Paradise House B&B

The hilltop setting of the Paradise House helps preserve its peaceful atmosphere. The calm setting draws couples on romantic trips and families seeking a respite from the bustle of traveling. A glossy, navy blue door with an enormous brass pull marks the bed-and-breakfast's entry; the foyer has lovely wallpaper with a cheerful lime and white floral print. The limestone building itself dates back to 1735, but feels fresh and inviting throughout all the common spaces. The attractive lounge gets lots of natural light through a set of arched windows and has waxed wood floors, a purple loveseat, and comfy wingback chairs set around tables clustered with newspapers and magazines; a marble fireplace capped with a gilt-edged mirror completes the stately look. The atmosphere of this property is greatly enhanced by its grounds; set on half an acre, the gardens have bountiful perennial beds, an elegant pergola, a neatly edged lawn, and a wall covered in ivy. From this vantage point, the city of Bath is visible year round.

Paradise House is a 10-minute walk from the center of the historic city of Bath. The famed Roman Baths are an 11-minute walk from the hotel. The Thermae Bath Spa (guests should inquire with Paradise House for packages) is a 13-minute walk. Bath Abbey, whose spires are visible from Paradise House, is a 14-minute walk from the hotel. The Holburne Museum is an eight-minute drive. The Jane Austen Centre, for those who need brushing up on Bath's rich literary history, is a nine-minute drive away. Royal Victoria Park is 13 minutes away by car. Guests should note that returning to the hotel on foot takes a reserve of energy as the stairs can feel a bit steep. For more walking, the Cumberland Park Golf Club, a course open to the public, is a 25-minute drive away. Guests can walk to the Bath Spa Railway; it's 11 minutes away on foot or six minutes by car. The train from London Paddington Station to Bath takes 90 minutes. For those who wish to fly, Bristol Airport is a 43-minute car ride away from the hotel.

Rooms here are homey and inviting with high ceilings and pretty dentil molding; they simultaneously pay homage to the home's Georgian heritage and also meet the needs of modern guests. All rooms are individually decorated, with nice touches such as four-poster beds or plush headboards. Comfy armchairs, pretty wallpaper, and neutral carpets add to the atmosphere. Architectural details range from fireplaces to French doors that open out onto a terrace. The Classic King Room has stunning views of Bath. Every room has an electric kettle, ceramic teapot, French press, coffee, tea, and biscuits. The armoires hold terrycloth robes and extra waffle-weave blankets tied with a ribbon. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, digital alarm clocks, and charging stations. The bathrooms are luxurious. In some smaller rooms, the shower/tub combo is tucked under a sky-lit eave and the walls are sand-colored marble. Other bathrooms -- some walled in marble, some in white tile -- have claw-foot soaking tubs with views of the city or garden. All include magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and Molton Brown products. One extra nicety: The rooms and even some of the bathrooms, have pots of orchids. 

This bed-and-breakfast has some lovely features, including a cozy lounge with plush chairs and couches near a working fireplace. An arched doorway from the lounge leads to the dove gray breakfast room, complete with white millwork including a chair-rail molding. A free breakfast is served here, in a space complete with high-back rattan chairs and white tablecloths, but there's no full restaurant serving lunch or dinner. The gardens are a real highlight, with beautiful flower beds, trellises, and tables set amongst the greenery. A laptop is available in the lounge for guest use. There's free parking and free Wi-Fi. Vouchers and specials discounts are available for a nearby spa, but there's no spa or fitness center on-site. The "pool" is simply a rectangle for growing irises and waterlilies.