The Best Hotels to Book Near the Roman Baths in Bath, England

A five-minute walk from the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, this grand-columned, honey-coloured hotel in local stone is a hit among international tourists. It consists of three 18th-century townhouses that have been knocked into one relaxing abode. A rich combination of caramel leather headboards, emerald-green walls and chevron-patterned fabrics elevates the high-ceilinged rooms. Art by local artists covers the public spaces, including the restaurant with its banquette and bentwood chairs. Sip something sparkling under the chandeliers made from decanters at the bar, or take it outside to the front terrace on sunny days.

Part of a softly curving terrace, this four-star boutique B&B inhabits a slender townhouse, 10 minutes from the Roman Baths for which the Unesco World Heritage city is famed. An easy stroll from Henrietta Park, it is a Georgian head-turner, all chandeliers, swagged drapes and lashings of chintz. Cosy period charm fills the 12 guestrooms (singles and various doubles) with pastel-hued fabrics, wallpaper and ornately framed art. There’s no dinner service, but breakfast is served in the former kitchen: tuck into local produce, including bacon and eggs and fresh orange juice.

Bed down at this no-frills pub-with-rooms on St James’s Parade, 300m (985ft) from the Roman Baths. It’s on a corner, tucked among the most famous sights. Doubles or king rooms (one with a bathtub) are simple, with functional wooden beds and bright white walls. As you’d expect, classic local pub food and drink are the stars of the show here: expect ribeye steak, burgers, sausage and mash, and so on. Or enjoy ciders and cask ales against an easy backdrop of well-worn floorboards and dark-painted panelling.

Spotting bird motifs around the hotel, such as on cushions and lampshades, can become a habit at this four-storey mansion. The hotel has a great perch, a 10-minute stroll from the Roman Baths along Great Pulteney Street (the grandest Georgian thoroughfare in the city). Victorian splendour meets homeliness: individually designed rooms and suites range from Comfy to Splendid, some coming with pretty chandeliers and bright fabrics. Top tip: choose one at the back for rural views and more peace or the Feature Room, with its hot-tub terrace. A highlight is the afternoon tea: enjoy pastries, dainty sandwiches and homemade scones with jam and Somerset clotted cream.

Non-drivers and eco-minded travellers will be at home at this good-looking Grade II-listed Victorian hotel – it’s bang opposite Bath Spa railway station. It’s also a nifty 600m (1,970ft) from the Roman Baths. Inside, it’s all panelling and regal red tub chairs with primrose yellows and autumnal russets in rooms. Book one of the two four-poster-bed spaces if you’re here for a special occasion. Designed in 1846 by the great civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who also conceived Bristol’s Clifton Suspension Bridge, the hotel has a fine bistro-style restaurant named after him. Settle in, and raise a glass of fizz in his honour before dining on French classics.

Top marks for the peaceful location, on South Parade, a hushed cul-de-sac in the city centre; it’s a couple of streets from the curving River Avon and super-handy for reaching the Roman Baths. Spread across most of the Grade I-listed parade, it’s definitely a case of “old meets new” in the varied themed rooms: expect literary hideaways with writers’ desks and books as well as period-style ceiling roses as headboards. Tuck into hearty game dishes at the wood-panelled and leather-lined Elder restaurant downstairs, which is a cosy place to idle in.

Staying here, you’re on the same street as the prettily gabled Saracens Head, the oldest pub in Bath, where Dickens is reputed to have stayed. It’s a fine nostalgic nook to settle in at for pies and pints. Back at the hotel, relaxing, light-filled rooms of undecorated corporate-style comfort, many overlooking the River Avon, create a modern vibe. Food-wise, the signature Wakeup Doubletree breakfast offers the works, including eggs every way – or opt for grab and go, if you’re in a rush to reach the Roman Baths, just under 1km (0.6mi) away. Later, the Secret Garden, overlooking the historic Pulteney Bridge, offers afternoon tea – and cocktails.