What
The historic city of Bath – part Roman, part Georgian, and one of Britain's most charming and distinctive places for a weekend away – boasts its fair share of top-end hotels, but the Indigo is one of its very best for a plethora of reasons. Beautifully situated, a (Bath) stone's throw from the train station, the main attractions and the famous promenades and walks, the hotel occupies a number of adjacent Grade I-listed houses, which means in practice that visitors can expect beautifully appointed bedrooms with soaring ceilings, stylish public rooms and an atmosphere that mixes old-school splendour with decidedly contemporary quirk.
The Welcome
The first thing you notice on check-in is the sense that this is a boutique hotel first, chain second (Indigo is, in fact, owned by IHG). Staff, in Bath-appropriate uniform of jeans and waistcoats, are warm and easy, quick with suggestions on where to go and what to see. The tone is set immediately: a fireplace framed by low sofas and armchairs, above it a row of 18th-century portraits with a contemporary twist. It's a look that neatly captures the hotel's approach – historic, but with a lightness of touch.
The Rooms
The hotel's distinctive – and, in Bath, rather unusual – footprint means it can't simply knock buildings through. Instead, guests are often housed in a different townhouse from the one they check into, lending each stay a more private, almost residential feel. Each house has its own character: original Georgian features sit alongside a playful, modern scheme, with Bath-referential artwork that leans somewhere between Jane Austen and Pop Art.
All of which would count for a lot less if the rooms weren't quite so comfortable. Beds are by Hypnos – reliably excellent – while 40-inch televisions are there if you need them, though unlikely to detain you for long. In superior rooms, bathrooms are generously proportioned, with Victoria + Albert freestanding baths, rainfall showers, beautiful Biology products and a welcome sense of space. Thoughtful extras come as standard too: beer, wine and soft drinks in the fridge, along with tea, coffee and a well-judged stash of local biscuits.
Food and Drink
The hotel has two restaurants, Mike Robinson's serious (and seriously priced) destination spot The Elder, which specialises in game, and the more chilled-out and family-friendly alternative Brasserie Beau. We visited the latter for dinner, and it was a delight from start to finish, thanks to dishes that punched considerably above their weight. It helped that the room, with softly distressed green paint on the walls, has all the Georgian charm of the rest of the hotel, meaning that you half expect some periwigged fop to come in bearing the day's selection, rather than the (excellent) waiters.
Start with one of the fine cocktails – the Penicillin and Caribbean Honey come particularly highly recommended – and then enjoy yourself with a selection of perfectly cooked brasserie staples that might include superb game terrine or beetroot three ways to start, followed by spatchcock steak or rib-eye steak with perfect chips for a main. Our fish and chips-mad daughter was particularly pleased with her kid's portion (bigger than many we've had in less generous restaurants) and by the time that the meal concludes with superb rhubarb and apple crumble, it's hard not to feel that things are firing on all cylinders.
Breakfast is also served at the Brasserie Beau, and it's suitably generous-spirited, too. Guests can opt for one of the a la carte dishes – the eggs Florentine and bacon butties went down very well – or sample the well-stocked cold selection that includes pastries, charcuterie, fruit and (particularly good) mango yoghurt. We were also big fans of the fresh, local apple juice – delicious and demonstrative of attention to detail being part of the Indigo's real charm.
The Verdict
Bath has no shortage of grand – and more expensive – options available, but Hotel Indigo Bath holds its own with ease. We had a few very minor gripes – service at breakfast was on the slow side, although our waiter was suitably apologetic, and it can be a bit of a scrum at check-in and check-out because of the small space – but these pale into insignificance compared to what a pleasant, civilised and stylish stay this offers. You leave feeling rested, well looked after and, perhaps most importantly, inclined to return.
How Much
Room rates from £149.
Book it
The hotel is situated at South Parade, Bath, BA2 4AB, telephone 01225 460441 or [email protected]. Find more information about Hotel Indigo Bath online here.
FAQs: Hotel Indigo Bath
Where is Hotel Indigo Bath located?
Hotel Indigo Bath is located on South Parade, a quiet Georgian street in central Bath, just a short walk from Bath Spa train station. It's well placed for exploring the Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Spa and the city's main shopping streets.
Is Hotel Indigo Bath a good boutique hotel in Bath?
Yes – Hotel Indigo Bath offers the feel of a boutique hotel in Bath, with individually styled rooms set across Georgian townhouses, thoughtful design details and a more personal, residential atmosphere than many larger chains.
What are the rooms like at Hotel Indigo Bath?
Rooms combine period features with modern touches, including Hypnos beds, contemporary artwork and well-designed bathrooms. Some of the larger rooms feature freestanding baths, making them a good option for a more luxurious stay in Bath.
What restaurants are at Hotel Indigo Bath?
The hotel has two restaurants: The Elder, a destination restaurant specialising in game and seasonal British produce, and Brasserie Beau, a more relaxed brasserie serving classic dishes in a family-friendly setting.
How much does a stay at Hotel Indigo Bath cost?
Room rates at Hotel Indigo Bath typically start from around £149 per night, depending on availability, season and room type.
By Alexander Larman
