Slip into victoriana at the Royal Bath Spa

So I was invited to a conference in Bournemouth and decided to stay the night before at the hotel, the Royal Bath Spa.

https://www.britanniahotels.com/hotels/the-royal-bath-hotel-bournemouth/

They Say:

Opened on Queen Victoria’s coronation day in June 1838, The Royal Bath Hotel was the first hotel in Bournemouth and embodies the finest traditions of first class comfort and hospitality, so naturally it has a fantastic position on the sea front. Nestled in secluded grounds, with outstanding views across the bay, this classically styled hotel is one of a kind.

Dining at the Royal Bath Hotel will leave you spoilt for choice. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and panoramic views in Oscar’s Brasserie, named after regular guest Oscar Wilde, which serves a delicious a la carte menu. Guests and locals alike can relax in the lounge bar and enjoy a drink and a light meal at lunch time.

I Say:

You can easily see all the glory and splendour this hotel would have had in its heyday, wide open spaces with columns and intricate decorations. It is clear the hotel has dated since then and it’s clearly hard and costly to keep the hotel in the condition it needs to be in. I was given a good size room with a huge and may I say very comfortable bed.

The room had recently been refurbished, with new curtains and wallpaper and a flat screen TV with far better channels than a travel lodge!

The bathroom was smaller and more dated but clean and very very warm with no way I could see of opening the window. There were no bathroom smellies that you would expect from a quality hotel sadly.

In the bedroom there were floor length doors leading onto a small balcony with a glorious view. Over the grassy lawns and landscaped gardens with the beach and sea in the distance, I could have easily sat out there for hours just reading, but alas I was there for work.

The downside is the parking, valet parking for a hefty fee of £20 a day and any payment on card or credit card would incur a 50p or £2.00 surcharge.

I would have loved to have sampled the leisure facilities but again there was no time. Would I stay here again? definitely. The conference should be here again next year and I will certainly be looking to stay for an extra night. A wonderful place to get away if you get the better standard of room.