Among the rolling hills of Somerset is the English city of Bath, one of the country’s most charming and historic. A timeless retreat that embodies the classical stories that inspired Charles Dickens and Jane Austen, the city’s Georgian architecture is a magnet for international visitors. It is however towards the end of each year the city transforms into a festive spectacle.
The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa is Bath’s most elegant place to stay amidst December’s celebrations. Situated on the iconic Royal Crescent, the aptly named five-star hotel champions elegant English hospitality, and as we step into the historic hotel in mid-November, we witness the first signs of festivities appearing around us: from glistening trees and decorations weaving their way up the wooden staircase.
Located in the heart of the 250-year-old Grade 1 Listed Royal Crescent, Christmas is a time to celebrate English tradition. At The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, step into the nostalgic novels of Pride and Prejudice, or even more suitably Dickens’ A Christmas Carol staying in one of the 45 individually designed suites and bedrooms that feature grand four poster beds, historic artwork and sweeping views over the crescent.
This Christmas, the hotel has created a festive package from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day, for a December to remember in true English style. Step into the glorious lobby on Christmas Eve for mulled wine and a festive afternoon tea before retreating to the spa in the garden for treatments and use of the spa facilities. These include an indoor swimming pool, set within one of the historic stone buildings with a hot tub and steam and saunas. Uniting guests on this special evening, step into a Champagne reception with canapés to the song of carol singers by candlelight and a three-course dinner in the Montagu’s Mews restaurant to truly build the festive anticipation.
More Champagne is on the menu come Christmas Day with a pre-lunch reception, before stepping back into the restaurant for a lavish traditional lunch with all the festive trimmings and wines from the house cellar. Guests can then retreat to the garden cinema for a movie with Bailey’s hot chocolate and popcorn on the heated terrace. In the evening, head chef Martin Blake will conjure up a light buffet supper, served with wines selected by the hotel’s award-winning sommelier.
To round off the festive occasion, Boxing Day includes a traditional afternoon tea, more Champagne, and a five-course farewell festive dinner paired with exquisite wines and games from the hotel’s ‘Crescent Casino’. Whilst with a royal sense of occasion, on New Year’s Eve The Royal Crescent Hotel will host a glittering, night-to-remember ‘house party’. Dress up in black-tie for a five-star party inclusive of a five-course dinner and merriment from the hotel’s resident DJ.
It has been an exciting year for this historic hotel, giving the team even more reason to celebrate. Notably back in the spring, the property relaunched the design concept of the Montagu Mews restaurant and bar. In honour of the heritage and iconic status of the luxury hotel, whilst showcasing an individual style, Shelley Reiner – director of London based interior design company ‘Suited’ – was appointed to lead this creative project. We enjoyed dinner in the revitalised dining room that reflects the eclectic nature of an 18th century salon for a modern yet classic, space inspired by the first resident of No.16 Royal Crescent, Elizabeth Montagu and her salons.
Shelley’s colourful concept sets the scene for award-winning dishes from Martin and his team. With a strong focus on locally sourced ingredients, Martin is passionate about incorporating quality produce from nearby farmers and suppliers into his menus, showing off the best that Bath and the surrounding areas have to offer. Dine on lamb from Whaddon Grove farm, Wye Valley asparagus with almond pesto and chicken jus roti and 30-day aged Herefordshire beef tartar.
With a history that spans more than 250 years, The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa embodies the charming character of this UNESCO World Heritage Site city. One of the few landmark buildings in the world where you can spend the night, here it is a truly unique hotel that revels in its heritage, under the eye of a truly magnificent team who are at the heart of the unreplaceable setting.
Factbox
Address: The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa, 16 Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LS United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0) 1225 823333
Website: royalcrescent.co.uk
