After visiting Bath quite a few times and exploring all of the areas, I have learned a lot about dos and don’ts for this little city. The most important ones are on where to stay in Bath so you’re close to everything without the noise of the city.
Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a week, it’s super important that you’re in a good part of the city. This is especially true since the city has gotten much busier over the years, and the prices have jumped a lot too.
It can be really easy to end up spending a lot on a place that isn’t really that good, so I want to share the best value accommodations for a visitor. If you are figuring out where to stay on a trip to Bath, then keep reading to learn which accommodation will work best for you.
TLDR: If you just want one solid recommendation and don’t want to overthink it, Harington’s Boutique Hotel is one of the best overall hotels in Bath for location and quality.
What to know before booking a hotel in Bath
Bath is a super convenient spot to visit with Bristol Airport situated right nearby, and all 5 of London’s airports only a few hours away. If you’re flying in, I would definitely recommend flying to Bristol if you can. The airport is only about 30 minutes away from Bath, while London is around 2 hours by car.
Once you arrive in Bath, getting around is surprisingly easy if you plan it right. The public transport is really good, with a lot of buses that run frequently. They often need to stop at the same station in the center though, so they aren’t very fast. Keep that in mind when planning where to stay!
That being said, if you want to explore beyond the city of Bath, then you are going to need a car. I always book through DiscoverCars. The platform is like a search engine for car rentals, so you can find the best price available in whichever area you are flying into.
Bath is very car-friendly, especially if you want to explore beyond the city. There is also tons of parking, although it is generally paid so make sure you’re reading the signs.
The time of year definitely plays a big role in how busy Bath gets. The summer is the busiest time to visit (and the weather is the nicest), but December is also very busy with the markets.
Bath is picturesque all year round, so there really isn’t a bad time to visit. Plus, Southern England is generally quite temperate most times of the year. It was very rarely below freezing, but it also doesn’t get very hot, so make sure you have a variety of clothes.
Where to stay in Bath by budget
Bath doesn’t have a lot of accommodation options, so the prices are not very competitive. This is especially true if you’re booking at the last minute.
That’s why I would recommend booking early to get the best place to visit, and to find somewhere to stay that is within budget.
Spending slightly more usually gets you a much better location and experience. These options balance price, comfort, and location at every level to save you time and money overall.
Backpacker Stay (generally under $50/night) $
Bath Backpackers – very close to the center
The most popular hostel in downtown Bath (although there isn’t a lot of competition). It’s located very close to downtown, so most things are within walking distance. They also have a great kitchen to cook your own meals and a bunch of room options.
Bath Backpackers is a great choice for solo travelers or backpackers who want to be central and amongst a good community.
YHA Bath Hostel
A gorgeous backpacker hostel located next to a golf course in central bath. This hostel is located a bit further away, but what it lacks in location, it makes up for in beauty. The building and grounds are amazing, and it even has a charity mission that you help contribute to by staying there!
YHA Bath Hostel is a great choice if you want to stay in the city for a good price and meet other travelers.
Budget Hotels (private rooms without the splurge) $$
The Z Hotel Bath
Located within a 5 minute walk to downtown, this hotel is the perfect choice if you are looking for value. The rooms are very basic, and while they may not be very big, they are a solid place to stay. It is also very quiet in spite of the central location.
The Z Hotel is ideal for first-time visitors on a budget who want to walk everywhere.
Best Western Limpley Stoke Hotel
Affordable options are harder to come by in Bath, but this hotel offers really great value. It is located outside further outside of town, but that makes it super quiet. There are a ton of room options to choose from, but the grounds are beautiful for every visitor.
Best Western Limpley is a great choice if you’re visiting Bath with a car and don’t want to jump to mid-range pricing.
