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

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 Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa review Bath architecture
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 cosy library, you quickly feel like royalty in your very own castle.  

The room

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa guest 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 entered 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 a-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 that 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, 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 are 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.

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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