The Roseate Villa Bath

Villa Magdala is housed in what was originally a conjoined pair of majestic Victorian town houses dating back to 1868 (and named after the eponymous 19th-century battle whose commander lived nearby). Totally renovated from a previously run-down bed-and-breakfast by husband and wife duo Amanda and John Willmott, it reopened in 2011 as a high-end guesthouse. A short set of steps lead up to a small and tidy reception area that combines fresh white decor with antique furnishings and trompe l'oeil wallpaper that gives the illusion of stepping into a library. The decor throughout is a playful blend of contemporary English design with nods to the past. It retains plenty of the building's original features, such as the lovely shuttered sash windows, ornate coving, and a wonderful polished wood-and-wrought-iron staircase that rises gently through the hotel's three floors. There is also a small surrounding garden with tables and chairs for guests to sit in when the weather is warm, while a bright and airy breakfast room has a coal fire that sits below the ever-watchful mounted stag's head -- dubbed Morris. 

The guesthouse is located on a quiet and largely residential street across the street from Henrietta Gardens, on the outskirts of Bath's center. While particularly convenient for those arriving by car -- it's one of the few hotels with its own car park -- it's also within a 10-minute flat walk -- no hills to climb -- of the city's main tourist attractions. Pulteney Bridge, which crosses the Avon River, is a three-minute walk away, and from there it's another five-minute stroll to the Roman Baths and Pump Rooms. Bath's main train station is also within a 10-minute walk. 

The Villa Magdala has 20 rooms, all of which fall into the category of Good, Better, or Best -- size being the main difference between them. Decor also varies among rooms, though all have a consistently fresh and contemporary feel with feature wallpaper, the occasional traditionally styled touch, and wooden shuttered windows that face a leafy park at the front or the garden at the back. Comfy Hypnos beds are either king size or super king-size, and are topped with Egyptian cotton sheets and goose-down duvets, while in-room amenities include flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and tea- and coffee-making facilities -- which include fresh milk rather than single-use creamer. Clean and well-maintained bathrooms provide luxury Missoni toiletries. Though some lower-end bathrooms are small, luxury bathrobes and slippers can be arranged for a fee. Ground-floor rooms are also available for those who don't wish to climb stairs, though these can receive a bit of noise from reception and breakfast service. 

The hotel takes particular pride in its breakfast service, which does provide an impressive range of options, from the standard full English to a changing selection of pancakes, homemade granola, and waffles -- always accompanied by a Bucks Fizz (mimosa) and always included in the rate. There's also a pretty garden where afternoon tea or a glass of wine can be taken during warmer weather, and the Villa Magdala is also one of few Bath hotel's with its own off-street parking. Wi-Fi is also available free of charge in the upper-end rooms, though it can be a little slow.