Hotels in Bath, the Roman spa city in Somerset

Hotel-based city breaks in Bath, the Roman spa city famed in literature

The ancient spa city of Bath is situated near the River Avon in the county of Somerset in South Western England. The city is aptly named, with several Roman bath houses fed by the unique British thermal springs rising in the city centre. The Romans also built temples dedicated to their gods and goddesses, and popularised “Aquae Sulis” as a visitor destination with appropriate hotel or guest house accommodation between the 1st and 4th centuries A.D.

During the medieval period it became a centre of pilgrimage where the sick sought healing. As a fashionable spa resort and hydrotherapy centre throughout several centuries, increasing development means there are now about 200 Bath hotels and guest houses.

Having a themed stay at a Period Hotel near Bath’s Austen and Architectural tourist attractions

Modern Bath has many attractions to entice visitors. Whilst some of these emphasis the city’s long history, more contemporary pastimes are also available. There are many restaurants and a shopping centre.A short break can provide the opportunity to theme your visit, for instance around Jane Austen’s connection with Bath, staying at a period hotel such as the Regency-style 4-star Francis Hotel Bath MGallery Collection located in Queen Square. Within easy reach of popular tourist attractions such as Bath Abbey, the Jane Austen Centre and Roman Baths, this property is conveniently situated only one-third of a mile from the City Centre. A highlight of this hotel is the close proximity of the French restaurant Brasserie Blanc where you can look out for Raymond Blanc during the Great Bath Feast.

Bath became a fashionable spa resort during the Georgian period and is noted for the town planning during this time. During a stay at the 5-star The Royal Crescent Royal Crescent, which epitomises Georgian Bath, you can take a trip on their historic River Launch along The Kennet and Avon Canal, indulge yourself with fine dining in the restaurant or afternoon tea on the terrace. It is easy to enjoy the luxury of their spa facilities.You can find modern hotel accommodation less than a mile from the City Centre and explore all that Bath has to offer. For example, the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Bath on the Lower Bristol Road is near tourist sights such as the Pump Room, Roman Baths, and Royal Crescent.

Pastimes and Entertainment in Bath, Somerset’s Roman spa city

A holiday in the World Heritage city of Bath offers numerous historic, architectural and cultural venues for you to visit throughout the year.

There are plays and concerts, exhibitions and festivals for your entertainment. Less formal musical events include the Bath Guitar Festival in July followed by the Bath Folk Festival in August. For freedom of access and independence, the independent traveller can rent a contemporary serviced apartment at Saco Bath St James' Parade on St James’ Parade, close to the Theatre Royal and the Roman Baths.

For hotel accommodation situated within a few moments’ walk to the Roman Baths and Pump Room, you can stay at the Parade Park on North Parade. This Georgian townhouse, with many original features, is located just yards from the City Centre, and close to the bus and train stations. The hotel looks across Parade Gardens, the site of the annual Love Bath Festival in June which might be especially popular with the budget-conscious visitor as free food and drink is provided, as well as free games and other amusements for children such as puppet shows and bouncy castles.

A week’s hotel visit at the 4-star Hilton Bath City, situated on Walcot Street, can be timed to coincide with the Jane Austen Festival in September to watch the “Grand Regency Costumed Promenade”. You can also participate in workshops, attend talks and concerts, and take lessons in etiquette and dancing. Visitors interested in clothing can view the innovative “Regency Costume Fashion Show” and join in the entertainment at a Costumed Masked Ball and reception. This competitively-priced hotel is close to the Jane Austen Centre, where you can enjoy afternoon tea in the Regency Tea Rooms after touring the Centre.