Review: No. 15 Great Pulteney, Bath

_Location: This boutique hotel sits on one of the grandest roads in Bath, in a towering, listed Georgian townhouse. Just a few minutes’ walk from historic Pulteney Bridge and the bustling city centre, it’s perfectly situated for guests to enjoy the abundance of artisan bars and restaurants that Bath has to offer, while still feeling worlds away from the modern high street.

_{First impressions:} Stepping out of my car feels like walking straight into a scene from Bridgerton. Magnificent stone Georgian townhouses line both sides of the wide thoroughfare, but No.15 stands out with a profusion of spring flowers blooming in an arch around the front door, spilling down the steps onto the pavement. The entrance hall has an eclectic array of paintings and some spectacular chandeliers. Staff are on hand to help immediately, and even with face masks it’s easy to see their wide smiles.

_{The facts:} The property was fully renovated in 2020-21 after coming under new ownership. The majority of its 37 rooms are in the main building, with several in the separate Coach House. Each of the quirky rooms is slightly different, but all have a Nespresso machine, a Dyson hairdryer and a record player with a selection of vinyls – plus the option to raid the hotel’s extensive record collection in the bar while trying one of No.15’s signature cocktails. I recommend the Lavender Sour.

_{The food:} Fresh, seasonal produce is the cornerstone of the menu in the main restaurant, which has a cosy, intimate feel. Dishes are classic and packed with flavour, with plenty of choice. After Old Spot bath chaps (pork cheek) with a delicious apple and bacon jam to start, we chose a mountain of mussels and juicy sea bass served with lentils. The homemade fries are a must-try, perfectly crispy on the outside, squidgy in the middle and deliciously salty.

_Wow: The basement spa is a real haven. Guests can pad down from their rooms wearing robes and slippers (made from recycled plastic bottles) to enjoy a treatment from the extensive menu. All products are organic, vegan, and both sustainably and ethically sourced. Along with the usual massage and facial treatments on offer, there are a selection of ‘rituals’ – a combination of wellness-focused elements with a specific goal. I opted for the ‘lessen your stress’ ritual; a neck, back and shoulder massage, followed by a facial and scalp massage. I left feeling like a huge weight had been lifted.

_{Book it:} Room rates start from £162 on a room-only basis.

Guesthousehotels.com