The Royal Crescent Hotel Hotel

16 Royal Crescent, Bath

Designed by John Wood the Younger, Bath’s Royal Crescent is one of Britain’s most famous landmarks, a sweep of unrivalled Georgian beauty. So the hotel at its centre should be something special. Formed of a series of apartments, the hotel is mere steps from Jane Austen’s former residences and has always been in the thick of Bath history, visited and lived in by the great and the good. With its location, the hotel needs to do little to entice visitors – whether Austenophile or not – and the interiors, from the lounge to the bedrooms, play to the Georgian theme with aplomb: period sketches and fabrics add a historical touch. Some of the rooms could use sprucing up – paint is chipped and bathrooms are a bit tired – but, then again, modern-day luxury isn’t what you come here for. You’re here to flip through some of the well-thumbed Austen books, available in your room; or to enjoy a luxurious picnic on the green out front; or to take a traditional afternoon tea in the back garden, complete with fluffy Bath buns. Lounge in the spa, which occupies a converted coach house and stables; there are dipping pools, a sauna and steam room. The Dower House restaurant produces modern classic dishes, such as slow-cooked duck egg with smoked partridge, cep cream, truffles and duck fat soldiers. The well-chosen and perfectly aged cheeses on offer are a splendid end to a fine meal. Doubles from £345.