Blending the best of regal architecture with the charismatic creativity of contemporary design, here’s why the modern explorer will love a weekend getaway with Hotel Indigo Bath
Step across Hotel Indigo Bath’s elegant threshold and prepare to feel like you’ve wandered into someone’s rather plush living room. Soft velvety sofas, artwork that combines flamboyance with traces of portraits past and furnishings in the form of enormous golden chandeliers, wooden clocks, delicate-looking vases and the odd spot of feathered taxidermy. Powder blue walls are a feature you’ll find throughout the 166-bedroom property – as is the friendly and approachable service from the team waiting at the front desk.
This central stay, located on South Parade just minutes from Bath Abbey puts the boujee in boutique hotels. Spaces are luxuriously sleek, with microdoses of frivolity interwoven throughout to remind a guest that Bath is a city that’s been built for romance, relaxation and a memorable rendezvous ever since its Roman inception in the first century AD.
All meals are served in adjoining independent restaurant The Elder, where fine dining delights beckon to be sampled and savoured. Much like the surrounding hills of Somerset, prices are on the steeper side (but worth it for the skill-led gourmet artistry served with every menu item). Created by restaurateur Mike Robinson (you might recognise his name from The Harwood Arms in Fulham, London’s only Michelin-starred pub) and Executive Head Chef Gavin Edney, The Elder and its 42 covers showcase just how fantastic – and sustainable – contemporary British cooking can be. Far from being a traditional haughty establishment, this petite restaurant makes fine dining feel friendly – decked out with high ceilings, sumptuous furnishings and sage green walls.
Breakfast is also served within The Elder’s elegant surroundings, but avoid the inevitable queues by pulling yourself out of bed early to beat the rush from half the hotel’s occupants trying to take the buffet and a la carte options for a toast drive. PLUS: read our full restaurant here.
The Room
There are a variety of room categories to choose from, starting from a ‘Standard’ and ‘Superior’ all the way up to larger ‘Premium’ rooms and Suites. There’s also newly-launched 18th century underground Vault rooms, completing the final stage of the hotel’s multi-million-pound major restoration project and for groups seeking utmost seclusion, the option of hiring an entire nearby private townhouse.
I stay in a Superior room, a wow-worthy abode that opens to reveal a statuesque high ceiling, tall windows fit for a giant flanked by geometric-patterned curtains and an incredible kingsize bed paired with a blue velvet headboard and plump pillows.
In the black and white tiled spa-inspired bathroom, crème de la crème fittings are complimented by a rain shower that pours down from the ceiling, as well as full-size Bramley toiletries, a clever map of Bath etched into the window and the staycation staple – a free-standing bath lingering in the corner for a longer dose of self-care. Like the rest of the hotel, modernity mingles with essence of old to create a fun meets lavish space.
Tiny details (of course) complete the experience. Further exploration of the room reveals a Nespresso machine, tea making facilities and a complimentary mini bar thoughtfully-stocked with wine cans, canned water and popcorn – all the essentials required for a posh pick-me-up.
Things to try
1 No visit to Bath could be complete without well, a visit to the Roman Baths. Whether you’re a history buff or simply a fan of inspiring places, book a tour and wander through the different 2,000-year-old areas to marvel at the Roman’s forward thinking design. romanbaths.co.uk
2 Housed in the Assembly Rooms near the Royal Crescent, visit The Fashion Museum for a snapshot into style from eons past and modern day attire. fashionmuseum.co.uk
3 Coffee, avocado toast and cakes as far as the tummy can see. There are plenty of cafes in Bath, but none quite so adorable as Good Day Cafe, where endless quirky details will have you peering around for hours, including cacti pots dedicated to different staff members, beautiful wall art and bathrooms that are twinned with a latrine in South Sudan to help support communities that need it most. gooddaycoffee.co.uk
4 Save time (and room) for feast at The Bath Townhouse, Coppa Club, the newly-opened restaurant featuring all-day dining that’ll leave you licking your lips for more. On sunny days, sit outside and soak up Bath’s beautiful city centre with a frothy coffee in tow. coppaclub.co.uk/the-bath-townhouse
The Wordrobe Verdict
A boutique hotel absolutely brimming with personality and energetic ambience, explore Bath in sumptuous style for your next weekend getaway with Hotel Indigo Bath. The rooms are swish, the staff are swift – and best of all, the dishes will leave you suitably stuffed until check-out.
Make it happen
Where: 2-8 S Parade, Bath BA2 4AB
How: Find out more and make a booking via bath.hotelindigo.com
Cost: Rooms start from £149.00 per night, based on two people sharing.
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
