Get the personal touch at these independently owned hotels and guesthouses in Bath.

City centre hotels

The Bird

One of the most stylish hotels in the city, The Bird is owned by local hoteliers Kaleidoscope Hotels, who also own country spa hotels Bishopstrow and Homewood. The Bird has 29 individually designed rooms, which have a range of fun features, from a birds nest headboard to a bespoke copper freestanding bathtub. Many of the rooms have views of Bath Abbey and the city skyline, and the hotel restaurant is the perfect place to relax with an afternoon tea, with the option to dine in one of their heated domes in winter.

• Stay three nights at The Bird and get the third night free, including breakfast, complimentary larder and on-site car parking at a rate of £20 per night. 

Image - The Bird

The Queensberry Hotel

There's plenty to like about this luxury boutique hotel, set across several Georgian townhouses and full of character across its bedrooms, bar and Michelin-starred restaurant, Olive Tree. The hotel has also been awarded a prestigious Michelin Key, with the guide stating in 2024: "The Queensberry is full of personality, without ever laying it on too thick. It’s owned by a married couple, rather than some multinational, so there’s a personal touch that would be impossible to fake."

• Book a Gourmet Getaway package to enjoy a Michelin-starred six-course tasting menu, as well as an overnight stay in a sumptuous and comfortable room or suite of your choice, plus a a full english breakfast the following morning. 

Image - The Queensberry

Eight 

With just twenty rooms, you can expect a high level of service and attention to detail at Eight, where many of the rooms look over the almost 300 year old tree in Abbey Green. Despite its size, there is good variety of twin, double, triple and family options, whether you're planning a couple's getaway or a trip with children. The hotel is just a few steps away from some of Bath's top attractions, such as the Roman Baths and Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House.

Image - Eight in Bath

Dukes Hotel

Located on the impressive Great Pulteney Street, this hotel's beautiful facade was used for filming in season three of Bridgerton. The decor inside matches the grand exterior, with four poster beds, hand-crafted wallpaper and impressive artworks.

• Book a two-night stay in a room of your choice and you'll receive a complimentary third night.

Image - Dukes Hotel

The Kennard

This 12-bedroom guesthouse has plenty of elegant and cosy touches, with all rooms featuring White Company products and tea trays with homemade biscuits. Choose a room with a city view or one which overlooks the garden, with a range of single, double, twin and triple rooms available. Their award-winning breakfast is also included in all bookings.

• Book their Early Bird Offer to receive a 20% discount on your stay if booked more than 56 days prior to arrival.

Image - The Kennard

The Royal Hotel

Dating from 1846, this Grade II listed hotel was designed by famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who also designed the train line connecting Bath to London, as well as many other iconic landmarks such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. The hotel offers great value stays in the city centre, with a two-night stay from £149 per person. 

• Book their Thermae Spa Experience offer to enjoy a two-hour session at Thermae Bath Spa, two nights’ accommodation, Champagne cream tea, a three course dinner on one evening of your choice and breakfast both mornings from £209 per person per night Sunday-Thursday, or £289 per person per night Friday-Saturday. 

Image - The Royal Hotel

Harington's Hotel

Set on a picturesque cobbled street in the city centre, Harington's Hotel has a range of stylish rooms and a hot tub for guests to enjoy. Their delicious breakfast is included in all bookings, and they are also dog friendly, with the option to have a dog bed and water bowl in your room.

Image - Harington's Hotel

Brooks Guesthouse

This multi award-winning B&B prides itsef on the high quality of their rooms and breakfasts - in fact they've specifically won awards for their breakfast, as well as their commitment to being more eco-friendly. Located just a few minutes walk from Royal Victoria Park and the Royal Crescent, Brooks is a charming place to stay, where you can unwind in their guest lounge with a drink from their honesty bar after a busy day of sightseeing.

Image - Brooks Guesthouse

Tyndall Villa

This grand Victorian villa fused with a 1960's house is located just outside the city centre in a peaceful neighourhood, but is still within easy reach of Bath's main attractions. The owners have taken great care to give each room its own character, with each featuring underfloor heating in the bathrooms, Duck Island toiletries, goose down duvets and pillows, a robe and slippers, and a hospitality tray.

Grays Boutique

A family-run, boutique bed & breakfast in the quiet area of Oldfield Park, Grays is designed to be a 'home from home', with chic decor, goose-down duvets and pillows, high quality linens, large fluffy bath towels and luxury Caroline Henry of Bath toiletries. Guests also have a great selection to choose from at breakfast, including continental and cooked breakfasts.

Image - Grays

Pulteney House

A luxury guesthouse with just ten rooms, Pulteney House has been owned by the same family since 1979. In addition to the elegant rooms, the house also has a large and well maintained garden for guests to enjoy. A mix of family rooms and double rooms are available, as well as a basement twin room.

Marlborough House

Awarded 4 Stars and a Gold Award by both the AA and Visit Britain, Marlborough House is a cosy townhouse with bedrooms boasting four poster or antique beds, homemade cookies and complimentary sherry. The team specialise in organic vegetarian food, and are also happy for you to bring your pets with you to stay.

Country breaks

Beechfield House

Built as a family home in 1868, Beechfield House was converted into a luxury hotel in the 1960s and features eight acres of landscaped grounds, an outdoor heated pool, kitchen garden and an arboretum. The current owners bought the house in 2006 and have been steadily refurbishing the house and grounds. The 24 bedrooms each take their name from one of the trees located in the grounds, and the hotel has a range of features for families and pets, as well as several accessible bedrooms. Beechfield House was the AA Inspectors' Choice Country House Hotel 2024/25, and has also won awards for the food in its restaurant.

• Book a Sunday Special stay at Beechfield House, which includes a three-course Sunday lunch on arrival, a bottle of chilled bubbly in your room, Full English breakfast, leisurely late checkout to midday Monday.

Image - Beechfield House

Timbrells Yard

This quirky coaching inn is part of the Stay Original collection of boutique inns, based across the South West. Each of the 17 rooms has its own highlights, from river views to ancient beams or free-standing baths. As well as enjoying the complimentary breakfast (if you book direct), it's also worth stopping into the pub and restaurant downstairs for lunch or dinner, where you'll find a menu of pub classics done to a high standard, from burgers and sandwiches through to a great roast dinner on Sundays.

Image - Timbrells Yard

Homewood

'A grand Georgian country house with ultra-modern indulgence' says it all - prepare to be spoiled when you arrive at Homewood. From the fantastic food in the hotel's Olio restaurant to relaxing treatments in their spa, there's plenty to enjoy. Take a dip in the heated outdoor swimming pool before relaxing in your room, where you'll find high-end accessories including Dyson hairdryers and Smeg coffee machines.

• Book Homewood's Luxury Spa Break package, which includes a three-course dinner, bed and breakfast as well as a 60-minute treatment for each of you, and complimentary use of the fantastic spa facilities.

Image - Homewood

Wookey Hole Hotel

The perfect option for a family break, this hotel is located next door to Wookey Hole Caves, and your hotel booking gives you discounted access to the attractions and Wild Wookey caving experience. Both Wookey Hole Caves and the hotel are owned by the Cottle family, famous for founding Gerry Cottle's Circus and The Circus of Horrors. The family also own nearby Bucklegrove Holiday Park and Mendip View Lodges, which offer self catering stays. 

Image - Wookey Hole Hotel

The Newt in Somerset

This luxury country house hotel is set across a 17th century manor house and farm buildings, with grounds that include gardens, orchards, lakes and woodland. There are plenty of places to unwind, from the spa and swimming pools to the medieval herb garden or hammam, and countless grand rooms across the main house, including a bar, snug and all-day kitchen.

In 2024 The Newt in Somerset featured in the Top 50 Hotels in the World and was voted Best Independent Boutique Hotel in the World.

Image - The Newt in Somerset 

Bishopstrow

As with its sister hotels Homewood and The Bird, Bishopstrow is a hotel where historic buildings are given a contemporary splash of colour and glamour. Not only is there a spa with a large outdoor swimming pool, but some of the 36 bedrooms also have their own hot tub! The hotel was also voted in The Times 'Top 100 Places to Stay in the UK'.

• Enjoy the VIP treatment in one of Bishopstrow's exclusive Twilight Domes. Includes a glass of Champagne Taittinger and a grazing board, followed by access to the spa for an evening of pure relaxation.

Image - Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa

Read more:

• Quirky places to stay
• Cottages and apartments in Bath
• Bath's cosiest hotels for winter