This was our fourth stay at the Crescent, our first under Champneys’ ownership. As locals we are invested in the building, having followed its restoration over the years, not least with considerable financial help from the county and borough councils. We booked our stay some weeks ago through Expedia - I selected a room we had used before and paid full price. I didn’t delve for the ‘important information’ which is further down the screen. Therefore, we were astonished on arrival to find we would have to pay an additional £40 per person per night just to swim in the hotel pool. This was ‘Champneys policy and part of the spa package’ - I never asked what this included though I suspect not much judging by the individual cost of each of the different spa treatments available. I have never been charged to swim in a hotel pool before, nor had the friends staying with us who are world travellers. The manager reduced the cost to £20 each after I complained. The room was comfortable but the breakfast disappointing - flabby slices of bread for the toaster - no fresh loaves - and our friend’s poached egg was cold. To add insult to injury, our room was advertised that day at £50 less than we paid in advance. Sadly, we won’t be returning which is a shame as it was previously our go-to local choice for special occasions.
