Harington's Hotel Bath • #HaringtonsSpaDay

If I had to live in a city in England, Bath would be at the top of my wish list. It's a place I visit again and again, for special anniversaries, Christmas shopping trips with girlfriends and the endless cobbled streets to discover.

For me Bath has it all, beautiful architecture, history and a thriving artisan shopping district as well as the only Anthropologie store outside of London! Walking along the bustling streets you are met with tourists, students and Bath's more mature generation. Country folks in the city some of whom reside in those illustrious Georgian townhouses and apartments whose front doors we stand and admire.

It has a good soul and nestled down at the bottom of Queen Street is Harington's Hotel. You'd be forgiven if you thought this was one of a chain of boutique city hotels, the coordinated decor, the picture perfect drinks bar and fancy soaps in the bathrooms. A formula tried and tested by a big corporation that has affordable luxury down to a fine art.

But no, Harington's is a family owned and run hotel in the heart of the city with just 13 rooms, apartments and a townhouse to die for. It's such a privilege when you are a blogger to be able to highlight someone's story and a couple of weeks ago I joined a whole host of South West bloggers for a pamper day at this lovely hotel, to hear the 11 year tale of Peter and Melissa, who bought and restored this incredible building and are raising 3 little girls alongside the business.

You see their vision everywhere. From the interior decor designed by Melissa herself, to the way they interact with the staff. In Peter's words "It's a small hotel with a big heart."

We arrived and were greeted by Peter who answered every question with such pride that you couldn't help but admire his humility and congratulate him on their hard work. We were treated to Prosecco cocktails, Espresso Martinis, canapés and the most heavenly box of chocolates from Charlotte Brunswick a master chocolatier based in Church Street in Bath. 

There was a mix of bloggers from all sorts of genres and it was lovely to meet some new faces in the fashion, travel and beauty communities. The homemade cheese straws went down a storm and then in small groups we were given a guided tour around the hotel by Peter who explained the history of the building, the life of John Harington himself who owned the prestigious address and the inspiration for the little details around the hotel about spending a penny!

It was in fact John Harington who invented the first flushing toilet and there are subtle but humorous fabric hoops dotted around to remind you of his great achievement. It feels like it's been renovated with real love and attention to detail. Home made pillows and each room has it's own identity meaning you could stay 13 times and never sleep in the same decor.

This husband and wife team have made bold and beautiful choices on wallpaper, mixing print and pattern, taking advantage of the tall Georgian windows which flood the rooms with light and have been daring with colour palettes and accessories.

But it all ties together in their unique style to create a memorable experience. 

There was so much we could have photographed. You take a group of bloggers on a hotel tour and everyone is oohing and aahing at the plush velvet ottomans, snapping close ups of the contemporary wallpapers and wishing they were staying the night!

For me the highlight of the tour was the impressive townhouse and apartments which are located a stones throw away from the main hotel building. A little more understated, oozing contemporary sophistication and a view from the private terrace that makes you gasp.

This is the ultimate Bath find, a perfect getaway location for a girl's weekend or a bolt hole for a family visit to the city. Complete with kitchen that would make some London apartments jealous, sitting room and dining space and 4 bedrooms there is so much space to play with!

The Loft apartment is stunning. Beams and a bright blue kitchen, you'd be tempted to stay in for your trip! Whilst I didn't brave the hot tub it's a lovely addition just outside the bar area and would be such a romantic way to start a day staying in the city. 

One of the things I noted was their coffee bar menu. Sandwiches, jacket potatoes all sorts that are perfect for a light lunch or feeding the children rather than heading to a restaurant. Peter and Melissa and their friendly team are committed to quality, and I admired their enterprising nature and determination to constantly improve the service to guests.

They also have an incredibly good value meeting room to hire with day rates at just £70. 

We were treated us to a fabulous afternoon, with great company, knowledgable and impeccably presented staff, a delicious afternoon tea and a super goody bag with a gift from Alara Wholefoods. A hand massage has been on my wish list for so long and I can't recommend a Lush Cosmetics spa treatment more. If you are local to Bath check out their range of beauty treatments in their salon beneath the store. It was the first time I had ever experienced tuning forks before and can only imagine how gloriously relaxed you would be after a Sound Bath session!

Thank you for spoiling us all for the afternoon. It was a pleasure to see Kate again, catch up with Lottie, one of my Bristol blogger pals and discover a new favourite in the city. 

Find Harington's Hotel on Twitter and Facebook and check out their Smashing Deals page for special offers.