Bath Priory

The Bath Priory, a distinguished Relais & Châteaux property in Bath, United Kingdom, has recently been honored with a One Michelin Key, recognizing its excellence in design, hospitality, and authenticity. Guests consistently laud the hotel for its luxurious ambiance, exceptional service, and picturesque setting.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Bath Priory garners overwhelmingly positive feedback, with an excellent average rating of 8.9 based on over 900 reviews. Guests frequently describe their stays as "exceptional in every respect" and "absolutely phenomenal," highlighting a strong sense of luxury and comfort throughout the property.

Key Highlights

The hotel's key highlights include its breathtaking four-acre award-winning gardens, which are beautifully maintained by a Chelsea Flower Show silver medal-winner, providing a tranquil oasis for guests to stroll or relax. The luxurious quality of the rooms and amenities, coupled with the attentive and friendly staff, are consistently praised. A significant draw is The Garden Spa by L'Occitane, noted as the only L'Occitane spa in the UK, offering a serene escape with professional treatments, an indoor pool, and a sauna. The delicious food and excellent dining experiences also contribute to the hotel's appeal.

Room Quality

The Bath Priory features 33 individually designed luxurious rooms and suites, each named after a flower, offering a unique blend of comfort and style. The decor maintains a classic British feel, featuring cushy bedding, dark wood antique bureaus, and vanity table mirrors. Modern conveniences such as in-room Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and climate control are standard. Guests appreciate the spacious and clean bathrooms equipped with handheld showerheads, bathtubs, heated towel racks, and fluffy robes. Many rooms boast stunning views over the immaculate gardens, and some offer "Romeo and Juliet" balconies or romantic four-poster beds. The "newness and luxurious quality" of the rooms, including comfortable Vispring beds, contribute to a restful stay.

Dining Experience

At the heart of The Bath Priory is its celebrated, award-winning restaurant, which holds 3 AA Rosettes. Under the guidance of Executive Head Chef Jauca Catalin, the restaurant is known for its modern British cuisine, focusing on fresh local produce and artfully presented, innovative dishes. The restaurant has a history of regaining and maintaining a Michelin star. Guests consistently commend the "excellent dining menu" and "fabulous breakfasts." For a more casual setting, The Pantry & Terrace offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and a popular afternoon tea, with options to enjoy it in the gardens or via an in-room hamper.

Service & Staff

The service at The Bath Priory is a standout feature, with staff frequently described as "friendly," "helpful," "accommodating," "wonderful," and "professional." Reviewers often highlight the staff's attentiveness and their understanding of "the real meaning of service." One guest emphasized that the "warm and knowledgeable service" and "unwaveringly friendly and charming staff" truly elevate the hotel experience.

Location & Accessibility

The hotel is discreetly situated on a leafy residential road, within four acres of serene gardens, just north of Bath's city center. It offers a peaceful retreat while being conveniently located for exploring the city. A pleasant 20-minute walk through Royal Victoria Park leads to the historic center, including attractions like the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey, which are about 30 minutes away on foot. Bath Spa train station is approximately a 10-minute taxi ride. The Bath Priory provides generous on-site parking, including free valet parking and allocated disabled parking spaces, with ramp access available at the main entrance. The hotel also offers a ground-floor accessible room, the Foxglove Room, for guests with disabilities.

Value & Pricing

While the luxurious experience is highly rated, some guests find the pricing to be on the higher side. A three-course dinner can cost around £98 per person. Overnight stays can start from approximately £195 per room, including breakfast, but prices can vary significantly depending on the room type and booking period, with some standard rooms reaching over $1,000. Some feedback suggests that while the food and service are good, they may not always meet the high expectations associated with the price point, leading to questions about overall value.

Common Complaints

The most common criticism revolves around the perceived value for money, with some guests expressing that "the prices are too much" for certain aspects of the food and service, indicating that while quality is present, it might not always align with the premium cost. Another minor complaint occasionally mentioned is the lack of direct transit access from the hotel and the inconsistent quality of taxi services from Bath Spa train station.

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