The Which?
Guide to Good Hotels 2005

Laurence and Helen have made an impressive debut as owners at this smart town hotel, well positioned for the sights of Bath. Not that they are debutantes in the hotel business-just the ownership part. And all that experience is being put to good use: a new restaurant (brand new, right down to the cutlery) has given the hotel a plusher, more contemporary feel, with leather seating, modish lighting and abstract art. Reassuringly however, image is not everything - the basics are done well and the marmalade is still home-made.

The a la carte evening menu covers a lot of ground: artfully modern fish dishes feature among the main courses, but desserts such as toffee-apple bread and butter pudding lend some traditional depth.

The bar and reception lounge looked tired when we inspected, but plans are afoot to sweep these into the twenty-first century too. Bedrooms are comfortable with stylish touches and excellent bathrooms.