The Royal Crescent Hotel Bath

I lived off the Royal Crescent when I was a student at Bath University in the 80's. Every morning, on the way to Bathwick Hill hitch hiking point, I walked past this hotel and was always curious about what it was like inside. My curiosity was heightened by meeting Sir Lawrence Olivier one morning as he exited the hotel after an obviously heavy night of partying.

Well I finally have made it over 20 years later, and all I can say is that it was worth the wait. The ambience, the rooms, the staff, the food, the location all lived up to my expectations. The room was sumptiously furnished, the agrdens delightful, the spa was very relaxing, the service polite and efficent, and the overall experience outstanding. The door staff were even kind enough to give us a lift to our restaurant sinmce we were running late.

And was Lord Olivier still in residence? Sadly not, he passed on several years ago. But I did see Noel Gallagher of Oasis in reception as I checked out (and he was perfectly civil and polite!)



PS I was watching the last episode of Inspector Morse a few weeks ago, you know the one where he finally reveals his first name and gets the girl. Where did he take her for a romantic weekend away? The Royal Crescent Hotel...

A top class hotel with a steam, spa complex to die for. Absolutely fantastic. Treat yourself to a luxury romantic weekend at a price. The food in the restaurant was excellent although at £50 per head plus wine a liitle overpriced.

For me, the Royal Crescent was the perfect five-star experience in Bath. The spa facilities are excellent and the restaurant was spectacular (although pricey). Most importantly, the staff actually cared about making my stay pleasurable.

On arrival shown to room, even though advised by phone it would be no 14, it was not and no other available. Expensive for back of house garden view but we arrived late and wanted to rest so stayed. If we go again I will demand confirmation of Cresent view. After all this the hotel is very beautiful the staff very helpful, we met with the asst. Gen Manager and she was great, also the concierge at the hotel go out of there way to be helpful from car parking to resturant bookings. The Spa is fab but book well in advance of your stay to get a treatment go for a swim after dark and it will be lit by candles - very romantic.

WE stayed at the Royal Crescent hotel in what was one of the hottest weekends of the summer. When we arrived, we were shown to our room which was at the basement level, but it was superb, and even had it's own garden where we ate breakfast, lovely. Unfortunately I had cut my foot earlier in the week before we arrived, and I was unable to use the spa as I had stitches which I had to keep dry.The restaurant was lovely and we had the only al-fresco seating that there was, wonderful memories of eating out on a superb warm evening by candlelight- very romantic. We took a trip on the hotel's boat for a champagne cruise and were the only couple on the boat- it was so romantic. Our room was a suite and we had no complaints, it was very comfortable and the staff were friendly. All in all I would recommend to anyone looking for a really romantic short break to stay in the Royal Crescent hotel.

My 2 1/2 days at the Royal C. started badly--got worse -- and then ultimately recovered. I arrived early on October 13th to find the hotel had no record of my reservation. Fortunately, I had a signed confirmation letter on Royal Crescent letterhead (I booked through their Toll Free 1-800 number). After many minutes of mysterious goings on in the manager's office, the receptionist returned to say, "We have a room for you." Apparently, my reservation had been entered for "the wrong day," but I wouldn't be suprised if it hadn't been entered at all.As the room was still being cleaned, I left and roamed around Bath for a few hours and then returned. The receptionist was on duty all alone, both manning the phones, the front desk and taking people to their rooms. I ended up standing around -- again -- for many minutes before I was helped.Finally, she took me up to the 3rd floor to Room 24 (Standard Double), which was pretty, but gave new meaning to the words "obstructed view." The window was completely blocked by the building's original 18th century concrete decorative columns, through which it was impossible to see anything other than a sliver of light.I told the receptionist that while I didn't mean to be difficult, for a 5-star hotel or 1st Grade -- or whatever the top of the line rating they have -- it was shocking at how badly things were going so far. First no reservation, now this. And that surely prospective guests should be informed at the time of booking to the fact that the view could be blocked.She said she'd talk to the manager, who then made amends and gave me Room 14, a "Superior Deluxe" double on the 2nd floor. And that room was beautiful, with its window looking directly out onto the Royal Crescent lawn and fall foliage and a view of the curving Crescent townhouses themselves.Needless to say, I was now a happy camper and the rest of the stay was lovely -- unless you count the issue of my Room Service dinner being charged 2 pounds more than what was listed on the menu and having to mention it and then the chaos between Room Service and the Front Desk. Turns turns out they have recently changed the prices, but neglected to change the menus.But after the trials of Day 1, the rest of my stay was lovely. It's an elegant, intimate place, as is its spa, where you can soak in heated pools and tubs of varying temperatures as part of your hotel rate. Paid extra for a wonderful salt scrub and massage.The waiters, concierges and maids were sweet, friendly and attentive -- much more so than the Front Desk staff , who, as management, were more formal and aloof.My suggestions for anyone booking the Royal Crescent: Use their Toll Free # listed on their website, so you can discuss what view you will be getting. If your room is on the 3rd floor, it's possible you'll get an obstructed view.Also -- on their website, click on the icon for "Special Deals," as they have some very large discounts.

You can hardly distinguish the Royal Crescent from the other private residences at this beautiful location; nothing ostentatious, just discreet and friendly service, no glamour, just a real feelling of comfort and bien-être with all the modern comforts. Great location and pleasent garden for an al fresco breakfast or drink and there's a spa.

I'd love to go back

We stayed at the Royal Crescent Hotel for 2 nights in August 2003. The location in the middle of the Royal Cresent was ideal, within easy walking distance of the town centre. We had a wonderful stay, in a standard room at Summer sizzler rate of £160. The room was beautifully furnished, including a new orchid plant each day. There is a lovely acre garden to relax in or eat and drink alfresco. The one evening meal we had in the restaurant was very good though pricey, with excellent service. The spa is wonderful with pool, sauna, steam room and two plunge tubs and small secluded grass area for sunbathing. Unfortunately we couldn't stay as long as we wanted as The Three Tenors and quests were taking over the whole hotel for the next 3 days to do a free concert in front of the Royal Crescent. Placido Domingo was in residence whilst we were there and we would have loved to have heard them in concert but unfortunately had to get back to London.

I stayed at the Royal Crescent Hotel for two nights in July 2003 and really loved Bath, but this hotel is tired and over-priced. We stayed in a 'Deluxe Double Room' at £245 per night and were disappointed not to have a front room and by how noisy it was. We then had to pay an additional charge of £18.50 per person for a cooked english breakfast which was nothing special.

Crazy prices, surly staff. Don't bother. Brandy Warrington Toronto

I have stayed at the Royal Crescent Hotel on 2 occasions now- once last October and recently in April 2003. On both occasions I was stunned by the quality of service and the beuaty and luxury of this hotel. The hotel is located slap bang in the middle of the Royal Crescent- the best location in the whole of Bath. The rooms- we stayed in a deluxe double and the Eliza Lucas suite- are outstanding with so many special little touches like Jane Austen novels and a teddy on the bed! In addition, they have a full library of videos and CD's and board games for you to borrow and each room comes with a video and CD player! The food is outstanding - we had breakfast and afternoon tea- the restaurant for dinner is very pricey but the menu looks amazing! The best part of the hotel however is the spa! There is a body temperature large pool and two teak plunge tubs and I have never felt as relaxed as I have been when I spent a few hours in there! It is all teak and stone and there was incense by the pool which was in semi darkness! Heavenly!