Apex City of Bath Hotel
by the TopOfHotel team
Apex City of Bath is the most complete 4-star in town — a rooftop pool with city views plus an indoor pool and spa, all at a mid-range price.
Apex City of Bath is the most complete 4-star in town — a rooftop pool with city views plus an indoor pool and spa, all at a mid-range price.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
All 175 rooms are contemporary and clean-lined, with a desk, a large TV, a wardrobe, and a bathroom with a strong shower. Reviews praise the space and the cleanliness, the comfortable beds, and the good linen. Some higher rooms look out over Bath's Georgian rooftops, which is a view worth having. The main gripes are corridor noise on some floors and lower rooms that can feel darker, so ask for the 4th floor or above.
Food and amenities
The big draw is two pools you rarely get in a 4-star. The rooftop pool opens during the spa session and looks out over the city; the Minerva indoor pool in the basement is a warm, curved pool with a relaxing bubble-jet area. The buffet breakfast, served in a bright, roomy dining room, is praised again and again as good, fresh, and varied. The fitness room is open round the clock, and staff come across as friendly and easy-going.
Location and getting there
The hotel sits on James Street West in central Bath. It is about a 6-minute walk to Bath Spa Station, and the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey are 7 to 10 minutes on foot. Thermae Bath Spa is a 5-minute walk, the Milsom Street and Stall Street shops are very close, the Theatre Royal Bath is 5 minutes, and the Royal Crescent is about 15 minutes away. It is an easy base for seeing Bath entirely on foot.
Things to know before booking
The rooftop pool is capped at one hour a day and booked first-come-first-served at check-in, so arrive early in peak season if it matters to you. Some guests report noise from the corridor and neighbouring rooms — ask for a higher floor away from the communal areas. Parking is extra, not in the rate. And whether breakfast is included depends on the rate you pick, so check before you book.
Our take
Apex City of Bath suits families, couples, and groups of friends who want a pool and a spa at a 4-star price. From about $126 a night it is good value for what you get, especially the rooftop pool and a breakfast good enough that you do not need to go looking for one outside.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- Has both a rooftop pool with panoramic views over Bath and the Minerva indoor pool — hard to find another 4-star in the city with both.
- Breakfast is praised time after time: fresh, with plenty of choice, served in a bright, spacious dining room.
- 8.9/10 on Booking and 9.1/10 on Agoda — cleanliness and friendly staff score well consistently.
- Rooms sleep up to 7, with several room types that work for families.
- Central Bath location means you can walk to the Roman Baths and the shopping streets without ever needing a car.
- The rooftop pool is limited to one hour a day, booked first-come-first-served at check-in, so an early arrival helps in peak season.
- Some reviews note noise from the corridor and neighbouring rooms — ask for a higher floor away from the communal areas.
- Parking costs extra and is not included in the room rate.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Insider Tips
- Ask to book your pool time slot the moment you check in — the rooftop pool is popular and slots can run out in peak season if you wait.
- Request a Superior or Deluxe room on a higher floor, on the side away from the main road — the view is better and it is noticeably quieter.
- Breakfast gets busy from 8:30 to 9:30, especially on weekends, so come down before 8:00 for a calmer start.