King James I’s reign.
Nowadays, it operates as a hotel and has intricately designed rooms with en-suite. Each one of these is unique and boats contemporary features. Many have breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside of Wiltshire.
There is a bar, restaurant, and free parking on-site. Breakfast is also provided; it is not included in the room costs but can be added on as an extra. Click here for more information and book today.
The Best Places to Stay in Bath
I hope you’ve found this list of the best hotels in Bath useful! I am currently living in Bristol and will be heading back to Bath frequently – so check back for more posts!
