No.15 By Guesthouse Hotel

Bath, England

Step back into the pump-room era of Georgian England at a genteel Bath residence, complete with romantic views and elegant architecture, all a stone’s throw from the historic sights and museums

Step straight into a Jane Austen novel at this romantic residence in the heart of Bath. Occupying three six-storey, honey-hued townhouses on one of the city’s most illustrious Georgian streets – a stone’s throw from myriad museums, the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge – No.15 by GuestHouse is a medley of bygone grace and playful art. Neutral hues, sparkling chandeliers, high ceilings and sash windows channel the former across 36 rooms; the latter comes to life on walls adorned with rows of top hats, vintage ladles and paint palettes, complemented by the likes of record-player lighting, quirky illustrated bedsteads and coffee-makers hidden in dolls’ houses. Opt for a Henrietta Room for raw plaster touches, bespoke marble bathrooms and fairytaleesque
views over Henrietta Park; the immaculate attention to detail of esteemed designer Martin Hulbert shines through the interiors, seamlessly bridging the gap between past and present. Expect hand-printed, literature-themed wallpaper in a Large Guest Room, grand four-poster beds in some Pulteney Rooms and decorative fireplaces in the separate Coach House rooms.

Then there’s the bespoke record libraries, the Pantry of complimentary gourmet snacks (for four-legged guests too) and dining experiences in an art-filled
restaurant. The menu favours seasonality, local producers and ‘wild British’ fare – tuck into the likes of Bath Chaps with roast apple purée, crackling and
watercress, or salsify, turnip and roast mushroom Wellington, and clementine trifle with cranberry compote and ginger shortbread. Classic cocktails and an extensive wine list await at the elegant, front-room hotel bar after.

But a trip to Bath wouldn’t be complete without a proper pampering session. If that’s what you’re after, stay in The Hideout, where a private steam room makes
for a welcome extension to the eco-forward spa treatments (which include mood-boosting copper baths, reflexology and bespoke massages paired with afternoon tea) in the stone vault downstairs.

Doubles from £144. 01225807015, guesthousehotels.co.uk

Words by Jas Matulewicz.

This review was taken from the Reader Awards issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.