QUEENSBERRY HOTEL

Handsome townhouse hotel in the heart of Georgian Bath

BANG IN THE HEART OF GEORGIAN Bath, The Queensberry sits in an enviable location minutes from all the city’s historic attractions. Occupying four classic Georgian terraced houses, it takes its name from the Marquess of Queensberry.

Step inside, and it’s soon apparent that this smart Bath boutique hotel’s contemporary styling stays brilliantly in tune with the building’s period setting. The Queensberry’s high 18th century stucco ceilings, wooden balustrades, cornices and wood panelling are deftly set off by modern watercolours, suede sofas, leather-back chairs and restful colour combos with the odd vivid splash.

Modern simplicity mixes effortlessly with the heritage surrounds. You might spot a lime green sofa with coffee coloured cushions set against a taupe wall, burgundy velvet cushions on a cream bedspread or bright orange vases flanking a Baroque style mirror. All very chic.

Biscuit and ivory

The Queensberry's 29 bedrooms – which have the pleasing informality of staying with an eminently stylish friend –  are all different. Soothing shades of ivory, biscuit and chocolate are accented with splashes of terracotta, charcoal and earthy greens, boldly patterned wallpaper or jazzy rugs. Fluffy robes and Egyptian cotton sheets ramp up the comfort factor.

Sleek white and chrome bathrooms – some with freestanding baths and his-and-hers basins – are stocked with White Company toiletries, while technics include a CD player, flatscreen TV, Ipod dock and DAB digital radio. Suites – each stylishly different – have expansive sofas where you can be as slothful as you like.

Downstairs, you’ll find cosy lounges where fires burn in winter, a well stocked bar and a secluded walled garden perfect for al fresco cocktails (or in my case a pre-dinner Scotch). That's not forgetting The Queensberry’s Olive Tree restaurant, feted as one of the best in the West Country. Paul Burrows' award-winning modern British cuisine was unquestionably the high point of our stay – made even better by helpful and friendly staff.


The Queensberry Hotel was reviewed for Room for Romance by Jonathan Hewitt

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
Settle into the sleek suede banquettes of the Queensberry’s Olive Tree restaurant, one of Bath’s top dining-out addresses, for a taste of innovative modern British cuisine.

Head chef Paul Burrows and his brigade use freshest local ingredients, and great choices include rump of Wiltshire lamb with pearl barley and red wine risotto and caper and shallot butter, venison in cider vinegar and Wiltshire pork belly with plum fritters. Round off as we did with the delectable chocolate cheesecake – and make time to savour the excellent 21-page wine list.

Breakfast
Full breakfast (charged extra) is served until 10am (10:30 on Sundays).

Room service
Available from midday till 10pm.




See & Do
Soak in the rooftop waters of Thermae Bath Spa to see why the Romans made such as fuss about Aquae Sulis (Bath’s ancient name), then tour the original Roman baths around the corner. Stroll around Royal Crescent and The Circus – Bath’s architectural masterpieces – and call into the Fashion museum at the famous Assembly Rooms. Jane Austen fans should head for the museum of the same name, and art lovers will find plenty of appealing galleries.

Diary Dates
July
Sample the best of locally produced fare at the Taste of Bath Festival in Victoria Park.

May - June
Bath comes alive during the Bath Music festival with street parties, parades and music for every taste.

GETTING THERE

Location
Russel Street, Bath BA1 2QF

Parking
There is free guest parking, and a valet parking service.

Trains
Bath Spa station - one mile

Taxis
GBP 5 from the station

Airport
Bristol International – 15 miles

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
GBP 115 - 425

Open/closed
Open all year

Check-in
2pm

Check-out
11:30am

Minimum night stay?
Two nights at weekends

Children
Welcome

Pets
No

Air conditioning
No

Wedding license?
No