Named after one of the greatest English painters of the 18th Century the Gainsborough Bath Spa is housed in what used to be, two Grade II listed honey-coloured buildings on the site of an old hospital.
The façades of the building are Georgian and Victorian styles and built around 1800s.
Just 600 metres from Bath Spa Train Station this luxury hotel is elegant and welcoming with views across the city and surrounding countryside. It is the only hotel in Bath (which was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981) to have access to the City’s natural thermal waters.
The interior was created by the award wining Champalimaud Design from New York City. Being their first UK project, they were commissioned to create a contemporary design incorporating the heritage and history of the city which they did in this elegant old hotel. Although a 5* hotel it is looking a little tired and well-worn in places and needs a little TLC but given the number of visitors to Bath each year you can understand.
There are 99 rooms which are all finished in the expected period style with a contemporary twist. All with the usual amenities which include high grade linen, robes, pillow menu, complimentary beer and soft drinks. All bathrooms are classic marble with Elemis toiletries, and all have underfloor heating and soft fluffy towels. In 3 of the rooms, you can even run a bath using the thermal spring water.
The suites all have very impressive high ceilings and full-length curtains. There are adapted rooms available for wheelchairs users and this also includes the public areas and spa.
The Brasserie serves a seasonal menu sourced locally from farmers and artesian producers. They also offer a traditional afternoon team and cocktails in the bar.
The Spa Village Bath
This is why you stay at this hotel, a naturally occurring thermal spring is the heart of the Spa Village. All hotel guests have complimentary access to the Spa. There are 3 thermal baths varying in temperature, elegantly set beneath a glass atrium. Various saunas, steam rooms, ice alcove, treatment rooms and relaxation areas including a terrace where guests can relive the ancient roman bathing rituals in the mineral rich and healing waters.
Various ancient objects were found when the baths in the Spa were being excavated which include the Beau Street hoard of coins, some of which are on display in the reception of the hotel.
There really is no need for a car in Bath as the hotel is within walking distance to all attractions including The Pump Room, Ancient Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Jane Austen Museum, the infamous Pulteney Bridge and many more. Shopping is a stone’s throw away together with many restaurants and bars.
The hotel is part of the Green Tourism Programme which measures the impact on the environment, community, cultural-heritage and the local economy.
Bath is a beautiful City to visit with lots of history and only 2 hours by train from central London and the gateway to the Cotswolds. It has over 6million visitors a year and is one of 10 most visited Cities in England by overseas visitors. It is a recommended place to visit if you have any downtime during your business trip.