Rooms

The hotel’s 29 bedrooms are spoiling and arty in equal measure. Packed with colourful patterned fabrics, eye-catching lamps and handpicked contemporary paintings, they are a feast for the eye. As you'd expect, no two are the same – but all come with top-notch mattresses (generally kingsize), stacks of pillows, a Nespresso machine and tea facilities, Malin & Goetz toiletries and a Dyson hairdryer.

The entry-level Dinky and Cosy Rooms are compact (10-13m²), with a shower (no tub) in their ensuite. We think King Rooms and up are better for couples. Deluxe rooms come with a theatrical touch, maybe a chandelier, oversized artwork or copper bathtub.

West-facing rooms – there are a few in most categories – have open views over the Recreation Ground to the Abbey. The rest have no special views, but we hear that it's worth avoiding the terrace-side rooms because of evening noise.

Features include:

• Central heating
• Hairdryer
• Toiletries
• TV
• WiFi

Eating

The hotel’s restaurant, named Plate, is getting rave reviews for its super-friendly service, its high quality cuisine, and it's farm-to-fork ethos. Locals love to celebrate here, which is a sure sign. The chef serves up an array of delicious and ethically sourced dishes that they promise are as good for the planet as they are for your taste buds.

They pride themselves on their ongoing commitment to sustainability and supporting the local community, farmers and fishermen. Though we're yet to try it ourselves, their menu looks tantalising; dishes are crafted with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, with a hint of the unexpected to challenge your perspective. Much like the hotel itself, dining here is a feast for all the senses, where classic dishes are given a mischievous twist

If you really want to spoil yourselves, book an indulgent afternoon tea, or check out their inventive cocktail menu. Or both!

Features include:

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby

Activities

• Admire the city’s famous Roman Baths, then treat yourself to a massage and an alfresco rooftop soak at their modern incarnation, the Thermae Spa
  
• Or hit Bath’s boutiques for therapy of a retail kind. Our favourites include booksellers Topping & Co and chocolatier Charlotte Brunswick
  
• Admire the elegant Georgian architecture, including the sweeping curves of The Circus and the Royal Crescent, and the shop-lined Pulteney Bridge
  
• Outside the centre at Bathwick, you can hire punts for a foray on the River Avon, or swim at Warleigh Weir
  
• Take in some culture at The Holburne Museum (whose striking glass extension makes an excellent spot for lunch), or catch a play at the ornate Theatre Royal
  
• Head out of Bath to explore the rolling Mendip Hills or the pretty market town of Bradford on Avon, a short train ride away

Kids

Children of all ages are welcome, though we think the vibe is more grown up and couply.

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Most rooms have space for a cot, while Roomy Kings can fit an extra child or two on a (single or double) sofabed.

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The Bird is in the historic city of Bath, just off Pulteney Road (South) in the Bathwick district of the city.

By Air
Bristol (32km) has limited flights from UK and Europe; otherwise try London Heathrow (165km). From Bristol airport you can take a taxi or bus to Bath; from Heathrow we recommend the train from Central London.

By Train:
Bath has good rail links from London Paddington and from the southwest. From the station, it's a short taxi ride or a 10-min walk.

By Car:
The hotel has a few off-road parking spots (extra cost) - book ahead.

Detailed directions will be provided when you book through i-escape.