This week we caught up with Rafi White, Business Development Manager of The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa in Bath. You may recognise this incredible venue from Bridgerton, currently, the most-watched series on Netflix. She has worked at the Royal Crescent for almost 6 years and gives us some background about this iconic and luxurious hotel…

• What is the most unique feature at the Royal Crescent?

The RCH is based in the very heart of the city centre of Bath and yet once inside the hotel, you feel like you are in the middle of the countryside, with an acre of secluded gardens within the hotel walls and acres of parkland (Victoria Park) to the front of the hotel. Giving you the very best of both worlds! 

• Would you say that the Royal Crescent has changed over time, or stayed very traditional?

We’ve stayed true to the heritage of the building, the hotel is over 250 years old, but at the same time we have all the contemporary requirements of the modern world to ensure the utmost comfort and enjoyment for our guests. The Mansion Houses to the front of the hotel were originally homes and we try and give a feeling of home from home, for example; when guests arrive we welcome them to The Drawing Room and offer them refreshments whilst they wait to be checked in, rather than direct them to the reception desk.

• Could you tell me about one of your most rememberable events held at the hotel?

The 250th anniversary of the building of the foundations of the Royal Crescent. The whole city got involved and there were many activities taking place on the lawn,  including sedan chair races and tethered Taittinger Champagne air balloon flights, all the residents of the Crescent and the entire RCH team and their families were invited to the hotel’s celebrations. The sun shone and it was such a joyous celebration - such a community spirit was achieved.... and the event is still talked about 4 and a half years later. We definitely know how to throw a party in style! 

• What does a typical day look like for you?

I’m very fortunate that I love my job and I’m very passionate about the hotel... I’m also very lucky that my role is very sociable, whether it’s working with the team on future bookings or regular face to face and telephone contact with our travel partners and corporate clients. I work two days a week from home and 3 days at the hotel. From home, it mainly involves communicating with regular contacts and building on new ones (lately there has been many Zoom calls taking place in my dining room!) and when I’m at the hotel, I invite contacts to come and visit the hotel, to view first-hand our very special offering for both leisure stays and corporate retreats, this normally includes a lunch or afternoon tea element... how can I not love what I do! 

• Would are you most looking forward to over the next 5 years for the Royal Crescent?

I’m looking forward to introducing so many more people to the magic of The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa... it gives me such a buzz when new guests and contacts come and visit the hotel for the first time and become instantly hooked... after all, there are very few landmark buildings where you can actually stay overnight!

If you have never stayed at this beautiful venue and would like to book a visit, please contact Rafi at The Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa and she will be delighted to assist.