THE ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL AND SPA
There are many hotels in the centre of Bath, a popular world heritage spa city, attracting almost five million visitors every year, but it could be claimed, none quite as grand and spectacular as The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa
There are many hotels in the centre of Bath, but it could be claimed, none quite as grand and spectacular as The Royal Crescent
THIS MAGNIFICENT 5-STAR HOTEL occupies two central townhouses of Bath's architectural masterpiece - the
Georgian crescent. This Bath stone curve houses thirty dwellings, all with a uniform Palladian design to the principal facade. Located in a quiet residential area with no passing traffic, it is far enough from the hustle and bustle of town that it feels almost rural.
There's an immaculate semi-circular lawn to the front of the building, leading to the north entrance of Royal Victoria Park, and an acre of gardens exclusively for guests use at the rear.
The quiet, peaceful location is however just a 10-15 minute stroll from the heart of the city where you will find the world-famous attractions including The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey and Thermae Bath Spa. You are also minutes from the most fashionable shopping street of Bath, Milsom Street, lined with charming shops and restaurants.
If you are planning a stay around Christmas time, this location couldn't be more perfect, as for the first time in its 18-year history, the Bath Christmas Market now lines Milsom Street with twinkling chalets of designers showcasing their artisan gifts. Having launched last year, it was deemed to be a ‘roaring success', and confirmed they will be repeating the fun in 2019. I was lucky enough to be there last year for the first day of the markets. Arriving in Bath early with the intention to do some of my Christmas shopping, I took a short taxi ride from the train station to the hotel, left my luggage with the extremely friendly concierge team, and then wandered freely into town; it was fabulous. Be sure not to miss Milsom Place, a pretty courtyard with one-off designer shops and great cafés and restaurants. And just across the road from Milsom Place is Jolly's, a House of Fraser store open since 1831 and one of the world's oldest department stores.
On my way back to the hotel I stopped in at No.1 Royal Crescent, the first house in the curve to be built. Today it's a museum decorated and furnished as it would have been during the period 1776-1796. For a reasonable entry price, (£10.60) you are free to explore the bedrooms, reception rooms, kitchen and outdoor terrace in your own time, imagining what life was like for Bath's fashionable residents.
The visit certainly got me into the spirit of the occasion, with such a magnificent hotel awaiting my arrival, and, numerous stylish shopping bags over my arms, I checked in imagining myself as Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. With a prestigious history that spans more than 250 years, the hotel feels similar to the experience of a museum, only much larger and more glamorous than the one I had just visited. Quite incredibly The Royal Crescent Hotel is one of the few landmark buildings in the world you can sleep in, so quite special then - and certainly no ordinary hotel.
My name is handwritten on the bedroom door, one of their Master Suites, (The Duke of York) and it is absolutely breathtaking, I am lost for words by the beauty (and size) of this room. The chandelier hanging from the ornate high ceiling is utterly exquisite, there are three floor-toceiling sash windows, light flooding in, with views across the elegant Royal Crescent Lawn and beyond. Cream and green colour tones warm the room, there's an opulent four-poster bed, silk cushions, oil paintings, and sitting/lounge area, combining contemporary style with the 18th-century charm. The beige-marble double-everything bathroom is equally as extravagant and lavish.
The porter must be used to seeing this type of reaction from delighted guests. He tells me that every one of their 45 bedrooms has a completely unique design and décor. “This room though is my personal favourite,” he says. Usually, I think this is something hotel staff say to all their guests, to make them feel special - but on this occasion, I believe him.
With four further Georgian buildings including a spa garden yet to explore in the back of the garden I was quick to put down my shopping bags. Ready for a blissful afternoon, I sauntered back down the curvaceous staircase in fluffy white robe and slippers. For such a grand hotel it is completely unstuffy, you are made to feel more than welcome. I would compare the experience to be more like staying with family than being a hotel guest. Perhaps this is the reason they have so much loyalty from repeat visitors, who come here to stay from across the globe.
The spacious Mediterranean-styled walled gardens are such an unexpected delight for a city-centre location like this - a perfect romantic setting for an indulgent afternoon tea - and understandably popular for weddings too (there's a separate Wedding Garden). High stone walls are covered in honeysuckle and roses, secluded seating areas are surrounded by mature trees, with delightful floral aromas floating through the air.
Then there's the 12-metre heated relaxation pool, vitality pool with massage jets, sauna and steam rooms, six treatment rooms and complimentary herbal teas to see you well and truly pampered. You are welcome to complete the experience with a glass of Champagne in the holistic haven of the Taittinger Spa Garden, open throughout the seasons.
The contemporary-style Montagu Bar & Champagne Lounge is a great option when you're peckish for lunch or light-bites, serving
British classics including a Fish and Chip Basket or Royal Crescent Club Sandwich. Diners also enjoy this space as a place to enjoy pre-dinner drinks and cocktails before heading into the main restaurant, Dower House, and when it's warm outside seating options include al-fresco dining in the beautiful gardens.
David Campbell, Executive Head Chef has been at the hotel for seven years, overseeing a sustainable and seasonal award-winning menu with
“Quite incredibly The Royal Crescent Hotel is one of the few landmark buildings in
the world you can sleep in, so pretty special then - certainly no ordinary hotel.”
elaborately presented dishes. I ordered from the A La Carte menu opting for Slow Cooked Duck Egg with Morteau Sausage and Roasted Sea Bass with Hay Baked Potato - the attentive service, gourmet ingredients and the gracious atmosphere was the perfect ending to my whimsical day.
The attention-to-detail, from complimentary valet parking to bedrooms being turned down so beautifully in the evening - or the unrivalled knowledge of Bath from the concierge team in planning your day, to providing you with a picnic for the journey stand this hotel apart.
This is a true destination hotel - and what a destination Bath is. Rooms start from £350 per night, royalcrescent.co.uk