"How did it strike you on arrival?A magnificent 18th-century Georgian mansion from the outside transforms into a magnificent modern hotel on the inside. Walking in is like stepping from the past directly into the future. Knowing what's to come—spa treatments at the only hotel in the UK with direct access to naturally heated spring water from Bath's famous ancient underground springs—makes it even more enticing. What’s the crowd like?This is for those with deep pockets, fetishes for historic England, and a desire to experience some of the most luxurious pampering available in the UK. There are a ton of high end travelers from Southeast Asia and beyond, lots of lovers here for romantic trips and intimate proposals, and guests simply here to experience spa treatments to die for, famous for healing properties utilized by the Romans way back when. This is a luxury hotel that does not fudge on the details, everyone here knows and expects what they're paying for. The good stuff: Tell us about the rooms.The rooms are smart, decorated in duck-egg blue and gold with large comfortable double beds after a 2015 refurbishment, all in different shapes and sizes. The best thing about them might just be the elegant Georgian walls, uncluttered by bad art, and the massive windows and towering ceilings, creating a feeling of space. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The Queen sized bed is big enough, the mattress firm and the pillows plentiful. As you'd expect all the sheets are soft as lambs wool. Sleep came easily. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?Complimentary mini-bars, like the one here, always go down well. The Nespresso coffee machine is fantastic, always better than instant sachets, and the climate control panel was easily navigable—something that may seem minor but when those panels are complicated they never fail to annoy. Best of all though was the Roberts Radio, a modern wireless inside with perfect classic looks on the outside. That's what goes in my bag first if I was the thieving type. Oh and all the Asprey toiletries. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Underfloor heating in the bathroom was a treat. The Asprey branded products were plentiful and soft on the skin, as you'd expect from a hotel with an incredible spa. Marble floors, a freestanding bath and generous full size mirror alongside the supersized bathrobes are all big pluses. Room service: Worth it?Room service is quick with a menu packed with comfort food, which after a session at the spa and a desire to get your calorie intake back up. Even cooler is the fact that I could order the signature Gainsborough cheese & bacon burger with perfect fries as if it was being served in the restaurant. Not cheap at £24, but large and so so good. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The spa therapist gets my vote. The 45-minute aqua massage I was given in the collonaded bathing pool beat almost any other massage I've ever had. My body twisted and glided in the mineral rich and naturally heated water supported by an expert who manipulated my spine, loosened my hips and propelled me, arms outstretched, through the water. Truly incredible. Anything stand out about other services and features?The spa and treatments as above. This is after all what you come here for. It makes a big difference too that the Gainsborough's treatment rooms are uncluttered by the usual detritus of faux serenity in most spas, there are no Balinese lanterns and the like, just simple, softly lit limestone and a beautiful atrium right in the centre. Plus the fine dining restaurant headed up by Dan Moon is well worth a visit, its menu using fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Bottom line: worth it?The spa treatments, comfort and the fact that it really does live up to its luxury billing makes the Gainsborough most definitely somewhere to remember." - Ramsay Short
