15 Best Hotels in Bath and the Cotswolds, England

Right in the center of the city, a stone's throw from Bath Abbey, the owners of the Bird have taken an attractive villa-style property and transformed it into one of Bath's coolest design hotels. The 29 bedrooms are all individually styled, with handcrafted wallpapers, unique artwork, and, in many cases, views over Bath. Some rooms have freestanding copper bathtubs. Families and dogs alike receive a warm welcome. Whether you are staying here or not, it is worth having dinner in the restaurant or on the garden terrace overlooking Bath Abbey, or in one of the hotel's funky Igloos (in winter).  

In an ideal world everyone would sojourn in this oasis of opulence at least once; however, the luxury never gets in the way of the overall air of relaxation, a tribute to the warmth and efficiency of the staff. A quintessential country-house hotel, it's also family-friendly, with a high-tech children's play area as well as a luxurious spa. The modern guest rooms are spacious and quiet; family suites have refrigerators and either bunk beds or singles in a separate room. Dishes at the elegant Brasserie are a blend of traditional and modern elements, whereas the Hive is a relaxing café. The hotel is 3 miles west of town.

This luxury hotel in the heart of Chipping Campden injects contemporary design into a stately 18th-century manor house, and from the swirling staircase in the entrance to the individually designed guest rooms studded with contemporary art, it's a winning formula. Two rooms have their own garden and hot tub. The lounges invite lingering, the spa luxuriating, and the terrace and spacious garden suggest seclusion—the perfect spot for afternoon tea. Both the casual Bistro on the Square and the more formal Fig Restaurant offer creative takes on English and Mediterranean dishes; they're worth a stop even if you aren't staying here.

Occupying a sprawling 600-year-old coaching inn on High Street, the Lygon Arms is a charming warren, filled with cozy nooks for afternoon tea, a separate wine bar, a vaulted dining hall serving locally sourced menus, and plush luxury at every turn. The rooms vary in size (and price), but all are opulently designed and embrace the rich history of the building, while the courtyard leads to a discreet spa and pool complex.

Secluded in a 23-acre park on the edge of the village, this partly 14th-century manor house has guest rooms—some in mews cottages—that brim with antique character. Outside, the house is a baronial swirl of solid chimney stacks, carvings, and columns. Inside, a stone frieze depicts characters from Shakespeare's Falstaff plays to commemorate the fact that Sir John Fastolf, thought to be the model for the character, was lord of this manor. The Michelin-starred Bybrook restaurant serves fantastic upscale cuisine with imaginative wine pairings, but you can also dine more affordably in the 12th-century pub, The Castle Inn, nearby. The landscaped setting is soothing, with green vistas on every side and a river running through the grounds, though the village is steps away. An excellent 18-hole golf course is on-site.  

Just steps from the River Windrush, this traditional stone building has been tastefully adapted with contemporary fittings and style. The open-plan bar and lounge area has comfy sofas and a smart, informal feel. Guest rooms, in the main building or in the coach house, are modern, quiet, and done in neutral tones. Across the road, the hotel operates the sleek and modern L’Anatra Italian kitchen.

True Georgian grandeur is evident in the refurbished rooms of this Palladian-style mansion, now an elegant boutique guesthouse with one of the best addresses in Bath. Great care has been taken with the decoration and furnishing of the guest rooms, all of which come with beautiful wallpapers, antique furniture, and superb bathrooms. Service is amiable and breakfasts present a wide choice of dishes.

It's rare to find a compact hotel in the cobblestone heart of Bath, and this informal three-story lodging converted from a group of Georgian town houses fits the bill nicely. Bedrooms, though bright, are not spacious, there are no views from the windows, and the parking facilities can be tricky to find. However, the cleanliness, polite and friendly service, outdoor hot tub, and central location outweigh these minuses. There's also an EV charging point, and the hotel is pet friendly. The hotel also rents a number of serviced apartments in Bath for short stays. 

This 16th-century coaching inn provides simple but comfortable rooms and a warm welcome in its main building and the News Coach House. It's a better value than other options in Burford, and a popular spot for those with children and dogs. The restaurant is open to guests and non-guests alike and serves a short but well-considered menu of British favorites.

Step through the door of this ancient coaching inn and be greeted by the sight of huge flagstones, gateleg tables, armchairs, and a roaring fire, then wind your way along the tartan carpet through creaking passages and stairways to the immaculate and cozy bedrooms that are furnished in updated country style. The sense of history (the building has been here since the 15th century) is matched with excellent service, top-notch food both in the bar and restaurant, and a sheltered courtyard and walled garden for sunny days.

You'll find refinement and a warm welcome in this rambling 17th-century manor house with Victorian additions, tucked away in a quintessential Cotswold village. Public rooms and bedrooms, both in the main house and in the converted granary and barn, are decorated in a classic contemporary style with country-house floral patterns, a muted color scheme, and antiques. Within the grounds is a sunny, espaliered walled garden and terrace—perfect for relaxation. Also of note is the award-winning restaurant, The Atrium, offering creative contemporary fare and excellent wines on fixed-price menus; there's also a less expensive restaurant. 

A warm, informal welcome greets all who stay at this Victorian establishment not too far from the Royal Crescent, where each room charms with period furniture, fresh flowers, and antique beds. Air-conditioned rooms have a fridge and complimentary sherry for evening relaxation. Leisurely breakfasts are encouraged; choose from scones, yogurts, and savory omelets. All the food is organic and vegetarian, and vegans and those with special diets will find their needs amply supplied.

Dating to the 14th century, Chipping Campden's oldest inn was built to accommodate foreign wool traders, and even though it's been enlarged, the building retains its exposed beams and stonework. Guest rooms—some in the 14th-century portion—are full of warm colors and dark oak furniture, and fully equipped with modern amenities. The restaurant serves award-winning curries. Breakfast can be taken in the airy conservatory. A Deluxe Spa Break package includes a night's accommodation at the Noel Arms, access to the spa at Cotswold House (a sister property), and other amenities.

Right on the main drag, this 16th-century cottage has authentic period charm and is strewn with antique knickknacks like a brass wind-up gramophone. The best feature is the lovely flagstone lounge with its inglenook fireplace; breakfast (including fruit smoothies and homemade breads) is served here. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and the immaculate garden has a grill for the use of guests.

Few inns can boast of a more idyllic setting than this mid-17th-century coaching inn, originally a row of cottages on the banks of the gently flowing River Coln and now comfortably modernized. Inside the charm continues through cozy lounges to the richly decorated, modern guest rooms. Cottage suites come with private gardens; one has a hot tub, another an open fireplace. The colorful Swan Brasserie serves Bibury trout from the local trout farm, or you can indulge in options such as hearty dry-aged steaks and lemon tart with apple-and-cinnamon ice cream.