Homewood

The gorgeous vine-covered Georgian-style house dates back to the 13th century and was formerly a private home before becoming a hotel in the 1990s. The award-winning English gardens provide a romantic country setting, with high hedges, manicured trees, and lush flowers. The inside of the hotel is charming and homey with classic decor such as antique paintings, elegant fireplaces, and dark wood furniture, combined with more contemporary fabrics and colors to provide a cozy yet sophisticated feel. With its serene spa and beautiful gardens, the hotel's atmosphere is incredibly peaceful, if not a little sleepy. Families are welcome but guests tend to be older couples.

Homewood is just 15 minutes from downtown Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with famous architectural attractions such as the Royal Crescent, the historic bath Circus, and the Pulteney Bridge. Located right off of the wooded A36, the hotel is conveniently located to many popular sights in the area, such as the idyllic Iford Manor and the Peto Garden, which are a five-minute drive away. The American Museum in Britain, Westwood Manor, Prior Park Landscape Garden, and Claverton Pumping Station are all just a 10-minute drive. The hotel is also a 50-minute drive to Bristol International Airport. Self-parking at the The Homewood Park is free and plentiful.

These spacious, cozy rooms are all individually decorated, each with its own personality. Elegant lighting, a mix of bold and subdued colors, rich fabrics, comfortable bedding, and tasteful furniture provide rooms that have a quintessentially English country look with a contemporary twist. Each comes with flat-screen TVs, large windows with views of the gardens, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and robes. All the rooms are large, although layout and square footage vary, depending on the type of room. The Junior Suites have a small alcove entrance way with a desk and a shower room separate from the rest of the bathroom. Garden Suites are separate from the main house and are modern looking, with huge windows, a covered skylight, and a private pebbled seating area next to the gardens. The bathrooms in the Garden Suite are very luxurious, with dark slate tiles lining the floors and walls, a chic tub, glass walled shower, and a double sink. The bathrooms in the main house are very nice as well, however smaller and less stylish. All of them come with large tubs and glass showers, and luxe Elemis toiletries.

With two treatment rooms, a variety of calming treatments, an indoor hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, and Champagne nail bar, the deluxe Spa at Homewood is a serene place for guests to unwind and melt their cares away. There's also a small outdoor pool with cushioned lounge chairs to relax on -- there aren't too many so guests may need to wait to sit on one. With 10 acres of sprawling grounds, there are a lot of outdoor activities for guests to partake in, including clay pigeon shooting, horseback riding, croquet, tennis, and even duck herding. The chic, funky interior of the Tides Restaurant offers a posh dining atmosphere. Guests can enjoy the sophisticated, award-winning food with views of the garden or dine alfresco. Formal afternoon tea service is popular with guests and locals. Room service is also available, though hours are limited. The hotel also offers three meeting rooms for guests traveling on business. Bring your dog, but expect a daily charge for the privilege.