The Queensberry Hotel once the residence of its namesake, the 8th Marquess of Queensberry, unfurls over four honey-hued Georgian townhouses on Russell Street, itself a handsome road.
It is independently owned by Laurence and Helen Beere who have created such a delightful, highly stylish establishment that it’s hard not to stand tall in recognition of its fine yet charming Georgian stature.
There’s no reception area to speak of but the service was incredible. On arrival, we double parked outside the hotel and within seconds we were greeted, bags liberated and car keys appropriated for a most welcome valet parking service.
Meanwhile, in the drawing room, we helped ourselves to capsule coffee, relaxed on velvet armchairs and checked in right there. By the time that was over, our bags had been carried up to our boudoir and all we had to do was turn up.
After some relaxation, a soak in the gloriously deep bath, and clad in our glad rags we headed to the Q Bar for a pre-dinner drink to whet our appetite for a feast at the Olive Tree restaurant, located in the basement of the hotel. The restaurant was awarded its Michelin star in 2018 and is the city’s only restaurant of that stature.
Who for
Anyone who has a penchant for fine interiors, a good bar and an evening of gourmet dining before repairing to the bedroom.
Accommodation
Queensberry Hotel junior suite, room 8
Queensberry hotel Room 8 Bathroom
Queensberry Hotel, Bath Room 23
There are 29 unique rooms at The Queensberry, ranging from a four-poster bedroom suite with its impressive seven-foot square bed, down to the smallest Club Room. All rooms are spacious with a lovely ambience created by the harmonious colours and appealing artworks. Mod cons include a TV and hair dryer and ensuites have at least a walk-in shower and some have roll-top baths too.
Ours was room 8, a room that was a Georgian drawing room in a past life. It was a delightful open-plan junior suite decorated in muted blues and creams, with a fireplace and chandelier sofa, easy chair, and very comfy double bed and appealing artworks. The high ceilings and cornice are particularly ornate and the floor-to-ceiling windows meant natural daylight flooded the room while we could look out onto Russell Street.
We particularly loved the soft dressing gowns, the ultra-soft towels and the fabulously lush and fragrant toiletries supplied by The Bath House, a brand famous for its vegan products.
The room has no tea and coffee facility, but you can grab a cuppa in the drawing room at any time. There’s no mini-bar either, but friendly staff will deliver your drinks any time 24 hours a day.
Food & Drink
Fine dining at Michelin-starred Olive Tree restaurant.
The Olive Tree Restaurant, the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Bath, is headed by the talented Executive Head Chef Chris Cleghorn. The menu offers a nine or six-course tasting menu which can be paired with wines. Dining here is the best entertainment your palate can have. Breakfast is a fine affair. There is no buffet, instead, it’s an a la carte breakfast where good food is served in style at the Olive Tree Restaurant.
Old Q bar
There are two bars, but the Old Q Bar, a small but cosy place, is an ideal space to hang out for pre- or after-dinner drinks.
Facilities
Queensberry Hotel courtyard
The drawing room on the ground floor is a comfortable space to enjoy a cuppa and do some reading. Complimentary Canton tea and Nespresso coffee are available there 24 hours a day.
There’s a garden/courtyard that beckons on a leisurely sunny day. Valet parking is available and there’s free wi-fi throughout.
How Much
Rooms start from £130 per night. Valet parking costs from £15.00 a night.
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What’s nearby?
The Queensberry Hotel has a convenient location close to Walcot, the Assembly Rooms and a short walking distance to the city centre including the Abbey, the Roman Baths, the famous Circus and Royal Crescent and all the eateries and boutiques that Bath has to offer.
Verdict: The Queensbury Hotel offers stylish rooms, faultless service with more than a dash of conviviality, and a restaurant that even the fussiest gourmand would enjoy. Why wouldn’t you?