The Bath Priory Hotel and Spa

Even in late winter and early spring, the gardens were immaculate and lovely for sitting outside and listening to the birds. Inside, our suite was spacious and well equipped, with a big deep bath, a large shower and a very comfortable bed. Staff were friendly and helpful from the moment we arrived. Breakfast was tasty and full of flavour, and someone was always nearby if we needed anything. We had a very relaxing stay. Thank you for making it so good.

We’ve just come to the end of three nights at The Bath Priory, and it was a wonderful, relaxing stay. Access to the Sauna, Steam Room and Spa was included, which made unwinding after exploring Bath easy. Breakfast was a particular favourite, both tasty and beautifully presented, and the other food was amazing too. The staff were welcoming and friendly throughout, and made us feel at home. Highly recommended for a restful stay with top-tier service.

The Bath Priory is still a beautiful hotel with excellent food, but a special evening here was let down by uneven service and details that matter at this price. We stayed Sunday night on a dinner, bed and breakfast rate. Before arrival, the hotel sent us the Valentine’s menu, which we accepted for a small extra charge. Check-in was, as on past visits, smooth and welcoming, and we were given the room we’ve historically favoured. This time, though, it needed attention: the very old wooden windows need repair and repainting, the lampshade was cracked inside, and there were marks on the carpet and scuffs on the walls. In a busy hotel these things are understandable, but rooms at a five-star Relais & Châteaux property at this price should feel immaculate. Dinner and the wine flight were excellent, and at first the service matched them. Each course and wine was carefully introduced and explained. That changed at the main course, which was set down without any description before the waitress left. By itself that might have been fine, but the earlier service had set a different expectation. Then the promised pre-dessert parfait didn’t arrive. Dessert was brought straight to us instead. When I asked about the missing course, I was shown another menu that didn’t list the parfait. I requested the original menu from the start of the meal, where it was clearly included. The most disappointing part wasn’t the missing dish, but the suggestion that it had never been available. It was a small incident, yet left a bitter taste and took away from what should have been a special evening. Consistency, openness and attention to detail matter at this level.

Some of the decor in the tea room made me pause. I’d reconsider the colonial paintings. The Bath Priory is otherwise a wonderful hotel with a spa and restaurant, though I found the restaurant overpriced for its small plates. Service also disappointed: after we’d spent more than £300 on one night and dinner, the receptionist offered us a coffee to go, then asked us to pay for it. That didn’t feel like high-quality hospitality. A little more flexibility would suit the hotel’s image as a luxury stay and relaxing retreat.