I love this small, family owned hotel. From the moment we arrived, walking up the front path, Tim…read moreheld the door open for us as we were dragging our 'trolley bags' behind. That was just the beginning of excellent, friendly service. Although I must admit, we are not 'fussy' travelers, all the small details of this eight room hotel made us very happy.
I had pre-paid our room including a full breakfast. You can also purchase breakfast, continental for just under £5 or continental plus a hot option (full) for just under £10 (at the time of this review of course). Tim gave us info on the hotel, a map of town, information on how to get around and where attractions are placed. He is very friendly and easy to speak with.
As a small hotel, the reception desk is not manned around the clock and a door key of given along with a room key. We arrived just before reception closed. If you know you will arrive after hours, the hotel will send you a code to access the door and your keys will be left at reception.
The hotel offers tea and coffee in the afternoon in the breakfast room. Each guest room has a 'hot pot' and a selection of teas and instant coffees with more in the breakfast room if you need to restock. There are also a variety of free biscuits (the shortbread is wonderful) along with snacks to purchase through the honor bar. The honor bar also includes sodas, juices, beer and wine in two sizes (full size or single serve). Just keep track of what you take and tell reception at check-out. You'll find check lists on the sideboard to keep track.
The staff seat you for breakfast. A pot of coffee and/or tea is brought to your table as requested, along with a basket of toast, or if you prefer, english muffin and scones. The sideboard includes a variety of jams, honey, cereals, yogurts and juices. The menu offers eggs, pancakes (listed as 'scotch pancakes'-see photo) bacon and the full English breakfast among others. The staff are very friendly and accommodating. When I asked for scrambled eggs and an English muffin (normally served on toast) it was a bit of a surprise to our English hosts, but they very gracefully acquiesced.
The hotel has conservation measures in place. The waste basket in the room is for 'recycling only' while the basket in the bathroom is for 'trash'. You can also 'go green' meaning you reuse your towels and sheets and get a £3/day credit toward honor bar purchases. This saves water, and reduces the use of cleaning products. Love this option!
The building itself is lovely. Wood paneling up the staircase if beautifully detailed. Crown molding, dressing table and seating areas in room, headboards and lighting. So many small, beautiful details.
One item to note, there is no elevator in this building. Ground floor is reception and breakfast room (and kitchen). First floor up is four rooms with another four rooms on the second floor up. Be sure you can carry your luggage up the stairs when staying here.
There is a bus stop very close to the hotel making it easy to get to and from the city center or take a half hour walk. On the way to town it's down hill, making the way back an up hill journey. If you drive to town, there is a car park near Victoria Park. At the hotel, you can pay to reserve a parking spot behind the hotel, or park on the street. We opted to park on street and were able to find spots very close. The hotel is located in a neighborhood with a few pubs, restaurants and a nearby pizza place within a 15 minute walk or less.
Our check out was very early in the morning - before breakfast was served. We spoke w/Tim the morning before, settling up our honor bar. He sent us a receipt, via email, before the end of the day.
This hotel is a real bright spot in our trip to Bath. I am so happy we found Cranleigh.
