When you think of a spa weekend in Bath, you probably picture sweeping lawns, a grand Georgian building, fluffy robes, and the promise of doing absolutely nothing for 24 hours.
The Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel delivers exactly that.
I stayed here for a girls’ spa weekend, and it turned out to be one of those perfectly balanced trips. There was relaxation when we wanted it, city wandering when we needed to walk off a very large breakfast, plus a touch of indulgence without feeling over the top.
Here is my full review of the hotel, the spa, the food, and whether I would stay again.
First Impressions
The hotel sits just outside the centre of Bath, surrounded by manicured grounds that immediately create that “escape” feeling. It is peaceful and tucked away, yet only about a ten to fifteen minute walk into the city.
That combination is rare. Many spa hotels feel remote, while city hotels can lack calm and quiet. This one manages both.
When I entered my room, I noticed a small but thoughtful detail. A seal had been placed across the door to indicate that the room had been cleaned and untouched since housekeeping. It felt reassuring and polished.
The Room
I stayed in a Deluxe Twin room because a friend was joining me. The beds were generously sized, far more substantial than the narrow twins you sometimes find. The studded headboards and soft furnishings gave the room a classic, understated elegance.
There was a kettle with a generous tea selection, shortbread biscuits that did not survive the evening, robes and spa slippers, and an empty mini fridge. I always appreciate an empty mini fridge.
The bathroom included Elemis toiletries, a rain shower, and a heated towel rail. The space felt clean, comfortable, and exactly what you want for a spa-focused stay.
The Spa Facilities
The spa is the reason you book this hotel, and it did not disappoint.
My package included a 30 minute massage and breakfast. The treatment itself was relaxing and well executed. If I could have done it again, I would have booked a longer treatment. Once you settle into that spa mindset, 30 minutes goes very quickly.
The thermal spa area includes an outdoor hydrotherapy pool, saunas, a steam room, a salt room, and a cold experience room. I spent a generous stretch of time in the sauna and emerged feeling blissfully reset.
The outdoor hydrotherapy pool can be booked in timed slots. The indoor thermal facilities operate with capacity limits, so planning ahead is wise. Breakfast, gym access, spa treatments, and pool sessions all require advance booking, which keeps the experience organized and calm.
Breakfast at the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel
Breakfast felt like a proper occasion.
Instead of a buffet, you order from a menu that includes a full English breakfast, eggs Benedict, avocado toast, porridge, fruit, and cereals. Tea, coffee, juice, and toast are served at the table.
I opted for scrambled eggs, bacon, a giant mushroom, brown toast with butter, fresh fruit, and a very large latte. Everything was perfectly cooked and beautifully presented. The atmosphere was relaxed and festive, with plenty of space between tables.
The second morning, we repeated the experience with equal enthusiasm. Hotel breakfasts have a way of turning even the most restrained person into someone who orders “just one more thing.”
Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant
We decided to commit fully to dinner. Starter, main, dessert, wine (as you do!).
I began with whipped goat’s cheese and beetroot served with freshly baked bread. The dish was plated like a piece of art and tasted just as good as it looked. For my main course, I chose pan roasted hake with mashed potatoes and samphire, paired with a crisp white wine. Halloumi fries appeared on the table as well, which felt non-negotiable.
Dessert sealed the experience. I chose treacle tart with ice cream, warm and spiced with cinnamon and caramel notes. My friends ordered molten chocolate cake and berry crumble. No one left hungry.
Dining at the hotel made the evening feel cohesive and effortless. There was no need to venture out unless you wanted to.
Spa Retreat with Bath on Your Doorstep
One of the biggest advantages of the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel is its location.
You can easily spend your entire stay within the hotel grounds, moving between spa, lounge, and restaurant. You can also walk into Bath in under fifteen minutes and explore the Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, independent shops, and charming streets.
That flexibility elevates the experience. The trip can be entirely restorative, entirely cultural, or a thoughtful mix of both.
I will be sharing a refreshed Bath travel guide from this trip, and I also have a day trip Bath itinerary that is still helpful for first-time visitors.
Would I Stay at the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel Again?
Yes, without hesitation.
The service was warm and attentive. The spa facilities felt well managed and genuinely relaxing. The food exceeded expectations. The location offers the rare combination of retreat and city access.
For a girls’ spa weekend in Bath, a celebratory getaway, or a restorative break from London, it strikes that accessible luxury note that I personally love.
If you would like to see the full room tour, spa commentary, and restaurant footage, you can watch my complete hotel review on YouTube. If you are planning a trip to Bath and have questions about this hotel or the city, leave them below. I am always happy to share more details.
For more information and to book the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel please visit Booking.com, Hotels.com or Expedia.
For more on what to do in Bath, check out the following blog posts from yours truly:
- Girls’ Spa Weekend in Bath: The Ultimate Relaxing 2-Day Escape: https://thesavvybostonian.com/2026/01/girls-spa-weekend-in-bath-the-ultimate-relaxing-2-day-escape/
- Travel: A Daytrip to Bath UK: https://thesavvybostonian.com/2017/02/travel-a-daytrip-to-bath-uk/
For more of my travel adventures visit: https://thesavvybostonian.com/category/travel/
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Jessica Gioglio founded the travel and lifestyle blog, The SavvyBostonian and is the co-author of The Laws of Brand Storytelling and The Power of Visual Storytelling. Professionally, Jessica has led innovative marketing and public relations programs for Dunkin’, TripAdvisor, Sprinklr, and more. Today, Jessica is a keynote speaker on brand storytelling (book her here) and founder of With Savvy Media & Marketing, a strategic branding, storytelling, and content strategy consultancy.
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