Unique Sleeps: Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath

Unique Sleeps: Amazing hotels hand picked by Expedia Experts. The Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath.

I grew up just down the road from the historic city of Bath. Even as a child, I knew it was a beautiful and special place, but as an adult who has seen a lot of the world, I appreciate it even more. It has to be my favourite British city and I’m not alone. It’s no surprise this World Heritage site, home to unique Georgian sandstone buildings, Roman baths and Jane Austen’s house, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in England, after London of course.

If you’re going to stay in Bath, there is no better place than The Royal Crescent, one of the most famous addresses in the world. This curved, cobblestoned street lined with impressive houses is nothing short of breathtaking. Nestled in the middle of the Crescent is The Royal Crescent Hotel.

This 5-star hotel is fresh from a full refurbishment and it is the epitome of luxury, elegance and very British, very proper service. If you want a classic English experience, head here!

The entrance to the hotel, in this jaw-dropping semi-circular street, is discreet but easy enough to find. Staff are certainly welcoming, with valet parking (included in the room price) quickly organised by men wearing tails no less. We’re ushered into a comfortable room before reception staff take us to our room. It really doesn’t feel like a hotel, rather a grand house. Little did I know what lay beyond the impressive Royal Crescent facade.

On passing through the back door, we’re met by a beautiful English garden, with a winding path to buildings beyond. It feels like a quiet and serene sanctuary in the middle of the city. Beyond the garden are several buildings: the spa, the Dower House restaurant and converted coach houses with more accommodation, including ours.

We’re booked into a classic double room. The recently updated décor is contemporary but classic, in keeping with the old buildings. Everything is just right, in shades of a very traditional sage green but with a modern twist. The four-poster bed, for example, has simple lines, but the timber panelling of the walls and the art provides a pleasantly old fashioned feel. The spacious bathroom, with its panelling, roll top bath and separate, large shower, fluffy bath robes, Penhaligon’s toiletries and perfect lighting, is nothing short of dreamy for a tub lover like myself!

 

Rates include full English breakfast and use of the spa (with pool). While this hotel is, not surprisingly, on the pricey side, the inclusion of spa, breakfast and valet parking, along with the extra special location and first class service, make you feel like you’re getting good value for money. If you’re not driving, you’re looking at an easy 10-minute walk from the railway station, with the city and all its attractions equally close by.

The day we check out, I’m meeting my father and his partner, who live nearby, for breakfast. Although the hotel isn’t open to non-residents for breakfast, I checked ahead and was informed this wouldn’t be a problem and I could simply pay the extra for their meals. When we checked in, someone knew all about this already, and when they arrived the next morning, they were looked after very well while we came down to find them. It’s these little touches which impress. The Dower House is a beautifully decorated and comfortable place to have breakfast.

My only (albeit small) complaint, concerns the lack of any tea or coffee making facilities in the room. In the land of the tea drinker? Surely not?! Happily, you can ring for complementary tea and coffee whenever you like, but this needs to be made more obvious to guests. That aside, this hotel comes close to faultless.

The Royal Crescent Hotel has 45 rooms, including 14 suites. While children are welcome, I’d suggest this is more of a hotel for couples. Be aware that jeans aren’t allowed at dinner but are acceptable outside of the restaurant at all other times. This is an elegant place, so feel free to look the part in your best clothes, or equally, to relax in something more casual and not feel judged. Your only problem will be how to make your weekend long enough to enjoy all that the wonderful city of Bath has to offer, while making the most of the hotel’s spa, garden and gorgeous accommodation.

Jen Bishop was the guest of Royal Crescent Hotel and Expedia