Some hotels are good enough to just lay your head at the end of a long day out. Other hotels are a full experience in themselves. The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath was a bucket list hotel for me and therefore, a full experience. I had seen it the first time I was in Bath; we had been walking the row and I was surprised that anyone could stay in one of the houses. It is a very Bridgerton inspired hotel and if you are looking for where to stay in Bath, keep reading.
When we visited Bath on a day trip from London in 2020, we packed in as much as possible. However, this time, I knew I wanted to stay over to experience Bath as early as possible. We initially planned for a weekend in Bath but decided an over night stay would be ok as well. With the popularity of Bridgerton, the Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath has become even more popular. The fact that the series centres the Bath Crescent quite prominently means that the hotel is in steady demand. I timed my return to Bath with the release of Bridgerton’s latest series so I could all the feels. As a massive fan of the series, let me just say that our almost 48 hours in Bath were impeccable.
After I had confirmed our stay at The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath, I received a follow up email. A form was attached to the email where I had to give some details like our car type and registration number. I noted the names of my husband and my baby as my companions; I also ticked what kind of pillows we would require. This was the beginning of the fanciness so I knew that we were in for a wonderful stay.
Checking into The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath
We got to Bath at about 2.30pm; having visited Iford Manor in Bradford upon Avon in the morning. We drove our car straight to the historic crescent and concierge met us as we pulled in. He greeted us with a wave and as Mr E opened the door, he was met with a personal greeting. I guess they took note of the car reg and were expecting us; but this was just so cool. Our luggage and extras were brought down from the car and parking was valet style.
Concierge alerted reception who checked us in but advised that our room was not yet ready. Check in is usually 3.30pm so I was hoping we could drop our stuff and wander in the mean time; which is exactly what we did.
About The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath
The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa is a 5 star heritage hotel in the historic city of Bath. It is located on one of the most famous rows in the world. The hotel was built between 1767 and 1775. It remains one of the most iconic and photographed pieces of Georgian architecture in the country.
The hotel’s address, no 16 became a guest house in 1950. By 1971, it was combined with no 15 and became the hotel as we know it today.
Bath is a UNESCO world heritage site and the royal crescent is one of its most recognisable façades. It has a total of 30 houses on its row and features very heavily in period movies. This has made it even much more popular with film lovers.
The great thing about the hotel is that you don’t need to be staying in the hotel to enjoy it. The spa and restaurant are open to anyone so you can book a table or a treatment.
The Hotel’s Aesthetics
The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath is stunning. I mean, first of all, it is located on THE Royal Crescent which is epic in itself. Walking in, you already know that this is not just any type of hotel. The 5 stars it has been awarded is evident from its doors.
There is a waiting room to the left which is decorated in the most beautiful bright colours. Further in is the library/bar which was available for residents. You could just walk in and pour yourself a glass of wine and grab a pack of nuts fro free. Since we were staying in the other building, I made sure to peek around the front building. I went up the stairs through the beautiful spiral staircase and spotted the grandfather clock.
There are so many cute and romantic corners in the hotel and it is not difficult to find them. Montagu’s Mews, the hotel’s restaurant was another room we thought was very pretty. Bright colours like the waiting room greeted us as we sat down for breakfast. All around the hotel, there are period paintings hanging on walls, which gives the hotel a lot of character.
We made sure to enjoy the hotel as much because we really found it very aesthetically beautiful.
The Room
We stayed in the Suite; which was room 30 and named “Beau Nash”. It was located at the back of the hotel, just across the “secret” gardens, in a building of its own.
The wonderful thing about this room was how the living room opened to the garden. Our suite had 3 rooms: a bedroom, an office and a living area complete with a full set of sofas.
There was a full bathroom which had a bath and shower; and next to the office is a guest toilet. The main bathroom was huge and had modern fittings. We really enjoyed spending so much time in our room as it was so big and comfortable. It felt like we were in our own mini flat.
Adanna had a beautiful wooden cot which we moved to the study for her bedtime. This allowed us stay up later than if she was in the room with us. We had the best sleep and even managed a lie in before it was time for breakfast.
The Secret Garden at The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath
My love for English gardens multiplies as summer approaches. When we walked through the front building and had to pass the garden to our room, I smiled to myself. It is so beautiful. Since we were there in wisteria season, there were rows of purpleness scattered around. We even spotted roses that had bloomed a little early and the garden looked so lush.
I could imagine throwing a summer party there with my friends in pretty dresses and drinking colourful cocktails. The gardens add to the charm of the hotel and I am glad we had dinner in it. Also, the fact that our room opened to the garden was just extra super.
Montagu’s Mews
Montagu’s Mews is the hotel’s restaurant. It is where breakfast and afternoon tea are served; also where you book dinner. Although we did not have dinner here, breakfast was a delight in this epic space.
When we walked inside, I literally gasped. The space is a beautiful mix of classic regency details but in the most beautiful trendy pinks. Since we went for a late breakfast, we were able to experience the room without distraction. I noticed that they were setting up for Afternoon Tea as we left; yet another experience I wished I had booked.
Dining at The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath
We were actually too late to book dinner so we opted for room service. However, since we had the garden room and the weather was still lovely, we opted to eat al fresco. Mr E had the steak and I had the croque monsieur while our toddler enjoyed her coujons and fries. I ordered a lovely spritz and Mr E had a beer.
The food was very yummy. Of course I had some of Mr E’s steak and it was cooked to medium perfection. Everything was 10 over 10 and the staff was wonderful as well.
The Spa at The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath
I had a peek at the spa since I did not have time to use it. From the door, I could tell that it was a gorgeous spa. The reception area is calming and set up sitting room style with a view of the gym. Further in is a nail salon and as you keep walking, you are led to the stunning pool. There is a jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and the lovely indoor heated pool. So I can imagine that it is a lovely place to spend some time. I would have loved a massage but maybe another time.
Service
I always say that we are lucky with service as we always get the kind end of the stick with staff. The staff at Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath was no different. Our favourites were the concierge who gave us tips on mapping our walk. The breakfast staff were also quite lovely – they were patient with Adanna and very smiley with her.
I met the receptionist briefly and she was very lovely to me too. We ordered room service for dinner because the restaurant was fully booked. On a second thought and quite last minute, we asked if we could have it in the garden. This was immediately arranged with no hassle.
Turn down service was also beautifully done. Our room was freshened, slippers placed by our beds and even a White Company relax spray was provided.
Is The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath family friendly?
The hotel is one of the most family friendly hotels we have been to. I think the cutest thing was the mini robe that was included for Adanna which I thought was so special. Not many hotels think of kids in that way, but with The Royal Crescent Hotel, kids are vey much included.
There is a children’s menu for dining and even for afternoon tea. Adanna was given a teddy and there was a toy box left out for her; with age appropriate books to read. Our room had a proper (not travel) cot, bottle warmer and a diaper bin. I don’t think I have ever seen a diaper bin in a hotel so this one impressed me a lot. The garden is big so kids are able to run around freely.
Our stay at The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, Bath
This is one stay I will not forget for a very long time. We had such a wonderful time and we think it might be on list of the best hotels in England. The whole thing was such a pinch me moment and I just could not believe I was staying here. I guess that’s the thing with bucket lists. When they finally happen, the feeling is just incredible; so I am very happy I got to tick this one off my list.
My only regret is that we did not stay longer. Ideally, 2 days are perfect to enjoy all the hotel has to offer especially the spa which I missed out on. Something we found interesting was how you feel like you’re a world away from Bath once you are inside the hotel. You almost forget that you are on this iconic street and there are people milling around the front taking photos. It is literally a haven and gem of a hotel in Bath and hopefully, in the future, we can return.