The Bath Hotel was built by George Tapps-Gervis, the 2nd Baronet of Hinton Admiral and opened its doors on Queen Victoria’s coronation day, 28th June 1838.

He commissioned renowned architect Benjamin Ferrey to design a seaside village and the hotel, built in a grand classical design with Corinthian pillars, was part of this vision.

Bournemouth's first hotel

In 1876 Merton Russell-Cotes and his wife Annie moved to Bournemouth and bought The Bath. They refurbished and extended the hotel, giving it a lavish makeover, renaming it The Royal Bath Hotel, a nod to its opening date and the visit of Edward Prince of Wales in 1856.

From 1884 Merton and Annie travelled abroad extensively collecting art works, artifacts and souvenirs that they housed at the hotel in the public and private rooms.

Notable guests

Bournemouth’s reputation as a small, exclusive resort with the luxurious Royal Bath Hotel attracted wealthy, well connected guests including the Empress Eugenie of France, writer Oscar Wilde, actors Sir Henry Irving and Ellen Terry, conductor Charles Hallé and British Prime Ministers Benjamin Disraeli and William Gladstone.

In 1901 the Russell-Cotes moved into a grand house, East Cliff Hall, that they had built in the hotel’s garden. 

The Royal Bath continued trading successfully through the twentieth century. In the 1960s the hotel was sold to the De Vere Group who set about extending it, upgrading rooms, installing a heated swimming pool, conference rooms and a casino. A 5-star rating made the establishment popular as the place to stay for high profile performers appearing at Bournemouth’s theatres. 

In 1974, the Royal Bath Hotel received a Grade II listing, recognizing its historical and architectural significance. Today, it stands as a testament to Bournemouth’s rich history and continues to welcome visitors from around the world.

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