You might have seen my travel guide to Bath last week, well today I’m going to focus on a review of No.15 by GuestHouse – the boutique townhouse hotel where I stayed during my mini city break.
Part of the GuestHouse hotel group, No.15 by GuestHouse promises elegance and modern refinement, with 37 rooms set in a graceful Georgian townhouse located on a historic street once used by Netflix series Bridgerton. The spaces perfectly blend the traditional with the contemporary – pairing the backdrop of Bath’s history with an understated, simple aesthetic. It feels like a quiet haven in the city, especially if you’re hidden away in one of the rooftop rooms as I was, with snapshot views out onto the chimney pots and dormer roofs of Bath. There’s period details galore, but with a side of playful creativity, from the miniature townhouses that conceal the tea and coffee facilities to the communal Pantry where guests can help themselves to snacks and sweets.
All images Cate St Hill
Each bedroom at No.15 by GuestHouse is unique, from bijou attic rooms, through eclectic guest rooms decorated by different designers, to the generous Gothic-inspired Coach House behind the main building. They all feature Hypnos mattresses, 200-thread count Egyptian cotton-linen sheets, Nespresso machines, Dyson hairdryers, flat screen TVs and vintage style record players.
I stayed in one of their Henrietta rooms. Designed by Martin Hulbert Design, these pared-back, minimalist sanctuaries feature wood panelling, modern furniture and tactile, thoughtful details. I loved the simple material palette, from the upholstered four poster bed to the relaxed jute rugs and rustic vintage stools. It just all felt effortlessly pulled together, with every detail carefully thought over. As soon as I closed the door and sunk into the huge bed I felt instantly calmer, with Classic FM on the radio and a cup of tea in hand.
After a peaceful night’s sleep (a rare thing for a mother of a one year old let me tell you), I ordered breakfast in bed – surely the most heavenly luxury of all! Still in my dressing gown, I enjoyed fluffy pancakes with berry compote and Greek yoghurt, with coffee and an accompanying fruit salad. There were plenty of tempting alternatives I could have had, such as toasted crumpets with Marmite butter or wild mushrooms on toast. I’ll have to come back again to sample something else from their menu.
I only stayed one night so I didn’t get a chance to try the subterranean spa, which offers bespoke massages and targeted ‘rituals’ as they call them, all using vegan, organic skincare products. I particularly like the sound of the ‘Lessen Your Stress’ ritual, which starts with a targeted massage before leading onto a full organic facial and a scalp massage. I mean, I feel relaxed even just thinking about the possibility. No.15 by GuestHouse, I’ll be back soon.
Rooms at No.15 by GuestHouse start from £129, book here