The Apex City of Bath Hotel is a modern 4-star property built in 2017, occupying the corner of James Street West in the heart of Bath. This review answers the practical questions searchers most often ask — from parking and check-in times to pool access and breakfast — using verified data from the hotel’s official site, major booking platforms, and editorial coverage. Apex Hotels describes it as a 4-star city-centre property with 177 bedrooms, a heated indoor pool, and the largest conference space in the city.
Last checked: 2026-07-13
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Hotel name: Apex City of Bath Hotel · Star rating: 4-star · Location: Corner of James Street West, Bath city centre · Key facilities: Swimming pool, gym, The Orange Artichoke restaurant
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-13.
Sources reviewed: official property website (Apex Hotels), Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Expedia property page, The Telegraph travel review, The Week review, Hotel Scoop review, You Need To Visit blog, trivago listing.
No on-site visit was conducted, no staff interview was performed, and no independent price verification beyond listed sources was undertaken.
Apex City of Bath Hotel at a glance
- 4-star hotel operated by Apex Hotels, opened in 2017 (You Need To Visit)
- 1 James Street West, Bath, BA1 2DA, United Kingdom, in the city centre (Apex Hotels)
- Heated indoor pool (with jets and bubble features), sauna, steam room, and gym (Apex Hotels facilities page)
- 177–178 bedrooms; Bath’s largest purpose-built conference space for up to 400 delegates (Hotel Scoop)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotel name | Apex City of Bath Hotel |
| Star rating | 4-star |
| Location | Corner of James Street West, Bath city centre |
| Key facilities | Swimming pool, gym, The Orange Artichoke restaurant |
| Distance from city centre | Located in the city centre |
| Distance from Bath Spa railway station | Walkable, under 10 minutes |
| Distance from Bristol Airport | 15 miles |
| Check-in / check-out | From 15:30 / Until 11:00 |
| Parking | No on-site parking; nearby public car parks |
| Pets allowed | No |
| Breakfast | Cooked-to-order dishes plus buffet; extra cost |
Where is the Apex City of Bath Hotel?
The Apex City of Bath Hotel is located at 1 James Street West, Bath, BA1 2DA, on the corner of James Street West and the Upper Bristol Road. The building was purpose-built on the site of former council offices, with a Bath stone exterior that blends into the Georgian streetscape, as noted by You Need To Visit.
Location in Bath city centre
It sits within a five-minute walk of the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey. The Jane Austen Centre is less than ten minutes away on foot. According to the official Apex Hotels site, the hotel is “just steps from the top sights”.
Proximity to Bath Spa railway station
Bath Spa Station is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Visitors arriving by rail can follow the pedestrianised route through the city centre. The hotel is also about 15 miles from Bristol International Airport, as reported by The Telegraph.
What amenities does the Apex City of Bath Hotel offer?
The hotel’s leisure wing is a major draw. The heated indoor pool includes jets and bubble features, plus heated loungers around the poolside. A sauna and steam room are also available. The gym is equipped with free weights and cardio machines, as detailed on the Apex Hotels facilities page.
Swimming pool and gym
Pool access is managed through a bookable time-slot system, which Hotel Scoop notes helps keep the pool area calm and uncrowded. Guests are advised to book their slot upon arrival or during check-in.
The Orange Artichoke restaurant
The on-site restaurant and bar, The Orange Artichoke, serves breakfast, lunch, and evening meals. Breakfast includes a buffet of fruit, yoghurt, breads and pastries, plus cooked-to-order dishes such as full English and vegetarian/vegan options. The restaurant also has an outdoor terrace, according to the Apex Hotels official site.
Conference facilities
With the largest purpose-built conference and events space in Bath, the hotel can accommodate up to 400 delegates in a single room, plus multiple smaller meeting suites. Hotel Scoop describes it as a primary choice for corporate meetings.
How far is the Apex City of Bath Hotel from the city centre?
As noted, the hotel is itself in the city centre. The key landmarks are all within walking distance. The Roman Baths are a 5-minute walk, Bath Abbey is 6 minutes, and the Pulteney Bridge is about 10 minutes. The official Apex Hotels site states the hotel is “located in the city centre”.
Walking distance to Roman Baths
From the hotel entrance, turn left onto James Street West, then follow the street down to the junction with Stall Street. The Roman Baths entrance is on the right. Total walking time: approximately 5 minutes.
Proximity to Bath Spa railway station
Bath Spa Station is a 10-minute walk northeast. The route takes you past the Avon River and through the pedestrianised centre. For those arriving by car, the nearest public car park is the Manvers Street car park (about 12 minutes on foot), as the hotel has no on-site parking.
Who owns the Apex City of Bath Hotel?
The Apex City of Bath Hotel is owned and operated by Apex Hotels, a Scottish hotel group founded in 1996. The group runs city-centre hotels across the UK, including properties in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and London. The Bath hotel is the newest purpose-built property in the Apex portfolio, as reported by Hotel Scoop.
Apex Hotels is a private company; the group does not publicly disclose detailed financial ownership structures beyond the corporate brand. The Bath hotel is managed by a general manager who reports to the group’s operations team.
Specifications: Apex City of Bath Hotel
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Property type | Purpose-built 4-star hotel |
| Year opened | 2017 |
| Total rooms | 177–178 (varies by source) |
| Room types | Standard, superior, family, accessible rooms |
| In-room amenities | Air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, mini-fridge with complimentary water, tea/coffee, Nespresso in many rooms |
| Bathroom | Soaking tub and walk-in rainfall shower, heated mirror, organic toiletries |
| Dining | The Orange Artichoke restaurant and bar |
| Leisure | Heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, gym |
| Conference | Largest purpose-built conference space in Bath; up to 400 delegates |
| Sustainability | 10% of profits reinvested in community & sustainability; LED lighting; free-range eggs; fairtrade coffee |
| Pets | Not allowed |
| Parking | No on-site parking; nearby public car parks |
| Check-in / check-out | 15:30 / 11:00 |
| Accessibility | Fully wheelchair accessible, adapted rooms available |
Pros and cons of the Apex City of Bath Hotel
Pros
- Central location – walkable to all major attractions
- Heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym
- Spacious, well-equipped rooms with high-quality bathrooms
- Bath’s largest conference and events space
- Positive guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort
Cons
- No on-site parking – reliance on nearby paid car parks
- Breakfast not included in standard rate; an extra cost
- Pool requires advance booking of time slots
- Some guests report occasional noise from street or corridors
- Pets not allowed
Best for segments
- Couples: The hotel’s central location, quality bathrooms, and relaxing pool area make it a strong choice for a romantic weekend. The Orange Artichoke offers a pleasant evening dining option without leaving the property.
- Families: Family rooms, cribs and infant beds are available. The pool and sauna are popular with children, and the hotel’s walkability means less time in taxis. However, the lack of on-site parking may be a drawback for families driving with lots of luggage.
- Business travellers: The conference facilities are the largest in Bath, and the gym and pool offer post-meeting relaxation. The location near the train station and city centre is convenient for delegates.
Pricing band
Room rates at the Apex City of Bath Hotel are typically positioned as “affordable luxury”. Hotel Scoop cites starting prices around £150 per night, depending on season and room type. Breakfast is usually charged separately, adding approximately £15–£20 per person. Parking costs in nearby car parks can add £10–£20 per day. Prices are in GBP; no other currency appears in verified sources.
Location and getting there
The Apex City of Bath Hotel is at 1 James Street West, Bath BA1 2DA. For drivers, the nearest public car parks are the Manvers Street car park and the Charlotte Street car park, both within a 10–15 minute walk. There is no on-site parking. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Bath Spa railway station. Visit Bath confirms the city centre is compact and walkable. Bristol Airport is 15 miles away; a taxi takes about 30 minutes.
Alternatives in the area
While the Apex City of Bath Hotel is a modern, conference-focused property, other options in Bath cater to different needs:
- Bath Crescent Hotel – A luxury spa hotel at the Royal Crescent, offering a more historic stay with a fine-dining restaurant and spa. Best for couples seeking a romantic, heritage setting.
- Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel – A 4-star property with a spa and extensive gardens, located a short walk from the city centre. Suitable for families and spa-goers.
- Travelodge Bath City Centre – A budget-friendly option on the same street, offering basic rooms with no extra facilities. For travellers who prioritise price over amenities.
Our pick recommendation
Our pick: The Apex City of Bath Hotel is the best choice for first-time visitors to Bath who want central access to all sights, plus the flexibility of on-site leisure facilities. It also suits travellers attending conferences or events who need a hotel that can handle business seamlessly. The combination of a modern, spacious room, a heated pool, and a walkable location makes it a reliable, practical option.
“Bath’s biggest hotel, with 177 bedrooms, is a modern four-star in the city centre.”
– Telegraph Travel review, Travel editorial outlet
“Definitely, the Apex City of Bath hotel is an excellent family friendly hotel and is highly recommended.”
– You Need To Visit, Family travel blogger
youraverageguystyle.com, expedia.com, theweek.com, kayak.com, youtube.com
For a more detailed overview of amenities and booking tips, check out our comprehensive Apex City of Bath Hotel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Apex City of Bath Hotel have parking?
No, the hotel does not have on-site parking. Guests are directed to nearby public car parks such as Manvers Street and Charlotte Street, which charge a daily fee. trivago confirms this policy.
What is the check-in time at the Apex City of Bath Hotel?
Check-in begins at 15:30, and check-out is until 11:00, according to Booking.com.
Does the Apex City of Bath Hotel have a spa?
The hotel does not have a full spa, but it does offer a leisure suite with a heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and gym. The pool requires advance booking of time slots. Apex Hotels lists the facilities in detail.
Is breakfast included at the Apex City of Bath Hotel?
Breakfast is not automatically included in the standard room rate. It is available in The Orange Artichoke restaurant as a cooked-to-order meal plus buffet, typically at an extra cost of around £15–£20 per person. The Week praises the quality and variety of the breakfast.
How can I contact the Apex City of Bath Hotel by email?
Contact details are available on the official Apex Hotels website. For the Bath hotel directly, you can also use the online booking form or call the hotel’s front desk.
Are there photos of the Apex City of Bath Hotel available?
Yes, the official Apex Hotels gallery features a range of images of the hotel exterior, rooms, restaurant, and leisure facilities. Guest-uploaded photos are also available on TripAdvisor.
What is the TripAdvisor rating for the Apex City of Bath Hotel?
As of 2026, the hotel holds a 4.5 out of 5 rating on TripAdvisor, based on hundreds of reviews. The TripAdvisor page shows the current rating and recent reviews.