Last updated on March 18, 2020
With its Georgian charm, characterful rooms and Michelin-starred restaurant (the only one in Bath), this proudly independent 4-star boutique hotel delivers the most civilised stay in Bath.
Bath is easily one of my favourite cities in the UK, and one of those cities I’ve often imagined myself living in.
At times you feel as though you are in Paris, the butterscotch buildings glowing gold at sundown. Other times, as though you are in Cambridge or Oxford – a world of wizards and scholars, of sense and sensibility.
So if you’re planning a trip to Bath and thinking about staying at the Queensberry boutique hotel – which you absolutely should be – here are a few thoughts and photos that I hope will help you imagine how you might feel during your stay.
The Vibe
Housed within the honey-hued walls of three historic Georgian houses, the Queensberry Hotel offers an instant hit of everything that makes Bath so beautiful.
It still feels Georgian, too. Old, grand and handsome. Sophisticated yet homely.
It is distinctively “Bath”, exactly the sort of limestone building you visit this beautiful part of the world to admire.
And then, as a guest, you also have the good fortune of being able to step inside, where it still feels more like a home than a hotel – albeit the home of some very wealthy “friends in the city”.
This is largely down to the fact that the hotel is owned and operated by husband and wife team Laurence and Helen Beere.
The couple and their team are clearly very passionate about the project. Each space, every detail, has been carefully considered.
They both worked for big corporate hotel groups before opening their own boutique hotel, and it seems they really revel in the joys of running an independent business. No head-office to call the shots, and the freedom to offer a more direct, personable level of service.
The greeting at the door – Valet parking? Yes please! – the complimentary tea and coffee in the communal lounge on the ground floor, the modern-but-sympathetic furnishings and plush wallpapers.
Yes, I think that’s it… it’s the attention to detail, the nuance, the thought that’s gone into it all – that’s what makes the Queensberry Hotel so unique and welcoming.
The Location
The Queensberry Hotel is located right in the heart of Bath, but set back just enough from the thick of the city that it feels calm and peaceful.
To walk into the centre of the city – via cobbled alleyways filled with cutesy cafes and trendy wine bars that you find yourself making mental notes of “for later” – takes just a few minutes.
The Roman baths, Royal Crescent, Circus, and Jane Austin Centre are all just a gentle stroll away from the hotel.
See my full guide on the most ‘Blissful Things to Do in Bath ~ A 1 or 2 Day Guide’ for more tips on what to see in Bath.
It is, undeniably, the perfect location for anyone visiting Bath, whether for the first or fiftieth time.
The Service
I felt like someone worth being as the staff opened the door for me and liberated me of my bags.
I felt like I’d arrived at a friend’s house – at a really rich friend’s house.
I felt like, well… like I’d arrived.
After handing over my car key to the valet, I was shown through the hotel’s storied corridors – the layout of one 5-story Georgian house is quirky enough as it is, but when you combine three of them – to my sumptuous room (28) on the fourth floor.
And this quiet, efficient and professional service continued for the duration of my stay. From asking for ice at the bar –“I’ll bring it up to your room” – to the stellar dining experience I had in the hotel’s Olive Tree restaurant (more on this below), I was very impressed and content.
The Food & Drink
Breakfast
The hotel’s breakfast buffet of fresh fruit, pastries, cereals and juices is quite a sight to see first thing morning, as is the full menu of cooked-to-order delights.
I recommend going for the full English, with extra toast and as much of the excellent coffee as you can manage.
You’ll be ready to explore the city in no time.
Lunch/Dinner at The Olive Tree
The Queensberry Hotel is well known in and around Bath, not only because of its guest accommodation, but also because it’s home to the city’s only Michelin starred restaurant – Olive Tree.
Overseen by head chef Chris Cleghorn, the Olive Tree is a small and cosy space in which to explore creative dishes and one of the best wine pairings I’ve ever had.
Order à la carte or take my advice and treat yourself to one of the impressive tasting menus.
Dishes draw on local ingredients, with combinations like raw orkney scallops with horseradish, pink grapefruit and dill, and fallow deer with celeriac, pickled elderberries, bitter chocolate and cabbage.
The service in the restaurant is worthy of note, deftly delivered by a team of passionate professionals who really know their stuff.
These guys more than deserve their Michelin star.
Old Q Bar
Overlooking a leafy internal courtyard (where you can sit and muse on a sunny day), the tiny Old Q Bar is a charming and undeniably stylish space in which to sup cocktails before or after dinner.
This is also the place to relax with hearty sandwiches and wraps, a pot of tea or bottle of wine at lunch, perhaps…
How does Wiltshire ham with Westcombe cheddar, lettuce and tomato chutney sound?
Or a glazed pulled pork wrap with dill creme fraiche?
That’ll do me.
There’s also another cosy and extremely stylish snug next door – the sort of snug that inspires one to pick up a novel or recite poetry. And other things…
The Rooms & Suites
As with all great boutique hotels, the Queensberry’s rooms are all uniquely decorated. No two rooms are the same.
What they all do share, however, is a strong sense of timeless style, comfort and luxury.
I loved the huge bathtub and even bigger bed.
The funky squirrel and swallow wallpaper gave it the air of a “modern manor house”, while the DAB radio playing Classic FM made me feel far more grown up and sophisticated than usual.
The rooms – Club, Classic Double, Four Poster suite – range in size and lavishness, so you can be sure to find something to suit your budget.
Available from around £100 a night, which is not bad at all.
Verdict
I think you visit Bath to take it easy, to relax and indulge a little. And if that’s what you plan on doing, the Queensberry Hotel is certain to impress – especially if you get to eat in the Olive Tree (which I would highly recommend).
The service is spot on, the rooms are all excellent and the location couldn’t be more convenient for exploring the city.
It’s not merely a base from which to explore the city of Bath, but part of the overall experience – a direct link to local life and everything it entails. A sort of cultural homestay, only in 4-star Georgian luxury.
And I for one can’t imagine a better way to get to know one of my favourite cities in the UK.
By the way, even if you don’t stay at the Queensberry Hotel in Bath, I’d still recommend popping by for a drink in the Old Q Bar and lunch or dinner in the Olive Tree restaurant (be sure to book ahead).
Make it Happen
Doubles available from around £100 (breakfast not included £20).
Check availability and book here.
Address: Russel Street, Bath, BA1 2QF, UK
Phone: 01225 985086
Email: reservations@thequeensberry.co.uk
Website: www.thequeensberry.co.uk
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More from Bath
See my full guide on the most ‘Blissful Things to Do in Bath ~ A 1 or 2 Day Guide’ for more tips on what to see in Bath.
Note: I was invited to stay at the Queensberry Hotel in Bath, but all opinions and photos in this post are 100% my own.
