Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa sits in the middle of a Bath landmark where key scenes from Bridgerton were filmed. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa The Royal Crescent in Bath is an impressive feat of architecture and an important landmark of the city. It’s also a UNESCO Heritage Site that’s been around for 250 years. For fans of Bridgerton, the stunning Grade 1 townhouses take on even greater significance because they star in the opening scenes of the show and, fittingly, are home to the Featherington family, who live at No. 1. For luxury travelers, though, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, at No. 16, is even more significant because it’s the place to stay in Bath if you want to be treated like a Bridgerton or Featherington yourself. Each of the 45 rooms in this elegant yet homey townhouse has its own personality — just like the guests who stay in them. You can’t help feeling special because 1) you’re sleeping in probably the most highly-coveted address in the city and 2) the staff’s goal is to make you feel that way — and they are very good at their jobs. Extraordinary service The grand entrance, where the amazing concierge holds court. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa I’ve come to realize that what really defines a luxury hotel is not its decor or price tag but its service — and The Royal Crescent’s is simply outstanding. I knew from the moment I (and every other guest) was greeted at the door by Mark Hanks, Head Concierge, that we were talking about the highest level of service. Hanks has been at the hotel for 37 years and it’s obvious that he is a huge reason it’s as beloved as it is. Think Mr. Carson on Downton Abbey. The beautiful drawing room, where I waited for my car that didn’t show up. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa Hanks and his team can arrange any activity for you, from private tours to Stand Up Paddleboarding under the Pulteney Bridge, but I will be forever indebted to him for the small miracle he performed for me. When my driver never showed up to take me to Southampton, where I was embarking on a cruise, the unflappable Hanks picked up the phone and, when none of his regular car services were available, he called in a favor and got someone to drive me the hour and a half trip. I don’t know what I would have done without him. Suites designed for “the ton” The John Wood Suite at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa In Bridgerton, the who’s who of British high society are referred to as “the ton,” a name that comes from the French “bon ton.” The suites at The Royal Crescent would make even the hardest to please of them swoon. I stayed in the John Wood Suite on the second floor of the main building and don’t have enough superlatives to describe it. Named after the architect who designed the Royal Crescent, it is steeped in history, beauty and total comfort. When I reached the top of the staircase, it was a thrill to see my name handwritten on a place card on the door – a small touch that goes a long way in making guests truly feel welcome. I stood a little taller, feeling like I was a resident of this magnificent townhouse, and gasped when I opened the door and entered a suite that easily could have appeared in Bridgerton. It was like stepping back in time – with the added benefit of a big screen TV and plenty of outlets for charging my devices. The Percy Blakeney Suite, named after The Scarlet Pimpernel himself. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa But, oh, the toile wallpaper! The fabrics! The molding! It took everything in me not to jump into that four-poster bed and order room service. I’m already planning a return visit so I can do just that. This, like all of the thoughtfully-appointed rooms at The Royal Crescent, is a suite in which you really need to spend time. Because the suite is located at the front of the building, my views of the Royal Crescent green were picture postcard perfect. I imagined myself promenading down the street, gossiping with my friends or getting ready for a ball. Trust me, this elegant, historic hotel just lends itself to fantasizing. The Spa The spa at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is a magical space. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa A spa treatment is always something to look forward to and crossing the lovely gardens of The Royal Crescent to get to their magnificent spa gives you a few minutes to prepare to enter a whole new world. I arrived early for my aptly named Drift Away Massage and spent one of the most relaxing hours of my life in a space so breathtaking and unique, it could be called a sanctuary rather than a spa. Surrounded by gorgeous natural stone walls with huge cut out arched windows providing soothing garden views, I had the heated indoor pool all to myself. I floated endlessly, imagining I was a queen in my castle without a care in the world, as the English rain provided an enchanting soundtrack. I dragged myself out only because I wanted to experience the Himalayan salt-infused sauna and the eucalyptus and menthol-scented steam room. I then parked myself in the vitality pool so the massage jets could work their magic on my already-relaxing muscles before heading back into the pool for a last dip. I was mush by the time I slid onto the table for my massage and actually did drift away for a little while. I can’t think of a more magical place to spend a rainy afternoon in Bath and I try to bring myself back there in my mind whenever I’m feeling stressed. Montagu’s Mews Montagu’s Mews is, not surprisingly, listed in the Michelin Guide. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa The hotel’s award-winning restaurant is named after Elizabeth Montagu, an 18th century writer and advocate for women’s education, and it’s located in what was once her carriage house. I went down a fascinating rabbit hole researching her background – she was a founder of the Blue Stockings Society and a champion of social reform – over a wonderful dinner that started with Chef Martin Blake’s signature milk bread, moved on to a tasty halibut with locally-sourced veggies and ended with a vanilla/peach/raspberry cheesecake that I still dream about. For breakfast the next morning, I would have gone back to the extensive buffet a couple more times but I got to talking with the two women at the table next to me – who, it turns out, were also my neighbors upstairs – and we had so much fun sharing our favorite Bath discoveries that we all found ourselves running late for the activities we had scheduled for the day. Next time I stay at The Royal Crescent – and, oh, I will definitely stay again – I want to experience afternoon tea and enjoy a meal in the garden. Bath On Screen Tour Blue Badge Tour Guide Fred Mawer can show you all around the city. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa Because I just had to learn more about the connections between Bridgerton, Bath and The Royal Crescent, I booked the Bath On Screen Tour through the hotel and spent two hours getting an insider’s view of the city. Led by Fred Mawer, an official Blue Badge Tour Guide, it’s a fantastic way to get to see the sites where some of the most popular Bridgerton scenes were filmed. Mawer also points out spots from The Duchess, Les Miserables and Jane Austen’s Persuasion, all of which you’ll then want to go back and watch. Mawer leads two other walking tours of Bath, as well, and you can book them both through The Royal Crescent. He’s a great tour guide and will give you so many fun facts and behind-the-scenes stories, you’ll finally win that next game of trivia. Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn. Lois Alter Mark Following Editorial Standards Forbes Accolades
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