Grays, Bath

Perched high on the southern slopes of Bath, Grays is situated along a residential street in the Oldfield Park area. Nearby attractions include Alexandra Park, offering a panoramic view of the city, and Menu Gordon Jones, a renowned restaurant. Complimentary off-street parking is available.

It's around 15 minutes' walk uphill from the centre of the city and the train station, so you may end up getting a taxi or two during your stay.

By car: around 45 minutes from Bristol, 2 hours 30 minutes from London and 3 hours 30 minutes from Manchester. There is free parking on site.

By train: there are direct services to Bath Spa from Bristol Temple Meads (11 minutes), Cardiff Central (1 hour 5 minutes) and London Paddington (1 hour 15 minutes). The hotel is around 15-minutes walk from Bath Spa station. Book trains to Bath Spa.

The charm of this establishment lies in its thoughtfully designed décor, featuring chic French-style furnishings and coordinated colour schemes. The interior is well-proportioned, and there's a sweeping staircase adorned with gilt mirrors and architectural prints of Bath.

The owner, Mark Cole, also owns Brindleys - another fantastic B&B in Bath. Grays is skillfully managed by James Hill and Eliza Jablonska who maintain staffing until 7pm in the evening, but as they reside in an apartment situated towards the back of the house, they are accessible at any time.

• Breakfast
• Garden
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Some rooms boast high, corniced ceilings, while those on the top floor offer cosy spaces nestled in the eaves. Each of the 12 bedrooms features a distinct and tasteful design, showcasing coordinated colours and patterns for cushions, bed throws and curtains. The limestone bathrooms are primarily equipped with powerful showers.

Room types: Rooms 1-12

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with shower, Caroline Henry of Bath toiletries, double bed, TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi

Grays offers a superb breakfast, but it's worth noting that it's only available from 8:30am. There's a pleasing choice of cooked dishes, including a vegetarian platter, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs and Eggs Benedict, Florentine or Royale. The full English, with free-range eggs from a local farm and bacon and sausages from one of Bath's best butchers, was our favourite.

Breakfast: continental, cooked and vegetarian options, locally-sourced produce. Served 8.30-10am daily.