Only a 90 minute train ride from Paddington Station in London, Bath is a vibrant and energetic city that is still deeply connected to its ancient Roman history. This was our first time visiting this UK city and we were going to soak up all that it had to offer, from Bath Abbey, to our first sausage roll and a stay at The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa.
With 250 years of history under its foundation, the five star Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is a blend of old world charm and modern luxury, steps from the historic center of Bath. Located in the center of the world’s finest crescent, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is five star luxury in the Unesco World Heritage city of Bath. With its unique heritage, detailed history and elegant 18th-century Georgian architecture, the boutique hotel is fit for a king or queen. Certainly Sir Mike Jagger enjoyed his stay here, as did I.
The 45 room Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa occupies houses 15 and 16 of the famed Royal Crescent. The history of the luxury hotel is as varied as the art work within its limestone, honey-colored walls. Built between 1767 and 1774 by John Wood, his father had designed the historic building shortly before his death. In its lifetime, The Royal Crescent Hotel has been a boarding house and one star hotel. Today, the 5 star hotel & spa operate like a well oiled machine with an exceptional and warm staff.
“The Royal Crescent is one of the most iconic buildings in England,” according to Hotel Manager Simon Austin.
Duke of York Suite
Of the 45 hotel rooms, 3 are master suites. When the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa was restored, each of the suites was named after famous men and women who had resided in the city of Bath, or the Royal Crescent. My husband and I had the good fortune of staying in room 11, the Duke of York Suite. Prince Frederic was the favorite son of King George III. The Duke of York, aka Frederick, visited Bath in 1795. The next year the Duke and his wife returned to Bath and purchased the “center house.” The center house, number 16, may be identified by its paired columns.
The Duke of York suite is 5 star luxury in Bath. Rates for this suite range from £1,000 to £1,200 per night. The elegant room featured a four poster bed, complimentary breakfast, gorgeous marble bathroom with separate shower and bathtub, Floris toiletries, a pillow menu, slippers and white bathrobes. There was also a coffee maker and tea kettle in the room. With views of the Royal Crescent lawn, fresh flowers and stately antique furniture, I felt as if I could step right out of a Jane Austen movie set.
Dining at The Royal Crescent Hotel
The AA 3 Rosette Dower House restaurant is helmed by Head Chef David Campbell. We enjoyed the 6 course tasting menu for two. Our menu included cep soup, roasted scallops, slow cooked Euerleigh Duck egg, barbecued lamb rump, Elder flower panna cotta and gooseberry sorbet, concluding with a strawberry sorbet that tasted like the essence of summer. For an additional fee the sommelier will pair wines with each course.
From a picnic in the secluded one acre garden to cocktails and alfresco shared dishes by the fire pit, anything is possible at The Royal Crescent Hotel. Try their specialty cocktail, ‘Queen of the Blues’ in Montagu Bar & Champagne Lounge.
Royal Crescent Hotel Afternoon Tea
Our stay at The Crescent wouldn’t be complete without Afternoon Tea served in the Dower House restaurant. There’s a tea for everyone, as the restaurant offers a sweet or savory afternoon tea, vegan afternoon tea or gluten-free option. The Royal Crescent Hotel Afternoon Tea includes freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, finger sandwiches, house made pastries and cakes and Ronnefeldt teas. Tattinger Champage by the flute or flight is available for an additional charge. Young guests have their very own Children’s Afternoon Tea with a special menu. Afternoon tea is served daily between 1:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. with the last sitting at 4:30 p.m. On our visit Afternoon Tea was priced at £37.50 per person (Children’s Tea Menu – £19.50 per child)
The Royal Crescent Spa
If you are looking to be pampered, relaxed, renewed and restored, The Royal Crescent Spa is the place for you. Located behind The Royal Crescent Hotel, The Spa & Bath House is situated in a converted coach house and stables that underwent a 2015 multi-million dollar restoration. I enjoyed the relaxation pool, the vitality pool and the Himalayan salt-infused sauna. The best part of my spa day was the deep muscle melt massage.
If you visit The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa on a sunny day, take time to enjoy the Taittinger Spa Garden or hang out on the mood swing. Designed by Stephen Myburgh, the brass swing is a hanging piece of art.
Need to know:
Rates start at £330, Master Suite rates range from £1,045 to £1,460 and include a full English breakfast, tax, valet parking and access to The Spa & Bath House. The Royal Crescent Hotel is family-friendly and pet-friendly. There is a children’s menu and toys are available in room. There are 6 pet-friendly rooms; 1 Heritage room with access to private courtyard, 1 master room with access to private courtyard, 2 master rooms with access directly onto the gardens, 1 deluxe suite with access to private courtyard and 1 deluxe suite with access directly onto the gardens. Easily accessible by train, the hotel is a 15 minute walk to the train station via Victoria Park.
Check in: 3:00 p.m.
Check out: 12:00 p.m.
Insider Tip: My favorite room at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa was the Duke of York suite. Want to indulge yourself further, order room service. I’ll bet you didn’t know that Robert Downey Jr. is a fan of The Royal Crescent’s Afternoon Tea. For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter or Instagram @Nancydbrown and @The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa.
If You Go:
The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa 44 (0) 1225 823333
16 Royal Crescent
Bath, BA1 2LS United Kingdom
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa hotel review, YouTube video and all photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. As is typical in the industry, I received a complimentary media stay, however, all opinions are my own.