Chamber conversations: Carlotta Pascual-Solera from The Bath Priory Hotel

At Business West, we’re proud to support a diverse network of businesses and organisations across the South West – from ambitious start-ups to established firms and charities – all contributing to a stronger, more connected regional economy.

As part of World Tourism Day (27th September), we’re shining a spotlight on one of our Chamber members working at the heart of Bath’s world-renowned visitor economy.

We’re proud to feature The Bath Priory Hotel as our Chamber Member of the Month, recognising its contribution to Bath’s hospitality and tourism sector and its role in welcoming visitors to the city. 

I’m Carlotta, the Hotel Manager at The Bath Priory, responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of the hotel and, most importantly, ensuring that our guests receive the warm, personal service that The Bath Priory is known for.

No two days are quite the same. A typical day involves working closely with our teams across the hotel, from reception and housekeeping to food and beverage, gardens and our spa, making sure everything runs smoothly and that our guests have an exceptional experience. I also spend time meeting guests, understanding their feedback and ensuring we continue to meet their expectations.

Alongside the day-to-day operation, my role involves supporting and developing our team, working with suppliers and partners, planning ahead and looking for ways to continually improve the hotel. What I enjoy most is being part of a great team and creating memorable experiences for our guests, while representing everything that
makes The Bath Priory and Bath such a special destination.

The Bath Priory is a country house hotel with a very special sense of place, offering guests the best of both worlds. The tranquillity of a private country retreat and the heritage, culture and energy of the city of Bath. Set within four acres of award-winning gardens, our Georgian house provides a peaceful setting just a short walk from Bath’s historic centre and its iconic landmarks.

What makes The Bath Priory distinctive is the feeling of staying in a private country home rather than a traditional hotel. Our 33 bedrooms, welcoming lounges, gardens and attentive service create an intimate and personal atmosphere, complemented by our 3 AA Rosette restaurant, seasonal dining, afternoon tea and Garden Spa by L’Occitane.

We are proud to play our part in welcoming visitors to Bath and helping them experience the city at its best. Whether guests come to explore Bath’s heritage, enjoy its food and culture, or simply slow down and relax, our aim is to provide a memorable experience that reflects the warmth, character and sense of place that make Bath such a special destination.

Tourism is fundamental to Bath and the wider South West, and hotels and hospitality businesses play an important role in creating the environment in which visitors can discover and enjoy the city. We are often the first point of contact for guests and have an opportunity to introduce them to everything Bath has to offer, from its heritage and cultural attractions to its independent shops, restaurants and
experiences.

The benefit extends well beyond the hotel itself. Visitors staying in Bath spend across the wider local economy, supporting restaurants, cafés, retailers, attractions, museums, theatres, cultural organisations, transport providers and other hospitality businesses. They also help create employment and sustain the diverse network of independent businesses that gives the city its character.

The hospitality and tourism sector is navigating a period of significant change. Rising operating costs, recruitment and retention, and the need to continually invest in our people and properties remain important challenges. At the same time, visitor expectations are evolving, with guests increasingly looking for authentic, personalised experiences and a stronger connection with the destination they are
visiting.

For Bath, these changes also create exciting opportunities. We have an exceptional heritage offering, a strong independent business community and a growing reputation for food, culture, wellness and experiences. There is an opportunity to encourage visitors to stay longer, explore more of the city and discover the wider South West.

Sustainability is also increasingly important, both in how businesses operate and in how visitors choose where to travel. As an industry, we need to keep adapting while protecting what makes Bath special. Collaboration, investment in skills and a shared commitment to quality will be key to the sector’s continued success.

Being part of Bath’s hospitality community means being part of a much wider network of local businesses, suppliers, organisations and individuals, and we value the relationships we have built across the city.

At The Bath Priory, we are committed to supporting the local economy wherever we can, from working with local suppliers and producers to encouraging our guests to explore Bath’s independent businesses, attractions and cultural experiences. Our team also plays an important role in representing the city to visitors, sharing our knowledge of Bath and helping guests discover places and experiences beyond the hotel.

Being recognised as Chamber Member of the Month is a wonderful reflection of that wider community and the importance we place on being an active and engaged member of Bath’s business network.

Sustainability is an increasingly important part of responsible hospitality, and at The Bath Priory we recognise that protecting our environment is an ongoing journey rather than a one-off initiative. We continually look at the way we operate and where we can make more responsible choices, while maintaining the high standards and experience our guests expect.

This includes being mindful of energy and water consumption, reducing waste and considering the environmental impact of the products and services we use. Our approach also extends to supporting local suppliers and producers where possible, helping to keep spend within the local economy and reducing the distance food and other products travel.

Our gardens are another important part of the Priory’s identity, and we take pride in caring for this valuable green space. Ultimately, we want to provide a memorable experience for our guests while being conscious of our responsibility to the environment, our local community and the future of Bath as a destination.

The Bath Priory has been a member of Business West Chambers of Commerce since Summer 2026, and joining was a natural step for us as a business that is so closely connected to Bath and its visitor economy. 

We wanted to be part of a wider business network, to build relationships with other local organisations and to have a voice within the business community. Hospitality is inherently collaborative and being connected to businesses across different sectors allows us to share ideas, learn from others and contribute to conversations about the future of Bath.

For us, one of the most valuable aspects of being a Business West Chamber Member is the opportunity to connect with the wider business community in Bath and the surrounding region. Hospitality is closely linked to so many other sectors, so having the opportunity to meet and build relationships with businesses from different industries is incredibly valuable.

We particularly value the opportunity to share ideas, understand the challenges and opportunities facing other local businesses and contribute to conversations about Bath’s future. The Chamber provides a platform for businesses to come together, collaborate and support one another, which is increasingly important in a changing
business environment.

Ultimately, it is the relationships that make the greatest difference. Being part of a network of like-minded businesses helps us feel connected to the city we operate in and allows us to play our part in supporting Bath as a great place to live, work and visit.

Our advice would be simple, get involved and make the most of the opportunities that come with being part of the Chamber. The real value of membership comes from the relationships you build, the conversations you have and the willingness to share ideas and experiences with other businesses.

For us, Business West Chambers of Commerce provides a valuable connection to Bath’s wider business community. It gives us the opportunity to meet businesses from different sectors, understand the issues affecting the local economy and contribute to conversations about the future of the city. 

We would encourage any business considering membership to attend events, introduce themselves, ask questions and take an active role in the network. You never know where a new connection might lead, and being part of a strong, collaborative business community can bring real value both professionally and personally.

We’re always delighted to welcome guests to The Bath Priory and to help them discover everything that makes Bath and the surrounding region such a special destination.

We’re also pleased to be hosting a charity event at The Bath Priory on 12th October and would love to welcome members of the local community to join us. The event will raise funds for Hospitality Action, supporting people across the hospitality industry who are facing challenging times.

It will be a wonderful opportunity to come together, enjoy the Priory and support a charity that is very close to the heart of our industry. We hope to see many familiar faces from across the Bath community and would encourage everyone to get involved and help us make a difference.

Find out more and support the event: Hospitality Action Harvest Gathering - The Bath Priory