Review: Bailbrook House Hotel
As much as I love the bright lights of London, getting the chance to escape the smog of the city for the weekend is something I jump at.
Built in the 1790s and originally a private residence, Grade II* listed Bailbrook House Hotel in Bath is set within 20 acres of private gardens, with views towards the historic city of Bath and the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Last year the hotel underwent a £10m refurbishment during which the property was sympathetically restored to its former Georgian glory.
Driving up the long driveway, Bailbrook is both an imposing and impressive sight. Once checked in by the friendly staff (who also carried my bags) we took the stairs to the room. There is a lift if you prefer, but when there is such a pretty Georgian staircase it would seem rude not to walk and take in the view.
My room for the evening was Beau Nash, and on entering, I had to restrain myself from running and leaping on the huge, incredibly huge, bed. The porter with my bags would probably think I was crazy and the whole hotel would know there was a nutter on the premises before I knew it.
But, the minute I was alone, of course, I threw myself on the huge bed!
And there was more excitement to come on further inspection of the room. Coffee machine (even as a non-coffee drinker I was delighted), great woodland views, but most exciting of all was the bathroom.
Not only was it the size of a number of London flats (that incidentally still cost a small fortune to live in) but above the bath, there was none other than a TV. WITH a waterproof remote. There was a TV above my bath in Bath. As if the bed wasn't exciting enough.
Realizing I had a full three hours before dinner, I was undressed and in said bath in lightning speed. Let me tell you, you haven't watched Madagascar until you've watched it in a very bubbly bath, dropping the remote in the water just because you can. That is what I call the height of luxury.
The onsite restaurant, The Cloisters, in the basement of the building, offers fine dining in a really rather spectacular setting. Not only are the views stunning, but thanks to the exposed stonework, the room itself is a feast for the eyes. The menu uses, where possible, locally sourced ingredients.
I opted for the mushroom risotto to start, the salmon for the main and to finish, as there was a there was nothing chocolatey on the menu, I opted for the cheese board. Thankfully the cheese was really rather good, but I was quite shocked at the lack of anything with chocolate in for dessert.
Once back in the room, as Saturday night TV has very little to offer and as it was only around 9, I wasn't ready for bed, I decided to watch a DVD.
The hotel offers a range of DVDs for free, which as a film buff, I was chuffed about. DVDs can either be collected from reception or you can call down and they will bring it to your room.
Snow White and the Huntsman over (great film, would highly recommend!), it was time to turn in. Being one of those people who needs darkness to be able to get to sleep the blackout curtains were very much appreciated. If I had to be really picky, a draught excluder for the door would have been nice as the hallway light stays on overnight and in comes under the door.
Breakfast is served in The Cloisters and there is a great selection to choose from.
Bailbrook, which is currently listed as one of the top five hotels in Bath, is perfect for a weekend break. Less than two hours from London and a short taxi ride from the station, it is easy to get to. And with the city center itself not far you can even squeeze in some shopping and sightseeing.
Rooms in the Mansion House start from £219, www.bailbrookhouse.co.uk 01225 855 100
Built in the 1790s and originally a private residence, Grade II* listed Bailbrook House Hotel in Bath is set within 20 acres of private gardens, with views towards the historic city of Bath and the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Last year the hotel underwent a £10m refurbishment during which the property was sympathetically restored to its former Georgian glory.
Driving up the long driveway, Bailbrook is both an imposing and impressive sight. Once checked in by the friendly staff (who also carried my bags) we took the stairs to the room. There is a lift if you prefer, but when there is such a pretty Georgian staircase it would seem rude not to walk and take in the view.
My room for the evening was Beau Nash, and on entering, I had to restrain myself from running and leaping on the huge, incredibly huge, bed. The porter with my bags would probably think I was crazy and the whole hotel would know there was a nutter on the premises before I knew it.
But, the minute I was alone, of course, I threw myself on the huge bed!
And there was more excitement to come on further inspection of the room. Coffee machine (even as a non-coffee drinker I was delighted), great woodland views, but most exciting of all was the bathroom.
Not only was it the size of a number of London flats (that incidentally still cost a small fortune to live in) but above the bath, there was none other than a TV. WITH a waterproof remote. There was a TV above my bath in Bath. As if the bed wasn't exciting enough.
Realizing I had a full three hours before dinner, I was undressed and in said bath in lightning speed. Let me tell you, you haven't watched Madagascar until you've watched it in a very bubbly bath, dropping the remote in the water just because you can. That is what I call the height of luxury.
The onsite restaurant, The Cloisters, in the basement of the building, offers fine dining in a really rather spectacular setting. Not only are the views stunning, but thanks to the exposed stonework, the room itself is a feast for the eyes. The menu uses, where possible, locally sourced ingredients.
I opted for the mushroom risotto to start, the salmon for the main and to finish, as there was a there was nothing chocolatey on the menu, I opted for the cheese board. Thankfully the cheese was really rather good, but I was quite shocked at the lack of anything with chocolate in for dessert.
Once back in the room, as Saturday night TV has very little to offer and as it was only around 9, I wasn't ready for bed, I decided to watch a DVD.
The hotel offers a range of DVDs for free, which as a film buff, I was chuffed about. DVDs can either be collected from reception or you can call down and they will bring it to your room.
Snow White and the Huntsman over (great film, would highly recommend!), it was time to turn in. Being one of those people who needs darkness to be able to get to sleep the blackout curtains were very much appreciated. If I had to be really picky, a draught excluder for the door would have been nice as the hallway light stays on overnight and in comes under the door.
Breakfast is served in The Cloisters and there is a great selection to choose from.
Bailbrook, which is currently listed as one of the top five hotels in Bath, is perfect for a weekend break. Less than two hours from London and a short taxi ride from the station, it is easy to get to. And with the city center itself not far you can even squeeze in some shopping and sightseeing.
Rooms in the Mansion House start from £219, www.bailbrookhouse.co.uk 01225 855 100