37 Best Hotels in Bath and the Cotswolds, England

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The hotels of this region are among Britain's most highly rated—from bed-and-breakfasts in village homes and farmhouses to luxurious country-house hotels. Many hotels present themselves as deeply traditional rural retreats, but some have opted for a sleeker, fresher style, with boldly contemporary or minimalist furnishings. Spas are becoming increasingly popular at these hotels. Book ahead whenever possible and brace yourself for some high prices. B&Bs are a cheaper alternative to the fancier hotels, and most places offer two- and three-day packages. Note that the majority of lodgings in Bath and many in the Cotswolds require a two-night minimum stay on weekends and holidays; rates are often higher on weekends. Accommodation in Cheltenham and the Cotswolds is especially hard to find during the week of Cheltenham's National Hunt Festival in March.

There are numerous possibilities for renting a cottage in and around Bath and the Cotswolds, and accommodations are usually available by the week. Check out Manor Cottages or Jigsaw Holidays for a range of self-catering options.

Number Nine

$ | 9 Park St., Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1BQ, England

Beyond the traditional Cotswold stone exterior of this former coaching inn—now a bed-and-breakfast—are three unfussy, spacious bedrooms done in soothing white and pale colors. Beds are super comfortable, with feather toppers on the mattresses. The inglenook fireplace is a draw in winter, and wholesome breakfasts include fruit salads and omelets.

Pros

  • Helpful and amiable hosts
  • Close to pubs and restaurants
  • Delicious breakfasts

Cons

  • Two bathrooms have tubs, not showers
  • Low ceilings
  • Two-night minimum stay in summer
9 Park St., Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1BQ, England
01451-870333
Hotel Details
3 rooms
Free Breakfast

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The Olive Branch

$$ | 78 High St., Broadway, WR12 7AJ, England

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.

Pros

  • Cottage character
  • Nice guest lounge
  • Hospitable hosts

Cons

  • Small bathrooms
  • Narrow stairs and low ceilings
  • Two-night mimimum stay on weekends
78 High St., Broadway, WR12 7AJ, England
01386-853440
Hotel Details
8 rooms
Free Breakfast

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The Painswick Hotel

$$ | Kemps La., Painswick, GL6 6YB, England

The hotel occupies a picturesque Palladian house in the center of Painswick but still has impressive valley views, which can be enjoyed from the soothing, chic guest rooms or the public terrace. The 17 bedrooms are individually designed, and the Palladian Rooms have luxurious rolltop baths. The Painswick Restaurant is one of the Cotswolds' best places to dine, with a sophisticated à la carte menu and a decadent tasting menu available daily. This hotel is part of the luxury Calcot Collection, which includes Tetbury's Calcot & Spa. 

Pros

  • Stylish public areas for relaxing
  • Excellent restaurant
  • Games room with pool table

Cons

  • No spa
  • Cheapest rooms are quite small
  • Small parking lot on narrow street
Kemps La., Painswick, GL6 6YB, England
01452-813688
Hotel Details
17 rooms
Free Breakfast

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The Pig − in the Cotswolds

$$$$ | Off the B4425, Barnsley, GL7 5EE, England

The latest addition to The Pig's ever-growing group of boutique hotels and restaurants, this honey-and-cream-hued Georgian mansion was the former home of famous garden designer Rosemary Verey, and then a hotel; this new (2024) incarnation adds The Pig's excellent dining and luxurious but quirky, unstuffy style. The Pig also took over The Village Pub a few steps away, offering more casual (and cheaper) fare. There is an attractive on-site spa with an outdoor hydrotherapy pool.

Pros

  • Restaurant's "25-mile" menu using seasonal local produce, plus Pig-owned pub close by
  • Soothing spa in separate Fieldhouse building
  • Beautiful gardens add a romantic touch

Cons

  • Some rooms at the top of three flights of stairs
  • Farm next door not for everyone
  • Rooms vary between buildings
Off the B4425, Barnsley, GL7 5EE, England
0345-2259494
Hotel Details
18 rooms
No Meals

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The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa

$$$$ | 16 Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LS, England

You can’t get a more prestigious address in Bath than the Royal Crescent, and this hotel, discreetly plumb center, overlooks parkland and the city; the interior lacks for nothing in amenities. The graceful public rooms, stairways, and judicious scattering of antiques and pictures don't disappoint, while the plush bedrooms, either in the mansion itself or in a courtyard facing a quiet and spacious inner garden, are mainly contemporary in style. The spa, housed in the old stable block, is charming. In summer you can dine on the terrace or drop in for afternoon tea.

Pros

  • Handsome public areas for relaxing
  • Total comfort
  • Pampering spa and fitness room in separate building with courtyard

Cons

  • Most bedrooms are very modern in feel
  • Some rooms have no views
  • Some bathrooms are small
16 Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LS, England
01225-823333
Hotel Details
45 rooms
Free Breakfast

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Stow Lodge

$$ | The Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AB, England

A former rectory, this stately, family-run hotel with rooms in several buildings couldn't be better placed, separated from Stow's main square by its tidy garden. Most of the traditionally furnished, but spacious and comfortable, rooms overlook the garden or the next-door churchyard, and one suite sits apart in the garden itself. There's a minimum two-night stay on weekends.

Pros

  • Will please those who like a traditional look
  • Hospitable service
  • Good breakfasts

Cons

  • Church clock can disturb sleep
  • Steep steps to top-floor rooms
  • Minimum stay on weekends
The Square, Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1AB, England
01451-830485
Hotel Details
20 rooms
Free Breakfast
No children under 5

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The Swan

$$ | B4425, Bibury, GL7 5NW, England

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.

Pros

  • Helpful staff
  • Afternoon tea by the river
  • Tasty local food

Cons

  • Usually crowded with day-trippers
  • Most standard rooms lack views
  • Not enough electrical plugs in rooms
B4425, Bibury, GL7 5NW, England
01285-740695
Hotel Details
22 rooms
Free Breakfast

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