Whether you are looking for a quintessentially-British experience in Bath, England or hoping to soak in the ancient Roman Baths, this Unesco World Heritage city is open to possibilities. If you enjoy Georgian era author Jane Austen, you’ll feel right at home in Bath. While there are many hotels in this charming city, a stay at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is truly a unique experience.
Within easy reach by car or train from London, and 45 minutes from Bristol Airport, you’ll be swept away by the beauty of Bath and its many historic properties. The Royal Crescent Hotel offers 250+ years of history in a five-star setting. The iconic Royal Crescent building has had a storied past, yet today’s hotel guests will be greeted with modern luxury. From its humble beginnings as a boarding house and one star hotel, the luxury boutique hotel now features 45 individually-designed bedrooms and suites fit for a queen or the Duke of York.
Upon entrance to the Royal Crescent you’ll notice the 18th century Georgian architecture. Each building is about 50 feet high with the famous limestone walls that Bath is known for. Step into the drawing room to your left, decorated with period furniture and fresh flowers, and you’ll feel like Kiera Knightly in The Duchess. Insider tip; can you spot The Royal Crescent Hotel as a filming location in The Duchess?
The double columns in the center of the Royal Crescent frame the center house, number 16, as well as number 15. These two houses make up the Royal Crescent Hotel with the spa located in the former coach house and stables. After a multi-million dollar renovation in 2015, the spa is reminiscent of an English Country House with its high ceilings, limestone walls and wood finishes. The spa includes 6 treatment rooms, relaxation pool, vitality pool, sauna, steam room and fitness room. Try the muscle melt massage and then wander out to spa garden with a cup of tea or flute of champagne.
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Dining at Dower House
After a morning spa treatment, continue the pampering theme with afternoon tea at Dower House restaurant or in the hotel’s English gardens. From gluten-free afternoon tea to vegetarian or the famous Royal Crescent tea, there’s a unique tea experience for every palate. Add a flight of champagne to afternoon tea or bring the little ones for a Children’s Afternoon Tea. I opted for the traditional tea, while my husband tried the savory tea service – I did envy his fresh baked sausage roll!
Dinner at Dower House, the on-site restaurant, may be as formal or casual as you like. We opted for the 6 course tasting menu and were pleasantly pleased with Chef David Campbell’s creativity. Each course came out beautifully plated and tasted as good as it looked. The cep soup and roasted scallops were two stand out dishes. Save room for dessert because the pastry chef does an outstanding job; she also creates the afternoon tea pastries. On our visit the featured fruit was strawberry. We enjoyed a lovely meringue of strawberries, rosewater cream and strawberry sorbet.
Dower House Breakfast
Breakfast is included in the price of your stay and is served at The Dower House. Hotel guests may order a full English Breakfast off the menu or dine from the breakfast buffet. For a true splurge, I’d recommend ordering room service and enjoying breakfast in bed. The hotel rooms are so beautiful that its a shame to venture out to explore Bath.
Master suite rates start at £1,045 to £1,460, depending on occupancy and time of year. Breakfast, parking and complimentary WiFi are included with your stay. You can check rates at the hotel website as well as an OTA such as Expedia.
Review by luxury hotel aficionado Nancy D. Brown. I was a guest of The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, however all opinions are my own. All photos courtesy of Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown.
