Charlotte Skidmore visits the famous Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath.
What first struck me about the Bath Royal Crescent Hotel is the magnificent feeling of tranquillity that descends on you when you walk through the doors. The hotel is situated in one of the most famous crescents in the world, yet it is so private and secluded once you are inside that it’s little wonder it draws celebrities to stay there. The second thing that struck me was the level of service from those who worked there. Staff were highly professional and helpful, but friendly too.
The iconic Royal Crescent Hotel was designed by the architect John Wood the Younger and built between 1767 and 1774 and even today it retains its beautiful Georgian features. It is currently owned by Topland Group and has been kept in the traditional style for which it is famous.
The rooms
Immaculate, lavishly decorated rooms that suit the grand façade of the building is what you can expect here. Not a huge bathroom, but big enough for what you need and in the superior room the added advantage of a separate sitting area.
The spa
The spa at the hotel focuses on the natural elements of earth, air, fire and water and is set within the grand traditional settings of one of the Georgian buildings. There is also a range of treatments available, including the full body aromatherapy massage that I had. The therapist held a personal consultation beforehand to establish what I wanted to get out of the treatment and then acted accordingly.
The restaurant
Before I get onto talking about the restaurant, let me start with the pre-dinner cocktails. What a gorgeous setting and amazing, extensive cocktail list to choose from. I did choose in the end and the Raspberry Lash, which contained Stolichnaya Red, Chambord Deluxe and raspberry puree and then the Peach Bellini did not fail to disappoint.
It really is a fine dining experience at this hotel, from the service to the food that appears on your plate. As is typical with this type of dining there are small portions, but lots of them.
The egg starter, which consisted of slow cooked free range duck egg with ham, cep, leek, truffle and toasted duck fat soldiers didn’t work for me personally. But I have to say the main course of lamb was exquisite, perfectly cooked, just to my taste and full of flavour. My dining partner was equally impressed with his fallow deer. It had been cooked with chocolate, that really complemented the strong taste that comes with game. Overall the hotel was a magnificent place to stay.
If you’re looking for a wonderful, romantic break for two in a tranquil and peaceful setting, with a world famous city on your doorstep then this is the place for you. In all honesty you may not want to leave - I didn't!
royalcrescent.co.uk
