Dukes, Bath

• You'll stay in a Grade I-listed, 18th-century property on Great Pulteney Street, overlooking the city's grandest Georgian avenue (and a frequent filming location for Bridgerton).
• The location is ideal for exploring Bath's historic center on foot—you're within 5 minutes of the center while avoiding the city's famously steep climbs.
• Guest rooms feel elegant but never stuffy, with mock 18th-century antiques, floral drapes, and a soft, neutral palette; upgraded units add sitting areas or four-poster beds.
• All rooms include tea-making trays and electric kettles.
• The speakeasy-style downstairs bar is a cozy spot for predinner drinks or a quick nightcap; in summer, you can sip a spritz at tables and chairs in the courtyard garden.

• There's no elevator here, and upper-story rooms require climbing up to six flights of stairs.
• There are no accessible rooms, though ground-floor options may suit guests with limited mobility.
• Keep in mind that the rooms have no air-conditioning, though staff are happy to provide fans in warmer weather.

Authenticity

Dukes Baths joins two 18th-century Grade I-listed townhouses overlooking Great Pulteney Street, the city's grandest (and widest) avenue. The facade still looks much the same as it did over 200 years ago, but current owners Ian and Christa Taylor let their personality shine through in the interiors, with bold prints, tasteful modern art pieces, and colorful light installations adding some quirky character to the otherwise simple, Georgian-inspired common areas. Add inviting guest rooms named after notorious British dukes and reached via two creaky staircases, and the overall effect is homey and charming—more elevated bed-and-breakfast than slick boutique hotel.

Location

You'll stay on the corner of Edward and Great Pulteney streets, a magnificent address that's served as a frequent backdrop for period drama shoots, including Bridgerton (you'll spot the Holburne Museum, aka Lady Danbury's house, just down the street). It's a short—and blessedly flat—stroll to cross the covered Pulteney Bridge into the historic center, and you can reach landmarks like the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey in under 10 minutes on foot. Bath Spa train station is an easy 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride south and connects with London Paddington in under 90 minutes.

Rooms & Bathrooms

All of the hotel's 17 rooms are furnished in a simple, elegant style, with mock 18th-century furniture, floral drapes, patterned wallpapers, and cream carpets that complement the historic surroundings without feeling stuffy. The smallest units sit on the top floor; upgrade to a Cosy King for more space and fewer stairs, or book a Superior King to add a sitting area and the best views. Splurge on the Four-Poster Suite for the grandest Georgian proportions (including soaring ceilings and large sash windows). Bathrooms are modern and tiled, but vary by room, from small corner showers to large shower/bath combos. 

Amenities

You won't find much in the way of modern amenities here beyond several attractive sitting rooms and a small downstairs bar with squishy leather chairs and colorful French film posters. Breakfast isn't included in the rate, but it's well regarded by past guests, with both a continental buffet and cooked-to-order dishes served in a sunny yellow lower-ground-floor dining room. Outside, the good-sized courtyard garden is a nice perk for warmer weather.

Family-Friendliness

Children are welcome at Dukes Bath, though the lack of an elevator means families with young children may want to avoid the upper-story rooms. Children 12 and over are charged as adults, and beds can be added to larger rooms for an additional cost. Deluxe Suites offer the most room for families, combining a king bed with two futons to sleep four comfortably.