The Ayrlington

The Ayrlington is a cozy bed-and-breakfast situated in an elegant late-1800s Victorian building made of Bath stone and set on a large, walled-in lawn. Indeed, the yard itself is one of this property's unique features -- it has big swaths of green space dotted with bench seating, an ivy-covered pergola, and Asian-inspired rock gardens. Inside, decor is homey and traditional, and a 2014 renovation upgraded the property while preserving original architectural features. A grand arched doorway leads guests into a spacious entryway with an ornate corniced ceiling and large stairway set off by a beautiful carved wood banister. The lounge feels like the living room of a country estate with a fireplace (which is often in use), a bay window, plaid drapes, and a small bar. Wood tables are paired with button-tufted armchairs, beige couches, and plaid accent pillows. English hunting and game pictures comprise much of the framed artwork, and both English and Asian antiques are showcased throughout the property. As an English Heritage listed building, Ayrlington lacks some features that are typical of higher-pearl properties -- for example, there's no elevator or air-conditioning, although rooms may make use of small, portable AC units. The hotel attracts leisure travelers, particularly couples, and many repeat guests.

The Ayrlington is situated on a busy main road dotted with hotels. While not in the heart of the city, it's convenient to Bath -- The Roman Baths and Bath Abby are about a 10-minute walk over Pulteney Bridge, which arches over the River Avon. The property is also close to sporting venues -- the Bath rugby stadium and cricket club are each about a five-minute walk. The city's main train station, where Londoners can depart at Paddington Station and arrive in Bath in 90 minutes, is a twelve-minute walk, while Bristol Airport is about an hour away via public transit or 40 minutes by car. 

Traditional decor features heavily in The Ayrlington's individually styled guest rooms, but they vary vastly in size and detail. Smaller Standard Rooms are simplest with country decor: floral drapes, plaid bedcovers, and velvety button-tufted chairs. But some of the upgraded rooms can be quite spectacular with vintage wood furniture, four-poster beds, fireplaces, velvety headboards, and other special features. Bathrooms can also become extensively better with room category — entry-level bathrooms can feel simple and even a bit dated in style, while upgraded bathrooms can be quite modern, outfitted with marbled tiling and walk-in showers. Many of the upgraded rooms are beautifully themed. The Orchid Room pairs relief wainscoting with elegant blue wallpaper topped in a golden orchids print. The centerpiece of The Range is an actual vintage cooking stove. The 430-square-foot Grand Suite has a spectacular sunroom that opens onto a private patio and a huge bathroom with its own TV and a corner tub.All rooms offer TVs, Bose sound systems, and free Wi-Fi, plus coffee/tea service, safes, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, and Duck Island toiletries. They do not come with minibars or mini-fridges, and rooms are not air-conditioned. Small, portable AC units may be provided, but they can be noisy. Guest tend to prefer rooms facing the garden, which have better views and tend to be quieter. 

Like many traditional bed-and-breakfasts, this property lacks the extra features of larger hotels at similar pearl levels. There's a large garden and lawn with lots of sitting areas, a homey lounge with a tiny bar area, and a breakfast room. Breakfast is included in the room rate and most guests agree that it's excellent -- cooked fresh every morning with the full-English spread available (eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, and other extras). The hotel has a 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, free parking, and same-day laundry service. Children under five and pets are not permitted.