When it comes to the very best boutique hotels in Bath, there’s one that constantly leads the pack. Built between 1767 and 1775, this historic stay is far and away the city’s most iconic location. Sitting right in the centre at Number 16, the The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa captures the building’s colourful history, combining heritage decor with exquisite fine dining and spectacular views through its spacious suites and lounges, artfully converted coach houses and serene spa and bath house.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
We review The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa in Bath
Hotel snapshot
Hotel: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
Address: 16 Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LS
Number of rooms: 45 rooms and suites
Style: Georgian heritage and contemporary British luxury
Best for: Romantic breaks, spa escapes, special occasions, history lovers and first-time visits to Bath
Family amenities: Family rooms and suites, interconnecting or nearby rooms, baby cots, spare beds and toy boxes in selected categories
Dog-friendly: Yes, with dedicated dog-friendly rooms
Wellness facilities: Heated relaxation pool, vitality pool with massage jets, sauna, steam room, gym, spa garden and treatment rooms
Dining: Montagu’s Mews, a 3 AA Rosette restaurant, alongside breakfast, afternoon tea and private dining
Prices starting from: £410 per night, depending on room and season.
The vibe
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa can’t be faulted for staying true to its roots and location in its design – simply entering the foyer, you’ll find Roman busts, columned pediments, and murals reminiscent of the Roman baths, which are interwoven into the city’s history. Elsewhere in the hotel, from the comfortable lounge to the suites and dramatic staircase, the interiors combine those of a stately home with modern pops of colour and patterns.
The stunning architecture will draw you in from the moment you see it
From the outside, those not in the know might assume the hotel only takes up the townhouse on the crescent, but we were pleasantly surprised to discover the spacious gardens hidden behind the property, which feature a terrace, the bath house, restaurant, and pavilion, along with a special residence for private stays. With gilded oil paintings, roaring fires, high ceilings, and a cosy library, you quickly feel like royalty in your very own castle.
The room
Guests can luxuriate in warm and welcoming suites at the hotel
Before even exploring our spacious deluxe suite, little touches made the experience thoughtful, such as a name card on our door. The room opened into a short hallway, complete with a lovely guest book which we signed upon leaving, before opening onto a beautifully spacious living room. A soft sofa and cushy armchair, working fireplace and large windows with central views across the crescent were only made better by the classical music that the staff had put on the radio for our arrival.
I can’t help but fall in love with good beds in hotels, and The Royal Crescent’s elegant wooden four-poster, with old-fashioned cushions and throws, did not disappoint. In terms of amenities, there are too many to list, but my favourites were the Dyson Supersonic hairdryer (great for keeping the noise down), turn-down service mats embroidered with ‘Goodnight’, and the Noble Isle toiletries. Sipping coffee in the early morning overlooking the greenery outside, I spotted many cute dogs playing fetch, and I loved that the property is a dog-friendly hotel offering dog beds, treats, and a private spot for walks.
Food and drink
The hotel’s food and drink experiences are second-to-none. I had hopeful expectations when visiting their eclectically designed Montagu’s Mews restaurant; I was beyond impressed by the farm-to-fork cuisine. Decked out in warm salmon wallpaper, thick rugs, leafy plants and plenty of marble busts, the 3AA Rosette restaurant is run by Head Chef Martin Blake and serves a delicious locally-sourced menu.
You can opt for the à la carte or tasting menu – we went for the former, which began with melt-in-the-mouth shokupan (a fluffy Japanese bread). This was followed by roasted quail with caramelised shallots and local lamb with 36-month-aged Parmesan, mint jelly cubes, pea puree and lamb jus, all presented in a delicate, spectacular fashion. I was concerned I might not have room for dessert, but the baked passionfruit tart with coconut sorbet proved too much to resist. The restaurant also serves an extensive buffet breakfast with menu options such as eggs Benedict, plus afternoon tea and lunch, which can be enjoyed outside in the warmer months.
The spa
At the end of a winding path in the garden, the hotel’s Spa and Bath House offers yet more tranquillity in an already beautiful destination. We were welcomed into the reception with fluffy robes, towels and slippers before heading to the pool, which sits in a stone room that feels like a church, complete with lancet windows overlooking the grounds, a hot tub and sauna.
After unwinding in the pool, I was met by a practitioner who took me to begin the All About the Glow Vitamin C facial, which was one hour of pure bliss involving various peels and masks that left me feeling good as new. There is a whole menu of other options, from facials to massages and reflexology, and you can book a spa day even if you’re not staying at the hotel.
Frequently asked questions: The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
The hotel is located at 16 Royal Crescent in Bath, one of the city’s most famous Georgian addresses. It is around a five-minute walk from Bath city centre and a seven-minute taxi journey from Bath Spa railway station.
Its location is the biggest draw. Staying here means spending the night within Bath’s iconic Royal Crescent, while also enjoying a luxury hotel, gardens, award-winning dining and a spa. The combination of Georgian heritage and contemporary interiors gives the hotel a distinctive sense of place.
The hotel has 45 individually designed rooms and suites, ranging from Classic and Heritage Rooms to Junior Suites, Deluxe Suites, Master Suites and a private Garden Villa.
Rooms and suites are individually designed and combine historic architectural details with bold colours, statement furnishings and contemporary comforts. Some of the larger suites feature four-poster beds, separate sitting areas and views across the gardens, lawn or Bath skyline.
Yes. The hotel has a full-service spa with a 12-metre heated relaxation pool, vitality pool with massage jets, sauna, steam room and gym, as well as treatment rooms offering facials, massages and body treatments.
Hotel guests have access to the spa facilities as part of their stay. The hotel also offers dedicated spa breaks and treatments, which can include additional experiences and treatments.
Yes. The historic setting, luxurious suites, spa and restaurant make it an excellent choice for couples celebrating a special occasion or planning a romantic weekend in Bath. Larger suites and rooms with garden views offer a particularly indulgent experience.
Yes. The hotel offers dedicated Family Rooms and Suites, as well as options for interconnecting or nearby rooms. Selected room categories can accommodate baby cots and spare beds, while toy boxes are also available.
Children under 16 can use the main pool during designated times in school holidays, accompanied by an adult. These sessions must be booked in advance, and children cannot use the heat or hydrotherapy facilities. Outside these periods, the spa is primarily for adult guests and those aged 16 and over.
Yes. The hotel offers dedicated dog-friendly rooms, making it a good choice for travellers who want to bring their dog to Bath. It is advisable to book a designated dog-friendly room in advance.
Yes. The hotel is very well located for exploring Bath on foot. No. 1 Royal Crescent is around two minutes away, while Bath city centre is approximately a five-minute walk.
Yes. Bath Spa railway station is around a seven-minute taxi ride from the hotel.
Because the hotel occupies historic Georgian buildings, many rooms and suites do not have lift access. Guests who require lift access or have specific accessibility requirements should contact the hotel before booking to ensure a suitable room is available.
Extras
It would be quite easy to stop there, but The Royal Crescent Hotel exists to impress guests, which is why there are a range of fantastic extras on offer that can be booked for your stay. Private dining is a popular one, which can be taken in the library or garden and includes champagne and a personal waiter. Alternatively, you can opt for a guided tour of Bath, food tours, painting classes, stand-up paddleboarding or the best one for a special occasion – a hot air balloon ride over the city.
Having never visited the historic city of Bath, I was blown away by the beautiful architecture and heritage which is epitomised in the Royal Crescent’s design, along with the hotel’s attention to detail and personalised experience. It’s safe to say if I return, there’s nowhere else I’d rather stay.
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