Dukes Bath

Had a terrific 2 day stay at the Dukes recently. Lovely hotel, great breakfast each day and good location. Thanks to all the staff, particularly Kerry and Jean-Luc, who advised us about the Mayor of Baths guided walk which was excellent(and free!) Thanks for all your help. Would definitely stay again!

Pros: Location location location Emblematic building Nicely decorated Cons: If you are over 45 and have luggage, forget it, NO LIFT, ( they DI NOT inform you of this before at booking) They offer you a “ convenient room on the first floor for $80 EXTRA. The Beds are beautiful but VERY VERY TIRED Mattresses. My back hurt every morning . They need to replace them asap.

Nice hotel. Well situated for the centre of Bath. Staff were excellent and public rooms very nice. However my room was ‘Montrose’ and I wouldn’t recommend it, despite the fact that they had (unprompted) kindly upgraded me to it. The main problem was the mattress which was lopsided and very lumpy - properly uncomfortable. Also for some reason they made the bed without tucking it in at the bottom. Hence I didn’t sleep well two nights running. Overall the room was pretty but a bit tired with frayed curtains etc. Also Montrose is up 4 flights of stairs. A friend staying at the same time had a refurbished room which she said was very nice.

The location is perfect for in Bath and for walking into the town centre and it is a lovely Georgina building. Pretty flowers and baskets and a grand entrance from the outside. However, few things to note: We were on the very top floor (Bedford) and the stairs are quite something to get up (no lift) - luggage on arrival was able to be carried up, but be prepared for a climb. We carried luggage down on departure and as only two adults it was fine who could manage. The room we had booked and stayed in was a Cosy Double and it did need updating and a refresh. The electric plugs were moving out the socket when you went to put a charger and there was only a fan (no air con) and one single paned window. Had it been a heatwave, it would have been difficult to sleep. You could also hear next door with the window open if they were speaking. We also didn’t have a view out the window (not sure if meant too), but it looked out on to the roof of the building. The room was fairly clean, but to be noted there were some mould patches on the shower head, bath mat and grouting. Sheets and towels were all fresh. Room smelt clean. It was good that you could enter reception on self service after 10.30pm if you were staying out for the evening in Bath and check out was at 11am; very reasonable and check in at 2pm (however, we arrived later). It is an expensive hotel for what you pay and we just thought we would be getting more and it was for a special occasion. However, the experience wasn’t at all ruined by this, it is just to note. The hotel looks to be having major works so there was also a make shift reception. Breakfast was very busy on arrival, but you could choose whatever what you like from the menu and the lovely waitress made a special vegetarian option for us. Also £20 to park at their sister hotel the Bird which is about a 5 min walk and if you need dinner you can eat there or go into town. Staff were friendly and polite.

We had a lovely short stay here. Breakfast was delicious and service very good in this very well positioned Bath townhouse. The airy terrace was welcome and there is a bright bar area. They very kindly left us bubbles as it was a special occasion. You can easily walk to all the sights of Bath.

Having visited Dukes many times in the past we were concerned when we learned there were new owners. Yes there is work going on but the arrangements for breakfast to be served in the room where reception used to be, worked well. The staff were very welcoming and friendly. The room we had ( Montrose) was great with windows opening in to Great Pulteney Street. The hotel is perfectly situated for easy access to the city centre and all the attractions that Bath has to offer. We try to visit Bath every 12-18 months and wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again.