North Parade, central Bath · Hotel
Four-star independent hotel on North Parade, a two-minute walk from Bath Abbey, with a well-regarded restaurant and bar and a large art collection.
The Abbey Hotel sits on North Parade, a Georgian terrace a couple of minutes from the Abbey itself and roughly five from Bath Spa station. It is an independently run four-star occupying three linked townhouses, and it has built a reputation on being genuinely central without the price of the two five-star spa hotels. Contemporary art is hung throughout the public rooms and corridors, which gives the interior a livelier feel than the Georgian exterior suggests.
Bedrooms are spread across the buildings and vary in size and outlook, from compact classic doubles to larger rooms with views towards the Abbey or Parade Gardens. Furnishings are modern with period detailing retained where it survives. Because the hotel is a conversion of three separate houses, there are staircases and level changes; guests who need step-free access should flag it when booking.
The Allium Brasserie and the ArtBar are the reason many locals come through the door rather than just guests. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner with a menu built on West Country produce, and the bar has a substantial cocktail list and spills onto a small terrace in warm weather. Breakfast is served in the same room and is included on many rates.
It suits travellers who want a central base with good food attached and are happy to trade a spa for a lower rate, and it works well for couples, small groups and business stays. Families can be accommodated in the larger rooms but should ask about configurations. There is no hotel car park; the nearest options are the Southgate and Manvers Street car parks a short walk away.