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Bath is a uniquely beautiful city, instantly famous for its perfectly preserved Roman heritage and its stunning, honey-coloured Georgian architecture. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city’s beauty lies in the harmonious blend of history and elegance. Its most iconic sites are the magnificent Roman Baths, which draw on the city’s natural hot springs, and the crescent-shaped grandeur of the Royal Crescent, a row of thirty terraced houses that represents the height of Georgian design.
A visit to Bath is a journey through time, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of Jane Austen and the Roman elite. You can relax at the contemporary Thermae Bath Spa, which utilises the same thermal waters, explore the curving perfection of The Circus, or admire the Gothic architecture of Bath Abbey. Finding a lovely hotel in Bath is the starting point for a refined and relaxing city break.
Bath is a relatively compact city, meaning most hotels offer good access to the major sights. Your choice of area often comes down to the style of accommodation and the specific atmosphere you prefer, whether it’s historic elegance or riverside tranquillity.
For the most immediate access to the core sights and shopping, the City Centre area, near Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, is the most convenient. Staying here puts you right in the heart of the action, close to the main shopping streets and the river. This area offers a mix of traditional hotels and historic guesthouses, but it is also the busiest part of the city.
For a classic, elegant Bath experience, the area around the Royal Crescent and The Circus is ideal. This location, slightly uphill and away from the main bustle, offers stunning examples of Georgian architecture, peaceful parks, and a more refined atmosphere. Hotels here are often boutique or luxury, offering a true taste of Bath’s signature charm.
Alternatively, the area surrounding Bath Spa Railway Station is excellent for convenience. It offers a great base for those travelling by rail, with modern and well-connected hotels. It is situated right next to the River Avon and is just a short, flat walk to the Roman Baths and the city centre. This is a practical choice that offers a good blend of accessibility and value.
Bath is highly accessible via rail, with Bath Spa Station providing direct links from London and other major cities. The city does not have its own major airport; the closest hub is Bristol Airport (BRS), which is connected to Bath by regular express bus services. If you are arriving by train, choosing a hotel near Bath Spa station makes your arrival seamless. If you plan to explore the region, the city's main bus terminal is also centrally located, making it easy to connect to your hotel or explore nearby attractions.
Bath's hotel prices are strongly influenced by its status as a major UK tourist destination. The high season, running from June to September, sees the highest rates due to the favourable weather and peak travel times.
A major event unique to Bath that causes a substantial hike in hotel costs is the hugely popular Bath Christmas Market in November and December. The market draws visitors from across the country, making accommodation scarce and expensive during this period. For the best value, aim for the quiet low season of January and February, though be prepared for a chilly visit. A specific money-saving tip for Bath is to look for accommodation in the slightly further out areas like Bear Flat or Oldfield Park. These residential areas offer easier parking and often cheaper guest houses, while still being within a reasonable walking distance or a short bus ride to the city centre.