The Bath area’s standing as the UK’s top location for quality breaks outside London has been reinforced with seven of its hotels gaining recognition in a prestigious new Michelin award scheme.
Michelin Keys, which were launched earlier this month, showcase the best hotels in the same way that Michelin Stars have championed the most outstanding restaurants in the world for the past 98 years.
Michelin said the scheme rewarded the “crème de la crème of hotels” in UK and Ireland that excelled not only in service and personality, but also in design and architecture.
With seven hotels receiving Michelin Keys, the Bath area is second only to London for luxury accommodation.
Just 14 hotels received three Michelin Keys – the top award offering what the scheme calls ‘an extraordinary stay’, among them Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa.
The privately owned, 42-bedroom hotel, pictured below, which sits on a 500-acre estate at Colerne, already boasts five stars under the AA rating system, which was introduced in 1912 to reward establishments for the quality of their accommodation.
Earlier this year Lucknam Park launched its new Walled Garden restaurant as well as upgrading its spa facilities and equestrian centre. As a three Michelin Key hotel, it is on a par with London’s The Savoy and Connaught and The Glenagles Hotel in Scotland.
Gaining two Michelin Keys is Bath’s Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa – the only hotel in the city itself to be awarded the status, which denotes ‘an exceptional stay’ under the scheme.
Also a five-star establishment, the 45-bedroom hotel, pictured below – made up of two Grade I listed Georgian townhouses – recently appointed Bath-based interior design firm Woodhouse & Law to transform its bedrooms, suites, lobby, drawing room and former library.
Last year the hotel, owned by London-based investment group Topland, relaunched its Montagu’s Mews restaurant and bar.
Its two Michelin Keys puts it on a par with such iconic and upmarket hotels as Clivedon in Buckinghamshire, Edinburgh’s The Balmoral and the Dorchester in London
The five Bath hotels gaining one Michelin Key – which denotes ‘a very special stay’ are Bath Priority, Homewood, The Gainsborough Bath Spa, The Queensberry and The Yard.
In total 37 hotels have received two Michelin Keys, with 72 collecting one.
Michelin Guides international director Gwendal Poullennec said: “This selection is an invitation to explore the UK and Ireland, visit their historically rich cities, relax in their charming countryside and scenic landscapes, and enjoy, for a few nights, a timeless lifestyle in century-old castles and manor houses.
“Every hotel awarded One, Two or Three Michelin Keys is a gem sculpted by talented professionals.
“Using the Michelin Guide’s digital platforms, travellers can now filter their search and book hotels for stays that we hope will be unforgettable.”
