Celebrated for its Roman heritage, architectural beauty, and vibrant culinary scene, the stunning Georgian city of Bath is a dream destination for many. However, it is rarely the first location that comes to mind when planning a budget-friendly getaway.
Fortunately, there are numerous affordable hotels in this golden-hued city where you can secure a room for as little as £49. This leaves you with more spending money to enjoy Bath’s Unesco-listed city centre.
The best of Bath is entirely free—take a walk through the honey-coloured streets to admire the Royal Crescent, Bath Abbey, and the Assembly Rooms. Fans of Jane Austen will also enjoy visiting the settings of many of her novels and their film adaptations; the author resided here from 1801 to 1806. Alternatively, you can enjoy a soak in the Thermae Bath Spa, have tea in a Regency-era tearoom, or browse independent boutiques before heading to your hotel for the evening.
From elegant Regency-era properties to contemporary accommodations right in the heart of the city, these are 11 of Bath’s best budget-friendly hotels.
For the best hotels in Bath, best spa hotels in Bath and best dog-friendly hotels in Bath, see our guides.
The best budget hotels in Bath 2026
Best hotel with a swimming pool: Apex City of Bath hotel
Best city centre hotel: Harington’s Hotel
Best family-friendly hotel: Brooks Guesthouse hotel
Best hotel with breakfast included: Holiday Inn Express Bath hotel
The YHA is a fun place to stay. This surprisingly stylish hostel welcomes guests of all ages and is housed in a grand Italianate mansion on Bathwick Hill. Along with dormitories, the hostel provides private ensuite rooms that sleep two or four—ideal for couples and families on a budget—and the facilities are both clean and practical.
There is also a communal kitchen if you prefer to prepare your own meals, though you will find plenty of affordable street food in central Bath, just a short walk down the hill. If you feel like getting some exercise, the Bath Skyline walk is located across the road and offers magnificent views of the city.
Address: YHA, Fiesole, Bathwick Hill, Bathwick, Bath BA2 6LA
Who says you cannot enjoy a boutique experience on a budget? Harington’s Hotel is tucked away on a quiet cobbled street near the city centre, offering a peaceful retreat just moments from the main attractions. The 13 rooms are impressively stylish, featuring vibrant patterned wallpaper, retro telephones, and velvet throws in shades of green and gold. Downstairs, there is a bar perfect for a coffee or a cocktail, as well as a comfortable lounge and a hot tub that can be booked for £10 per session. The full English breakfast is also well worth waking up for.
Address: 8-10 Queen Street, Bath BA1 1HE
Brooks describes itself as a “boutique B&B,” and it certainly feels upscale for such an affordable price point. Even the “compact” double room at Brooks Guesthouse is equipped with everything you need, though there are also triple, family, and king rooms available if you require more space, some of which offer city views.
The aesthetic here is maximalist, featuring plenty of brocaded wallpaper, antiques, and luxury toiletries. Start your day with a hearty breakfast—perhaps eggs Benedict—before exploring the city; you are just around the corner from the Royal Crescent, and the Thermae Bath Spa is a ten-minute walk away.
Address: 1, Crescent Gardens, Upper Bristol Rd, Bath BA1 2NA
Grays is aptly named. This tranquil Victorian villa is decorated in whites, creams, and silver tones, creating a restful atmosphere that makes it the perfect hideaway after a day spent walking the city streets. The 12 bedrooms are all unique, featuring brightly striped bedding, down duvets, and locally sourced toiletries. The most elegant rooms boast high ceilings and city views, while the loft rooms are compact but comfortable. On-site parking is available, though the train station and the city centre are only a short walk away if you prefer to leave the car behind for the weekend.
Address: 9 Upper Oldfield Park, Bath BA2 3JX
The Queensberry offers a touch of contemporary cool in a city as historic as Bath. This collection of four interconnected Georgian townhouses on a classic Bath street occupies a fantastic central location, within easy reach of all the major sites.
Inside, various staircases lead to uniquely decorated rooms featuring hand-painted wallpaper in vibrant colours, alongside period details that feel playful rather than stuffy. Elsewhere, you can expect roaring fires, cocktails, and The Olive Tree, which is Bath’s only Michelin-starred restaurant. It is worth the extra expense for a special weekend.
Address: 4 – 7 Russell St, Bath BA1 2QF
6. Holiday Inn Express Bath hotel
A Holiday Inn might not be the most stylish option, but they are consistently clean, comfortable, and straightforward, and the Bath branch is no exception.
Housed in a smart building clad in Bath stone, this IHG property is easily reached from the train station or Bristol airport, yet it remains close enough to the city centre for a day of sightseeing. A stay here covers all the essentials: reliable wifi, parking, a breakfast buffet, and consistently low rates. Both children and dogs are welcome.
Address: Lower Bristol Rd, Brougham Hayes, Bath BA2 3QU
The Z breaks the mould in history-steeped Bath by being exceptionally polished and modern. If you prefer to avoid fussy period decor, this is a pristine and very affordable place to stay, located right in the heart of the action opposite the Theatre Royal.
Rooms at the Z are minimalist, and the smallest ones can feel a bit like a pod with very little floor space, but they are sleek and tidy, and some offer views of Bath’s golden architecture. If you only need a place to sleep, the Z is an excellent way to save money.
Address: 7 Saw Cl, Bath BA1 1EY
Built in 1794, The Kennard has served as a lodging house since the golden age of Bath, and this terraced townhouse remains a delightful place to stay today. There are only 12 rooms, all featuring views of the garden or the town and furnished with elegant wallpaper, White Company toiletries, and thoughtful touches like homemade biscuits.
The continental breakfast is a highlight, as is the location on one of Bath’s most charming streets.
Address: 11 Henrietta St, Bathwick, Avon, Bath BA2 6LL
Constructed from golden Bath stone in the 1870s by architect J Elkinton Gill, the Ayrlington is a handsome listed Victorian house with expansive views of the city’s crowning glory, Bath Abbey, serving as a reminder that you are staying in the heart of the city.
The Ayrlington offers great value, with standard double rooms that are spacious and brightly decorated. Even the more premium rooms, two of which feature massive wooden four-poster beds, make for a lovely weekend treat. The sunny garden is perfect for a relaxed drink on a summer evening, so pick up something chilled from the downstairs bar.
Address: 24-25 Pulteney Rd (South), Bathwick, Bath BA2 4EZ
Wentworth House is the type of guesthouse designed to make your stay effortless, offering perks like free parking, a 15-minute walk to the city centre, and hearty breakfasts to fuel your day.
The bedrooms are bright, clean, and comfortable, featuring inviting beds. Outside, there is nearly an acre of garden—a rarity in Bath—which makes the property feel exceptionally peaceful. Wentworth also provides various discounts on their already affordable rooms, including reduced rates for students and participants in the Bath marathon.
Address: Bloomfield Road, Bath, BA2 2AP
Yes, you can still enjoy the waters of Bath while on a budget. The Apex, City of Bath is a modern hotel with a slightly corporate feel, but if you are looking to combine business with leisure, you will also find a heated indoor pool, a fully equipped gym, a sauna, and a steam room.
The rooms are large, modern, and plush, featuring organic toiletries. If you do not want to venture far for dinner, you can grab a meal at the on-site Orange Artichoke restaurant.
Address: James St W, Bath BA1 2DA
When is the cheapest time to visit Bath?
Fewer crowds and lower room rates are typically found in Bath during the shoulder seasons, such as May to June and September to October.
Is Bath an expensive city?
Bath is a Unesco World Heritage Site, which means it draws visitors from across the UK and beyond and can often command high prices for its natural hot springs and luxury spa hotels.
What are the best free things to do in Bath?
Admiring Bath’s unique Georgian architecture is a must for those seeking free activities, particularly the Royal Crescent, The Circus, and Pulteney Bridge. There are also several parks and walking trails around the city that allow you to view the architecture from a distance, including Royal Victoria Park, The Bristol and Bath Railway Path, Alexandra Park, and the Bath Skyline Park.
To learn more about Bath’s heritage, be sure to visit free museums such as The Victoria Gallery. The Holburne Museum offers free entry hours on Wednesdays, and the Museum of Bath Stone has free entry hours on Fridays.