Hotel review: The Bath Priory, Bath
AOL Travel reviews countryside hotel The Bath Priory in Bath
Written by: Ruth Doherty
The Bath Priory
Date published: 04/14/2011
5 / 5 stars
What's to love?
What's not? As soon as we pulled into the gravelly driveway we fell head over heels for the historic charm and beauty of this privately-owned hotel built in 1835.
First impressions
The Bath Priory oozes the wow factor but not in a showy way. It's decadent with a homely cottage feel (albeit an extremely luxurious one). There's a definite nod to its Gothic influences - with cheeky gargoyles and dramatic arches giving way to stylish soft furnishings inside - beautiful paintings everywhere you turn, freshly-picked flowers and French Belle Epoque chandeliers.
Best room in the house?
Hmm, it's hard to pick! All 31 rooms are luxurious, with fabulous interior design using printed throws and wallpaper, as well as plumped-up pillows for comfort. We were greeted with homemade cookies, flowers, water, fruit and lemonade as we entered our room called Honeysuckle (all the accommodation is named after flowers - no impersonal room numbers here). Marble-finished rooms and Molton Brown products make taking a bath that bit more special and period furniture and lighting give an elegant overall look. And, when we returned from dinner, our bed had been 'turned down' - ready and waiting for us enjoy a contented sleep in the giant bed.
Where to eat
There's two dining areas, the main one being light-filled with views out over the sun terrace and gardens, and then there's the more intimate Browns , with its damask banquette seating, warm colours and painting-adorned walls. Exciting Head Chef Sam Moody is overseen by the two Michelin-starred Executive Head Chef Michael Caines MBE (remember him from The Great British Menu?). Anyway, as expected, the food was delicious, and the baked fish on the bone just fell off like a dream...
Top tip?
Cuddle up in the elegant living room in front of the open log fire, sink in to the squashy sofas and enjoy a glass of bubbly or afternoon tea while looking out of the beautiful gardens.
This place is perfect if you're...
Getting married, need a luxurious relaxing break, fancy a stylish break in Bath, or going on a romantic getaway. The price reflects the fact that this is special occasion territory - but it's worth it.
If you do one thing here, make sure it's...
Don't miss anything! Take a dip in the pool (indoor in winter, outdoor when the sun decides to pop out), make sure you have a massage in the Garden Spa (we recommend the Classic Aromatic Facial - fall-asleep blissful), which was refurbished and opened in September 2009, stroll around the flawless landscaped gardens, eat in the first-rate restaurant and relax in the inviting living room.
Score out of ten?
Ten. We couldn't fault anything, from the perfectly-manicured garden, to the must-visit spa, the mouth-watering food, and the majestic old house.
Things to do, places to see...
The Bath Priory is a short ten-minute stroll to the Royal Victoria Park, from where you can access the city, one of the most beautiful in Britain. A trip to Bath wouldn't be complete with out a visit to the old Roman Baths and a cream tea in The Pump Room or buns at Sally Lun's!.
Details
The Bath Priory, Weston Rd, Bath, BA1 2XT, Tel: 01225 331922. Visit thebathpriory.co.uk
