The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa – review

Posted on by Listify Me

Even as a relatively new and wide-eyed Londoner, an urgent desire to abscond from the relentless activity and incessant buzz of the metropolis is an all too familiar feeling. It is this longing for escapism that tends to render Bath – both the peaceful city and the vessel for that matter – too tempting to resist. 

It was that same desire to switch off from the buzz that led me to The Royal Crescent Hotel Spa, housed in a Grade 1-listed Georgian townhouse less than a 10 minute walk from the city centre and nestled somewhat subtly in the central two houses of the city’s iconic Royal Crescent.

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Said to be popular with celebrity repeat customers Johnny Depp, the Rolling Stones and U2 – as well as Prince Frederick, Duke of York and favourite son of King George III, in the late 1700s, who returned to Bath after receiving the rare honour of Freedom to buy the Crescent’s so-called ‘centre house’ for £5,000 – The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa is full of jaw-dropping Georgian grandeur whilst retaining that homely, familiar charm.

Walking through the admirably understated entrance hall and into a cosy drawing room with an open fire and wonderfully festive decorations, we were greeted by the highly experienced and deeply devoted General Manager Jonathan Stapleton, who guided us past a second Christmas tree and up a small but nonetheless sweeping staircase to our home for the next two nights; The Duke of York Suite.

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Perhaps the grandest of the 45 luxurious suites and rooms, this first-floor room overlooking the Royal Crescent lawns and city’s landscape is spectacularly dramatic in the least intimidating way.

With a four-poster bed, oak wardrobe and ornate paintings at one end, and a dramatic fireplace, flat-screen TV and sumptuous sofa at the other, luxuries such as the Nespresso coffee machine, enormous en-suite, full bookcase and third Christmas tree seemed almost incidental amidst the magnificence. 

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Tearing ourselves briefly from the comfort of our suite, we took a tour around several more of the hotel’s amenities. A short and peaceful walk across the beautiful garden path beyond the back of the hotel – lit by lanterns when the sun dies down – is The Dower House Restaurant and Spa house. 

An elegantly decorated space with immaculately turned-out staff, The Dower House Restaurant has a reputation for exquisite looking dishes thanks to its Head Chef David Campbell, who was previously Head Chef for the England Rugby Team.

Luckily for David – and his diners, in fact – his unfaltering reputation rings true in every bite, providing a rich experience as he teams his refined skill and dedication to in-season meats and produce with the devotion and knowledge of the in-house sommelier.

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Excellent, exciting food is produced for every course, with a palate cleanser in-between each featuring an interesting blend of textures and flavours that combine faultlessly. 

If you’re still struggling to unwind, the Spa and Bath House is the ultimate holistic haven to guarantee ultimate relaxation. The aqua blue hues of the small but perfectly formed pool are offset by the natural woods, bamboo, and slate surroundings, while two big barrels of cool and warm water sit enticingly alongside.

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The Spa’s Signature Treatment (Espa Back, Face Scalp Treatment, 90 minutes for £99) – also known as their ‘hero treatment’ – begins with a back exfoliation and hot stone massage, the latter of which I was initially sceptical about. To my surprise – and delight – the stones were not scalding. Although very hot, they only enhanced the relaxing technique my therapist was using to untie my knots.

Managing to remain sufficiently awake to turn over for the face and scalp massage, I was treated to a cocktail of deliciously scented ESPA enriching creams, restorative serums and radiance masks that left my face feeling almost light-emitting as opposed to simply reflecting. Once the products sunk further into my skin, a calmer, more dewy complexion remained with a wonderfully soft and healthy feel.

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After yet another delicious meal – delivered to our suite and scoffed in our bath robes; I blame the therapists entirely for our inability to even contemplate movement – we mustered up just enough energy to wander slowly into the city centre to spy a few landmarks, sample some local drinks and tally up our Christmas tree count to at least seven.

Far too much decadence and relaxation for one day, we headed back to our opulent haven on the hill. Drifting off for our final night’s sleep there, we deliberated between the options of a lie in nestled within the soft linen sheets, gazing up at the ornate Georgian plasterwork ceiling, or getting up an hour earlier for one last bathe in the pool. It’s a tough life.

Lead in rates start from £265 per room per night on a double occupancy BB basis. Suites start from £495

Reservations can be made at info@royalcrescent.co.uk or call 01225 823333

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