The Gainsborough Bath Spa
Hotel · Bath ·
Luxury hotel with thermal spa, refined rooms, and fine dining
Luxury hotel with thermal spa, refined rooms, and fine dining
"The only hotel in Britain where you can wallow in naturally heated mineral water from Bath’s famous underground springs, this magnificent 18th-century Georgian mansion transforms into an equally magnificent modern hotel on the inside. Walking in is like stepping from the past directly into the future. But in the spa, which takes its design inspiration from the Romans who founded Bath, a toga wouldn’t look out of place among the columns and mosaics. The Gainsborough is a true luxury hotel, offering numerous spa treatments and a wealth of fine dining options, and beautifully unadorned Georgian interiors allow the towering ceilings and massive windows to speak for themselves. The rooms are decorated in restful blues and browns, boasting big beds and luxury toiletries, but if you really want to splash out—ahem—bag one of the three Bath Spa suites, where tubs have three taps: hot, cold, and natural thermal water." - Ramsay Short
"How did it strike you on arrival?A magnificent 18th-century Georgian mansion from the outside transforms into a magnificent modern hotel on the inside. Walking in is like stepping from the past directly into the future. Knowing what's to come—spa treatments at the only hotel in the UK with direct access to naturally heated spring water from Bath's famous ancient underground springs—makes it even more enticing. What’s the crowd like?This is for those with deep pockets, fetishes for historic England, and a desire to experience some of the most luxurious pampering available in the UK. There are a ton of high end travelers from Southeast Asia and beyond, lots of lovers here for romantic trips and intimate proposals, and guests simply here to experience spa treatments to die for, famous for healing properties utilized by the Romans way back when. This is a luxury hotel that does not fudge on the details, everyone here knows and expects what they're paying for. The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms.The rooms are smart, decorated in duck-egg blue and gold with large comfortable double beds after a 2015 refurbishment, all in different shapes and sizes. The best thing about them might just be the elegant Georgian walls, uncluttered by bad art, and the massive windows and towering ceilings, creating a feeling of space. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The Queen sized bed is big enough, the mattress firm and the pillows plentiful. As you'd expect all the sheets are soft as lambs wool. Sleep came easily. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?Complimentary mini-bars, like the one here, always go down well. The Nespresso coffee machine is fantastic, always better than instant sachets, and the climate control panel was easily navigable—something that may seem minor but when those panels are complicated they never fail to annoy. Best of all though was the Roberts Radio, a modern wireless inside with perfect classic looks on the outside. That's what goes in my bag first if I was the thieving type. Oh and all the Asprey toiletries. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Underfloor heating in the bathroom was a treat. The Asprey branded products were plentiful and soft on the skin, as you'd expect from a hotel with an incredible spa. Marble floors, a freestanding bath and generous full size mirror alongside the supersized bathrobes are all big pluses. Room service: Worth it?Room service is quick with a menu packed with comfort food, which after a session at the spa and a desire to get your calorie intake back up. Even cooler is the fact that I could order the signature Gainsborough cheese & bacon burger with perfect fries as if it was being served in the restaurant. Not cheap at £24, but large and so so good. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The spa therapist gets my vote. The 45-minute aqua massage I was given in the collonaded bathing pool beat almost any other massage I've ever had. My body twisted and glided in the mineral rich and naturally heated water supported by an expert who manipulated my spine, loosened my hips and propelled me, arms outstretched, through the water. Truly incredible. Anything stand out about other services and features?The spa and treatments as above. This is after all what you come here for. It makes a big difference too that the Gainsborough's treatment rooms are uncluttered by the usual detritus of faux serenity in most spas, there are no Balinese lanterns and the like, just simple, softly lit limestone and a beautiful atrium right in the centre. Plus the fine dining restaurant headed up by Dan Moon is well worth a visit, its menu using fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Bottom line: worth it?The spa treatments, comfort and the fact that it really does live up to its luxury billing makes the Gainsborough most definitely somewhere to remember." - Ramsay Short
"Furnished and finished by a New York-based design company, The Gainsborough is a 5* boutique hotel par excellence, and guests have access to the naturally mineral-rich thermal waters in the on-site spa. The Grade II-listed building also houses sympathetically restored period accommodation, decorated in soothing, muted neutral tones. As well as a restaurant run by a Michelin-starred chef, the Gainsborough also boasts. The Canvas Room, serving up traditional and Champagne afternoon teas, while the Gainsborough Bar specialises in innovative cocktails and fine wines. Based in the very middle of Bath, The Gainsborough is perfect for an indulgent weekend away." - My Boutique Hotel (en)
"Not much changes in Bath. It’s been one of England’s favorite holiday destinations for about two thousand years, and it’s well known for its architectural history, especially its famous Georgian crescents. But what’s old is new again; on the site of a 19th-century hospital, itself built atop a forgotten Roman-era bath, is the Gainsborough Bath Spa. After a very thorough (and architecturally sensitive) renovation, it’s by some distance the most luxurious lodging in town." - Tablet Hotels
"Bath has been known as a spa town since the 1st century AD, when the Romans revelled in its natural hot springs. But where to take the water today? The splendid Roman Baths are sadly not open to swimmers, and the Thermae Bath Spa is notoriously busy on weekends and holidays. Instead, stay at this luxurious Palladian townhouse. It’s crowning glory is a spa that taps into the city’s thermal waters, just as the Romans did, and includes pools, saunas and a steam room, all currently exclusively for guest use. Once you’ve got your kit back on, the rest of the hotel is a rather elegant affair. Rooms are pleasingly pared-back and modern, painted in cool blues and sporting big beds and sweeping views of the city. The Bath Spa rooms are an extra treat, with rolltop baths to luxuriate in if you haven’t quite done enough relaxing of a day. You’re in the centre of Roman Bath here (which is happily also the city centre today), next to the Thermae Bath Spa and around the corner from the Roman Baths. Milsom Street, Bath’s best address for shopping, is also close by. " - Sian Lewis
