Choosing Your Perfect Stay in Bath (2024): Top Neighborhoods and Hotels
Bath is a charming heritage city in England, perfect for a short getaway with its numerous attractions and historic buildings all within a compact area. If you’re planning a trip and wondering where to stay, here are some tips on the best neighborhoods and accommodations to suit various styles and budgets.
Living in nearby Bristol, I’ve visited Bath many times and carefully researched these recommendations to help you make the most of your visit.
### Accommodation Tips
For short stays in Bath, it’s best to find a place as central as possible. Many visitors spend 2-3 nights and most sights are within walking distance. Staying near the main attractions like the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, and the Royal Crescent is ideal.
Bath offers various places to stay, from apartments and guesthouses to boutique and luxury hotels. Budget options are limited, so book early to get the best choice and prices.
### Recommended Neighborhoods
Here are the main neighborhoods to consider, all within a short walk of each other:
– **Near Roman Baths & Bath Abbey**: Central and close to major historical sites.
– **Near Royal Crescent & Victoria Park**: Great for scenic views and green spaces.
– **Near Pulteney Bridge and Great Pulteney Street**: Central and picturesque.
– **Near Bath Spa Station**: Convenient for transport links.
For those arriving by car or staying longer, neighborhoods slightly outside the main sightseeing area might offer free parking and better deals. These include:
– **Bath Flat**: South of the river, near Bath Spa station.
– **Bathwick**: East of Bath, near the Holburne Museum.
– **Lansdown**: North edge of Bath, near Lansdown Road.
### Accommodation Prices
Accommodation prices in Bath vary by season and demand. Expect the highest rates from June to September and the lowest from November to February, except during the busy Christmas market period. Weekends are pricier than weekdays.
Here’s a rough guide to nightly rates per room:
– **Under £50**: Dorm room in a hostel.
– **Under £100**: Budget hotel, private hostel room, or guest house in low season.
– **£100 – £150**: Mid-range hotel, guest house, or boutique hotel in low season.
– **£150 – £250**: Boutique and luxury hotels, especially in low season.
– **Over £250**: High-end boutique hotels, especially in high season.
### Budget Accommodation Options
– **Z Hotel Bath**: Central location, modern, and affordable.
– **YMCA Bath**: Historic building with private rooms and dorms, good for families and friends.
Check out Travelodge and Premier Inn for good deals on non-refundable bookings.
### Guest Houses/B&Bs
Guest houses or B&Bs offer a homely atmosphere, often in Victorian or Georgian homes. They provide more personalized service but usually have fewer facilities than hotels.
– **Brooks Guest House**: Near Victoria Park, classic and comfortable rooms.
– **Tyndall Villa Boutique B&B**: In Bear Flat, offers parking and breakfast.
– **Grays Boutique B&B**: Charming decor, in Bear Flat, with parking and breakfast.
### Brand Hotels
Brand hotels are suitable for groups, families, or disabled travelers, offering a range of facilities.
– **Doubletree by Hilton Bath City**: Central, contemporary decor, fitness center, and parking.
– **Hampton by Hilton Bath City**: Near Roman Baths, colorful decor, fitness center.
– **Apex City of Bath**: Western edge of the center, with an indoor pool and restaurant.
### Boutique Hotels
Boutique hotels in Bath, often in Georgian townhouses, provide a luxurious and personalized experience.
– **Hotel Indigo**: Stylish and centrally located.
– **Queensberry Hotel**: Elegant, near Royal Crescent, with an award-winning restaurant.
– **The Yard Bath**: Near Victoria Park, stylish decor.
– **Eight**: Beautiful decor, steps from Bath Abbey and Roman Baths.
– **The Bird Bath**: Creative decor, a 15-minute walk from the center, with parking.
### Apartments
For flexibility and space, consider serviced apartments:
– **Dream Stays**: Centrally located, pet-friendly apartments of various sizes.
– **Charlecote House**: Stylish apartments with parking, in Lansdown.
### Luxury Hotels
For a truly luxurious experience:
– **Royal Crescent Hotel**: Elegant, 5-star hotel in the Royal Crescent.
– **No 15 By Guesthouse**: Georgian townhouse with a spa, ideal for romantic getaways.
### Spa Hotels
If a spa experience is your main goal:
– **The Gainsborough Bath Spa**: Offers direct access to thermal spring water.
– **Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel**: Good spa facilities, more affordable, with parking.
– **Homewood Hotel & Spa**: Luxury boutique hotel in the countryside, 30 minutes from Bath.
Bath is a popular destination, so whether you’re looking for budget, mid-range, or luxury accommodation, it’s best to book early to secure the best rates and choices. Enjoy your stay in this beautiful city!