The Royal Crescent Hotel, Bath

A Georgian gem that truly lives up to its reputation

After just being voted the best hotel in the UK by the Sunday Times travel section, The Royal Crescent has a lot to live up to, but after experiencing this gem, it's easy to understand why it has received such an accolade.

If you had to write a hotel wish list of what elements make up the perfect stay, this 18th century Georgian town house ticks every single box.

Situated on the Royal Crescent itself, with beautiful lawns for use by the Crescent's residents out front, the hotel oozes stylish English elegance. From the stunning welcome drawing room to the porter dressed in Edwardian garb, the ambience is formal, yet peaceful and although the décor might look out of place in a pokey London flat, the enormous gilt mirrors and bold wallpaper suit the distinguished surroundings perfectly.

Situated a stone's throw from the centre of Bath, you may find it hard to tear yourself away from the hotel and see any of the city's sights at all. A secret garden stretches back behind the terraced hotel, featuring beautifully manicured lawns and an abundance of herbaceous borders.

Wander to the bottom of the garden to discover the hotel's exclusive restaurant, The Dower House, where the delicious cocktail bar's aperitifs could delay you reaching your table. But be sure to, as the exotic menu of signature dishes awakens the taste buds with liquorice-scented butter sauces and yoghurt and honey ice-cream.

And if all this weren't indulgent enough, take time out from your tourist guise and relax in the hotel's unique spa, the Bath House. The pool is heated to 30 degrees and accompanied by two hot and cold tubs. Book in for one of the treatments and we guarantee you'll never want to leave.

Details: The Royal Crescent Hotel, 16 Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LS, (01225 823333 www.royalcrescent.co.uk).