The recently reopened Doubletree Hilton may not be housed in the most beautiful building in Bath – actually, it was voted ‘Bath’s ugliest building’ – but it is decidedly sparkling after a £10.1 million refurbishment. The reception area is bright and so spacious it’s almost minimalist, so the COVID social distancing measures have been unobtrusively put into place.
And it does have a superbly central location on the artisanal Walcot Street where incidentally Sarecens Head, the oldest pub in Bath is located. The bonus is that the hotel backs right onto the banks of River Avon. Ask for a room which a view over the river. Here was mine:
As chain hotels go, the Doubletree Hilton is a reliable provider of the trio of must-haves: comfort, cleanliness and service.
An appealing reception has pleasant staff to welcome guests. When admin is over, guests are offered warm chocolate chip cookies and a pack of disinfectant wipes.
Who for?
Everyone and anyone.
Accommodation
There are 176 en-suite (some have showers and other baths) rooms in this low rise building offering contemporary decorated and calming muted colours. There are several configurations, for instance, two double beds or a double bed tailed with a sofa and so on. Some have amazing views over the Avon River and Bath.
Naturally, there’s tea and coffee and four-star mod cons. Everything just works.
Food & Drink
There are three areas to eat and drink. The bar area has bar stools and easy seating where you can fritter away some time over a tipple or two. It is attached to a restaurant where the chef serves cuisine that has more than a hint of Asian hints. And where a buffet breakfast is served.
Afternoon tea can be taken in Secret Garden – a colourful Orangerie – where you can sip a cuppa while enjoying river views.
There’s also a cafe area opposite the reception area.
Facilities
The hotel has a small but well-equipped gym and meeting rooms for conventions and business get-togethers. There is parking nearby at the Podium but it doesn’t belong to the hotel. However, the hotel has negotiated a deal of £17 for the duration of your stay.
Wi-Fi available
Yes, it’s free throughout the hotel.
What’s nearby
Bath is a compact city and from the arty Walcote Street – which is itself worth checking out – it is an easy walk to the Roman Baths and the magnificent Abbey. The Thermae Bath Spa is close too where you can have a dip into the thermal healing waters that Bath is so famous for. The famous Pulteney Bridge is also just a stone’s throw away.