As you arrive in Bath, you’re struck by the beauty and ubiquity of its Georgian architecture.
More than 5,000 of the city’s buildings are listed and, on perhaps the grandest street of all – Royal Crescent – lies The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa.
Bath’s Royal Crescent was built between 1767–1774, and has been the backdrop to many movie and TV series; Bridgerton was filmed here, as was The Duchess with Keira Knightley.
The elegant hotel is welcoming, and embraces local community and traditions. Its generous spa, for example, is a thoughtful nod to the ancient Roman Baths (that you can visit nearby). Views here are impressive too – of the famous crescent and the city of Bath beyond.
The Vibe
Quintessentially English, this intimate hotel is set inside a Georgian building with history. As part of the buildings that make up the wider Royal Crescent, the hotel – along with its neighbours – is Grade I listed. Inside, the grandeur of 18th-century design shines through in spacious rooms with high ceilings and intricately carved design elements – yet they’re met with classic-contemporary interiors: patterned wallpaper, antique tables, plumped-up sofas, and large, comfortable beds. In a city dedicated to wellness baths, the spa delivers with a sizeable indoor pool, a gym, outdoor gardens and, of course, plentiful relaxation-inducing treatments.
The Rooms
Each of the 45 rooms has been decorated individually. We stayed in the generously sized John Wood Suite, accessed via an opulent staircase. Here, neutral decor is interspersed with pops of colour courtesy of layered blue fabrics, and delicate blue porcelain vessels make the space feel more personal. Our room overlooked the Royal Crescent and the city of Bath; ideal for enjoyable mornings sitting by the grand fireplace with a cup of tea and the day’s papers while taking in the views, before setting out to explore.
The Food + Drink
Breakfast and lunch are served at Montagu’s Mews, which focuses on using locally sourced ingredients to craft delicate dishes. Spread across a dining, bar and terrace area, the restaurant’s menu is varied, encompassing everything from a spa-day lunch menu serving dishes such as a Greek salad, roasted cauliflower steak and a sticky toffee pudding, to an afternoon tea of finger sandwiches, scones and buns.
Come evening, choose from the four- or six-course tasting menu with dishes including citrus-cured salmon with cucumber and a kombu dressing, and the Somerset lamb served with asparagus, sheep curd, Amalfi lemon and Yukon Gold potato sourdough. Vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian menus are also available, and the restaurant plates up in-room dining and a curated children’s menu. Breakfast comprises reviving juices with local breads and viennoiseries (and the chia seed pudding with blackberries is highly recommended).
The Little Extras
Expect outstanding service across the hotel: staff are kind and always thinking of unexpected ways to elevate your stay. General manager Lorraine Jarvie welcomed us on arrival and was a continually thoughtful and optimistic presence. The concierge here also know their city well – and made brilliant cultural recommendations.
The Spa and Wellness
The wellness offering at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa stands out. A full spa day at The Bath House spa is the best way to indulge and comes with a 90-minute signature treatment, use of the spa and gym for an hour, and an afternoon tea. But if time is tight, opt for a singular treatment (or two) instead, which include facials, massages and mani-pedis to leave you revived and energised. And don’t miss the spa garden – a verdant and peaceful spot that’s ideal for maximising downtime.
The To-Do List
Explore the Royal Crescent on your doorstep – and four more crescents beyond – with the hotel’s guided walking tour. They can also arrange other fun and unique ways to see the city, including culinary and sketching excursions, an opportunity to explore Bath as seen-on-screen or through the eyes of Jane Austen, and with a Champagne ride in the hotel’s very own hot air balloon.
Close to the hotel is the influential Francis Gallery, which was opened by Rosa Park and is known for thought-provoking and serene exhibitions (both here and in their Los Angeles outpost). Berend Boorsma: Unfolding is showing now until 5 June.
At The Holburne Museum, discover the collection of Sir Thomas William Holburne (1793-1874) which is known for its impressive collection of paintings by Thomas Gainsborough, George Stubbs and J. M. W. Turner. Then continue on to the nearby Sydney Gardens which was once a Georgian pleasure garden. And make time to stop in at Persephone Books, a bookstore dedicated to celebrating female authors.
All images: Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath
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