With frequent direct trains from London Paddington, heading to Bath for a relaxing break could be just the ticket for stressed out Londoners in search of a city break with spa facilities.
Location and Decor:
I arrived in Bath on a lovely sunny day dazzled by its magnificent limestone Georgian terraces gloriously lit up in a blaze of late Winter sun. Great Pulteney Street runs from Pulteney Bridge to the Holburne Museum and is fantastically situated mid-terrace in this impressive and historic street. There’s so much good shopping to be had in Bath’s cobbled streets, with high-end boutiques, familiar high street brands and some of the best and cheapest charity shops around and all within strolling distance of No.15.
A short walk from Bath Spa train station, No.15 Great Pulteney is a trendy, boutique hotel housing a reputable local restaurant, Café 15 and a popular, hip, cocktail hangout, Bar 15 as well as Spa 15 nestled in its cavernous basement.
Walking around the hotel is a treat in itself as the design is quirky and captivating and full of visual delights and oddities like a wall full of elegant perfume bottles, another of ducks or cupboard tops rammed full of terracotta urns, reminiscent of a museum collection.
Rooms:
After exhausting myself making full use of Bath’s shopping hub, I arrived laden with bags and was shown to my room: a large second floor shabby chic suite with three beautiful large sash windows, huge double bed and a chandelier that complimented the elegance of the room. My one minor grumble was the telly didn’t work and despite having a comprehensive list of Sky packages had an error message that wouldn’t budge.
Bar 15:
I booked ahead for a table in Bar 15 to have a before-dinner drink, a stack of playing cards were placed before me, each with a uniquely self-styled cocktail recipe, Bar 15’s signature “creative liquid libations” and an overwhelming choice. I had expected the cocktails to be good but what I hadn’t expected was for them to be a work of art and more like a labour of love. Marcello, Bar 15’s wonderful mixologist did his thing and made me three of the most beautifully crafted, delicious tasting cocktails I’ve ever had the pleasure of drinking. Each cocktail was an inspired triumph and a highlight of my stay.
Cafe 15:
There’s a new Chef in town at Café 15: Oliver Clarke is serving up his take on traditional British cuisine with contemporary flair. I had a fresh, zesty Devon crab to start, followed by a mouth-watering, perfectly tender duck breast served with smoked mash and a colourful carrot medley. For desert I chose the chocolate torte, which was as moreish as it sounds, though I wasn’t too keen on the mango sorbet that accompanied it as it felt like a clash of flavours. Breakfast was similarly top notch with a well-stocked buffet and enticing choice of hot cooked breakfasts from a full English to smoked salmon and eggs. Overall the food was beautifully presented and delicious and at very affordable prices.
Spa 15:
I was booked in for a morning’s exclusive use of the spa facilities. It was such a luxury to have the large dimly lit Jakuzzi room to myself. It wasn’t much of a hardship, but it’s worth noting you have to trek up stairs to get to the steam room situated on the floor above.
Saving the best for last, I had the truly transformative 3D Collagen Facial using Natura Bisse Essential Shock products. I was amazed at the effect it had on my skin, plumping out the fine lines and giving my skin a youthful glow. These products aren’t cheap but they really work.
Spa 15 has a lot to offer whether you want the whole Spa escape package or just a decent boutique hotel to explore Bath from; it’s a really cool and relaxed place to stay.
For bookings visit their website here: https://no15greatpulteney.co.uk
Review by Anna Power