Best Hotels for Families in Bath, England

Although Gainsborough Bath Spa exudes elegance and maturity, it also caters to well-heeled families with cribs, children's menus, and available babysitting services. Entry-level rooms measure about 280 square feet (suites provide more than double the amount of space) and all rooms have flat-screen televisions with Sky Sports TV, free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, electric kettles, and minibars stocked with free snacks, soda, and bottled water. Gainsborough is one of only two hotels on this list located in the heart of Bath -- and it's the only one that pairs a convenient location with top-notch luxury. 

This relaxed country escape is one of the best hotels for families in Bath -- just note that kids must be at least four years old. For families with kids that meet the age requirements, though, it offers lovely rooms with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi. The Garden Suite (Family Room) with Garden Access has a small bedroom off of the master with a twin bed, plus toys and books in the closet. In the bathroom there is a separate soaking tub and walk-in rainfall shower. The separate Coach House has two bedrooms (one with two twin beds), two bathrooms (one with a bathtub), a full kitchen with a breakfast nook, French doors leading to garden patios, and common areas. The Coach House has laundry facilities, and the hotel offers wash-and-fold laundry service to all guests for no additional fee. A delicious farm-to-table style breakfast is also free.

Of course there's nothing fancy about it, but this budget chain hotel's clean interiors and convenient location make for a good value. (The only other kid-friendly hotel we found in central Bath is the super-luxurious Gainsborough, where nightly rates are usually about double what they are here.) Opposite a charming square in historic Bath's city center, this 108-room hotel is ideally placed for visiting everything from the world-famous Roman Baths to the lively shops and food scene. Air-conditioned rooms are generic but functional with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and pristine bathrooms with tubs. Most room types come with a sofa bed that can sleep an additional person, and Family Rooms are also available. The buffet breakfast at the on-site restaurant gets positive reviews; kids under 16 eat free when accompanied by a paying adult. Note that parking costs a fee and is off-site. 

A 10-minute walk from the heart of Bath, Brooks Guesthouse feels more like a private residence than the bed-and-breakfast/boutique hotel hybrid that it is. Its 22 rooms are individually decorated, and come with flat-screen TVs (DVD players and DVDs are available at reception), radios with iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi, though guests occasionally complain it's spotty. Rooms come in a range of sizes, and can accommodate even large families. Guests rave about the daily breakfast which includes free cold items like granola, yogurt, and fruit, plus cooked-to-order options for an extra fee. (Premier Inn's breakfast isn't free for parents, but its central location wins it a higher ranking.)

The Edgar Townhouse is a budget bed-and-breakfast with modern style and comfy rooms. The hotel sits on a quiet, picturesque Bath street, within 10 minutes' walking distance of the city center and Roman Baths. Four of the 18 rooms are Family Rooms; all units feature classy, contemporary decor; en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs; and free Wi-Fi. Guests should note there is no elevator and basement-level rooms can be noisy. All rates include well-reviewed breakfast options, and the hotel offers street parking permits for a reasonable cost. The atmosphere is friendly and informal, attracting a mix of couples and families who don't mind being slightly removed from Bath's hub.

In the small market town of Radstock, not far from Bath, the 18th-century Radstock Hotel is every inch the traditional coaching inn. It's more of a pub with rooms, as everything revolves around its old-fashioned pub-style bar. The pub atmosphere and few facilities make the Radstock better suited to couples than families, but it deserves a mention here since it features a playground and a Family Room, which has a double and twin beds and a tub in the bathroom. All rooms include flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, with a well-reviewed cooked-to-order breakfast included in the rates. Free cookies are a nice touch. Kids might also dig the quirky skittle alley (variety of bowling) with its pool table and dart board, but this can be a locals' scene at night.