Conde Naste Traveller
June 2010
WHAT IS IT? A new boutique hotel in a double fronted Grade I listed Georgian townhouse on South Parade. Its right in the centre of town and a 2 minute walk from Bath Spa train station, which is a godsend as both the traffic and parking in Bath can be a nightmare.
BEHIND THE SCENES. Formerly a tired B&B called Georges' hotel, it was brought last year by Giles Thomas (a property developer who grew up in Bath), given a £3m makeover, and reopened as The Halcyon in February.
SLEEP. Headboards, Cushions and Blankets come in mustard yellow, scarlet or purple;contrasted with white bedlinen and pale grey walls, the effect is smart and stylish without being over blown. Else where the colour palette is subtle, with dark grey curtains and pale walls. Bathrooms have white metro style tiles, Phillippe Starck fittings and White Company products. The 4 studio rooms have a tiny kitchenette within a cupboard, so you can rustle up a basic meal. The original features have been retained, including charming Georgian panelling and beautiful cornicing. The rooms are small, so go for a Deluxe or a Studio if you can and ask for one at the front with views to Somerset Hills.
EAT: There isn't a restaurant but the hotel has a big kitchen and our breakfast, served in the lobby, was excellent and spectacularly good value. My husbands' full English was enormous and included all the usual trimmings as well as a delicious mashed potato patty and black pudding. The bar serves cocktails in the evenings and has a license to serve drinks out the front in Summer, when the hotel will also introduce a light lunch. I am told there will be umbrellas and a big wicker basket full of blankets and hot water bottles for when the weather gets a little nippy.
WHO GOES THERE: At the time of our visit it was Valentines day so it was mostly couples on a romantic break, but I gather the guests usually vary a great deal: couples young and old, families, singles people on business. As Bath is hugely popular with Americans, you can expect a few of them too.
WHAT'S THERE TO DO? The hotel is surrounded by beautiful Georgian buildings made from golden Bath stone and a wonder through the historic Bath streets is a must. Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths are within spitting distance, and the lovely Theatre Royal, which hosts several festivals and plays en-route to the West End is a 10 minute walk away.
WE LIKE: The price; the chic urban interiors in a town where chintz prevails; the jam jars of Smarties in the room;the hotels' bicycles for guests to use.
WE DON'T LIKE: Our room overlooked a flat roof and the back of another row of buildings, which was disappointing. Only 2 of the rooms have baths and they are small.
PRICE: Doubles from £99; Breakfast from £6.99; There is a 2 night minimum stay at weekends.
