Hotel Indigo Bath perfectly located in the heart of Bath
Set in a beautiful honey-coloured Georgian terrace is boutique Hotel Indigo, Bath. This incredible Grade I listed building is steeped in history and sits in the peaceful street of South Parade, just a few steps from the centre of Bath. Surrounded by culture, Bath is famous for romance, literature, and historic architecture; Hotel Indigo is a great base to explore this wonderful city.
Hotel Indigo Bath has been a massive project – four years in the making. Originally built by John Wood the Elder, the city’s premier Georgian architect, the native Bath stone remains in perfect condition, and the wide pavement in front of the terrace was designed for the classic Georgian pastime: promenading.
Indigo – an InterContinental Hotels Group brand that promises boutique-style, individual properties reflecting their locations – has really gone to town with the Georgian theme of this beautiful Bath hotel. In the reception and lounge area sit Regency-style portraits and animals dressed in military costumes. The overall design truly brings the old and new together: modern, decadent chandeliers, brightly printed carpets, historical prints of Bath, old keys discovered during the building work, and architectural prints.
The 166 rooms have been perfectly designed with you and the city in mind. They are themed, such as Romance and Mischief rooms with playing card motifs in prints on the walls and bedside tables. Literary Hideaway Rooms (mainly attic standard rooms) feature incredibly intricate headboards with reproduction books on Bath and the West Country. Nature-themed Garden Rooms are in a modern block at the rear of the property, and the brand-new suites in vaults have recently opened underneath South Parade’s pavement.
Each room is modern and stylish, truly reflecting the influences of the architects and novelists who made Bath famous for its storytelling and passionate social scene. After a long day exploring this beautiful city, the huge bath topped off a wonderful day and was thoroughly appreciated. The stylish bathrooms have patterned or white tiling and large glass rainforest showers. Larger premium rooms feature both a walk-in shower and roll-top tub. Modern conveniences include a mini-fridge with complimentary soft drinks, a Nespresso machine with coffee and milk, free Wi-Fi, lovely toiletries, and more.
Unfortunately, during my visit, their sought-after restaurant, The Elder, was closed for refurbishments. However, I managed a peek at the décor. The Elder occupies intimate dining rooms with mustard-coloured banquettes and stuffed animals on green panelled walls. Although operated separately from the hotel, it feels seamlessly integrated. The Elder is the brainchild of Mike Robinson, one of Britain’s leading authorities on wild food and game. His infectious personality and passion for sustainable wild food have converted more than one vegetarian. Mike is co-owner of The Harwood Arms in Fulham, London’s only Michelin-starred pub, specialising in game and wild food, and owner of Robinson Wild Foods, a specialist supplier of the best venison to 15 of London’s finest restaurants.
Alongside Mike, Group Head Chef Gavin Edney oversees the development of the team and menus at The Elder and its sister restaurants, The Woodsman in Stratford-upon-Avon and The Forge in Chester. The Elder uses only ethical, sustainable producers from as local an area as possible; they know the farmers, foragers, and fishermen supplying the game and wild food. They also have their own huntsman managing wild deer over large estates within 40 miles, where venison is processed at their own larder, plus a private kitchen garden curated by their chefs.
Throughout my short but oh-so-sweet stay, the front-of-house team was eager and super knowledgeable about the hotel and Bath itself. Although there is no spa – which many seek on a weekend break – the hotel has an affiliate partnership with the uber-popular Thermae Bath Spa, just five minutes away. It features a Minerva thermal bath, open-air rooftop pool, steam room, infrared room, ice chamber, and relaxation room.
For the perfect mid-week break, weekend staycation, birthday trip, or whatever you may be celebrating, look no further than Hotel Indigo Bath.
**Contact Details**
A: 2-8 South Parade, Bath BA2 4AB
T: 01225 460441
W: Hotel Indigo Bath
