ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL

Pure extravagance at the heart of Georgian Bath

THERE’S BATH, AND THERE’S THE ROYAL CRESCENT. This iconic hotel quite simply has the city’s best location. It would check all the boxes for a super-indulgent weekend – elegant setting, sublime views, a secret garden stretching behind and a grand front door bang on Bath’s landmark crescent –  one of the great architectural set-pieces of Europe.
 
The Royal Crescent is a place to forget about the credit card bill, uncork the champers, and enjoy. A liveried doorman is on hand to whisk your bags – and your car – away. Cross the threshold into the chequerboard marble floored lobby, and you could have stepped inside a Jane Austin novel. It's romance on a stick.
 
Restored to their original splendour, rooms at Bath’s most luxurious address are rich in period features. Carpets, furnishings, colours and fabrics all echo Bath in its Georgian heydey, with plenty of 21st century creature comforts thrown in. Walls sport original paintings by Gainsborough and Reynolds, and portraits of guests range from Lord Nelson to Dickens.

English elegance
 
Overlooking the famous crescent and its manicured lawns at the front or secluded gardens at the rear, bedrooms ooze English country house elegance. Ornate cornices and huge mirrors, bold wallpaper, working fireplaces (in some), Egyptian cotton sheets and eiderdown pillows set the tone. Many have four-posters and drawing room areas, while wi-fi and flatscreen TVs are discreetly hidden. Bathrooms are stocked with organic products made by a local Bath apothecary.

Money no object? Bag the Sir Percy Blakeney master suite – there's a sitting room with superlative Bath vistas, and a bedroom with wonderful views over the garden – or the Duke of York  master suite, with its fabulous bathroom and roll-top bath. The other super-private option is the Garden Villa in the grounds – a fave with visiting stars.
 
Wander across The Royal Crescent’s leafy gardens (one of Bath’s best kept secrets) and you’ll arrive at the Dower House restaurant, built in the hotel’s former coach house. Sunlight streams in through the tall windows, while a distinctive mink and light olive green colour scheme sets things off a treat.
 
If indulgence is high on your must-have list, you’ll want to spend time in the tranquil oasis of the Bath House, The Royal Crescent’s small and intimate spa. This is a place to soak in the steam room and plunge pool (those fun-loving Georgians flocked to Bath to take the waters, remember) or book a blissful wind-down treatment (do book ahead) with one of the resident therapists.
 
If all that is not enough, you can always hire The Royal Crescent’s private river launch and pootle along the River Avon complete with champagne picnic. 
 
 
The Royal Crescent was reviewed for Room for Romance by Mairiona Cotter

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3 NIGHTS FOR 2 AT BATH’S ROYAL CRESCENT HOTEL - Bath

Sample Mr Darcy's lifestyle at gorgeous Royal Crescent Hotel

Stay in sumptuous style in the Georgian city of Bath, with three nights for the price of two at the fabulous Royal Crescent Hotel. You’ll enjoy full use of the spa, with all the attractions of Bath on your doorstep. Offer is valid Sunday to Thursday, from October 1 – December 23, and based on accommodation in a Classic suite or above. Prices start from £1,140 for a 3 night stay including VAT, full English Breakfast, use of the spa and a boxed rose in your room.


* Check availability and book by phone: +44 (0)1225 428888.

Click on any picture to enlarge it and move through the gallery.

Dining in
Sip a cocktail while you mull over the menu at the plush Dower House restaurant. Get ready for starters like seared halibut with squid ink linguini, mains including glazed monkfish cheeks served with Iberico ham and pickled girolles, and wanton desserts such as praline and chocolate teardrop served with gingerbread icecream. There’s also an outstanding cheeseboard. Don’t miss the wonderful – and very English – afternoon tea, complete with scones and dainty cakes.

Dining out
Get a taste of historic Bath at The Pump Room or opt for a good local gastro pub like the Marlborough Tavern. For more casual in-town dining, try Wood’s Brasserie or Beaujolais off Queen’s Square – a fun and French little bistro with garden. 

See & Do
If it’s your first trip to Bath, start with the Roman Baths and a tour of the Pump Rooms. Historic Bath Abbey sits just across the courtyard.  Take the waters with a soak in the rooftop pool at Bath Thermae Spa, and book tickets for a show at the Theatre Royal.

Walk through Victoria Park, explore the city’s Georgian crescents on foot, book a hot-air balloon ride or hop aboard Lady Sophina, The Royal Crescent’s vintage Thames river launch (available for private charter) for a cruise on the River Avon. Bath hosts festivals almost every month, whether it’s the Literature Festival (March) or the Mozartfest (November). 

Shop
Bath has dozens of interesting artisan shops and galleries. There’s a cluster of antique emporia along the London Road.

Spa
Created from the hotel’s old stables, the Bath House has a heated indoor pool, plunge tubs for cooling off, a sauna,  steam room and fully equipped gym. Relaxing holistic treatments range from soothing massages to aromatherapy facials and fruit enzyme wraps. It's a serene and moodily lit retreat with chill-out sofas and a full range of gorgeous Comfort Zone beauty products.

After dark
You’ll probably just want to play Darcy and Lizzie in your suite. If the bright lights beckon, sip a cocktail at the suitably smoochy Raincheck Bar or try The Common Rooms (with DJ) for some late-night music.

Dates
May
International acts from ritzy to Reggae take to the stage at the Bath International Music Festival.

July
Nibble your way through the menus of some of the region’s top restaurants at the Taste of Bath festival in Victoria Park.

December
Get all shopped out at the colourful Bath Christmas Market.

GETTING THERE

Location
Royal Crescent, Bath BA1 2LS

Parking
Street parking is a headache – take the valet parking.  

Trains
Bath Spa station – one mile. There are regular trains from London Paddington (90 mins).

Taxis
GBP 6 from the station.

Airport
Bristol International – 16 miles. London Heathrow – 80 miles.

ESSENTIAL INFO

Rates guide
GBP 250 – 870

Open/closed
Open all year

Check-in
3pm

Check-out
Midday

Minimum night stay?
No

Breakfast
Breakfast is served until 10am, or 10.30 on Sundays.

Room service
Available 24 hours.

Children
Welcome, though under 12s are not permitted in the Bath House.

Pets
Small dogs welcome by arrangement.

Air conditioning
No

Languages
English and most European languages.

Wedding license?
Yes – with the Pavilion and the Garden Villa providing a private retreat from the rest of the hotel.