The Queensberry Hotel

Long before that other Queensberry fellow lent his name to the rules of boxing, another marquis commissioned a row of townhouses from John Wood the Younger. Now these four Georgian houses, joined together, comprise the Queensberry Hotel — a result which, unless you’re a particular devotee of the sweet science, rather tips the balance in favor of the hospitable Queensberry, and away from the pugilistic one.

It would be easy in the heart of Georgian Bath to disappear down some rabbit-hole of twee preciousness. The Queensberry is full of personality, without ever laying it on too thick. It’s owned by a married couple, rather than some multinational, so there’s a personal touch that would be impossible to fake. And the houses have been left alone, wherever possible, leaving the floor plans quirky and the architectural details distinctive.

That means the rooms aren’t exactly sized like presidential suites — though, to be fair, the Queensberry’s junior suites are more than spacious enough. Anyway you’re here for atmosphere, not cold, clinical luxury, and atmosphere is in extremely plentiful supply. And while Bath holds no end of charms of its own, from the waters to the institutions of high culture, the Queensberry’s Old Q bar and the MICHELIN-Starred Olive Tree restaurant are among the town’s highlights.