9 Best Hotels in Bath and the Cotswolds, England

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 stunning Georgian mansion set among 55 acres of lush gardens and parkland has been completely refurbished under the direction of interior designer Dorothée Meilichzon, who took her inspiration from Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland as well as the building's own history. Choose between rooms in the house itself (some with lovely balconies) or, for more privacy, the converted stable block. The spa, set into the ground, looks like a work of art. Chef Jackson Boxer takes pride in using Gloucestershire's best local ingredients in the restaurant, where diners can sit in the wood-paneled dining room or outside on the terrace. The hotel is 5 miles south of Cheltenham.

As the only hotel in the United Kingdom with access to Bath's natural thermal waters, thanks to its location in a custom-designed Spa Village, the Gainsborough has a unique appeal. Add the opulent neo-Georgian rooms in a grand Georgian former hospital, perhaps the best staff in town, and a restaurant focused on the creative side of British cuisine, and you'd be hard put to find fault with this temple of luxury located in the very heart of the city's comings-and-goings.

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.  

Situated next to Cheltenham Race Course, Ellenborough Park is a 15th-century English country estate, now a hotel with a luxury spa and 90 acres of grounds. The 61 rooms are individually designed and many have four-poster beds and freestanding bathtubs; the Elemis Spa has a wonderful heated outdoor pool; and the grand dining room is a superb location for a blow-out meal. In the summertime, you can also dine alfresco on the Summer Lawn. In spite of the grand surroundings, the hotel is unstuffy and welcomes children and dogs. There are plenty of ways to wear out both of them on the estate, including rental bikes and walks.

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.

Secret passageways and a priest hole testify to the age of this 16th-century building, where the mullioned windows, original stonework, and log fires in winter are tastefully balanced by smart, contemporary furnishings in the public areas. Bedrooms, displaying the same mix of modern and antique, come with good bathrooms with quality toiletries. The well-regarded Mulberry restaurant serves an updated English menu, while the Beagle Bar, in a bright, modern conservatory overlooking the lovely garden, has cheaper eats.

If the rose garden, trout-filled pond, and sheep on the hill at this 18th-century golden-stone Queen Anne house aren't appealing enough, then the stone-flagged floors, leather sofas, and grandfather clocks of this plush B&B should satisfy. Booking ahead is essential to secure one of the three beautiful, traditional-style pastel bedrooms. Ask about discounted midweek and weekend packages. It's 1 mile from Broadway on Snowshill Road.