The Gainsborough Bath Spa

The Gainsborough Bath Spa fills the former Royal United Hospital on Beau Street, a Grade II listed Georgian building, together with the 17th-century Bellott's annexe next door. YTL Hotels opened it in 2015 after a long restoration, with interiors by Champalimaud Design. It is the only hotel in the UK with its own supply of Bath's natural thermal water, which rises from the Hetling Spring into the pools of Spa Village Bath beneath a glass atrium.

For private events the hotel offers two rooms of real character. The Chapel has a tented ceiling, hanging chandeliers, arched windows and a curved alcove that serves as a natural stage, and it opens onto its own terrace for drinks. The Somerset Room overlooks the spa and keeps its period detailing, seating up to 50 for dinner. In the Gainsborough Brasserie, a glass-fronted wine wall screens a semi-private table for 14.

The entire hotel, 99 rooms and suites with the spa, the bar and the Canvas Room, can be taken for exclusive use, and the dedicated events team shapes the occasion to the client. The hotel holds a civil ceremony licence, and the city's Roman Baths and Abbey are a few minutes' walk away.