Set on Bath’s first Georgian square, The Francis Hotel combines heritage charm and thoughtful design.
A short walk from the station and tucked away on Bath’s first Georgian square, The Francis Hotel feels immediately connected to the city around it. Small in scale but rich in character, the boutique hotel has stood firm since the 18th century, when it was originally built as seven townhouses.
Over the years, the buildings have been home to surgeons, barristers and local residents, giving the address a history that feels deeply woven into the city itself. In 1858, Solomon Francis purchased the row of houses and transformed them into a lodging business. By 1884, his widow, Emily Francis, had launched the Francis Private Hotel. The property was damaged during the Second World War, then carefully restored in 1955.
Today, The Francis Hotel has been reimagined as a wellness-focused city break, bringing together elegant living spaces, curated guest experiences, a new thermal spa and a memorable culinary offering at Emberwood.
In true Bath style, The Francis Hotel is all about relaxation. The city has been a hub of wellness for 2,000 years, as evidenced by the famous Roman Baths, which gave the city its name. The Francis Hotel stays true to these roots. Set foot in the lobby, and you immediately sense the space’s familiarity. Comfortable armchairs and warm lighting evoke the feeling of entering one’s living room, putting your mind at ease from the onset.
Rooms And Suites
The hotel features 98 thoughtfully designed bedrooms, with categories ranging from Snug, Cosy and Comfy to Generous. At the top end sits the John Wood Suite, named after John Wood the Elder, the architect who designed the building and once lived there.
The rooms blend Georgian references with contemporary comfort. Dark wood panelling, large arched windows and a restrained colour palette create a sense of calm, while the generous king-size bed is dressed with decorative cushions and a statement headboard in teal and magenta tones.
Bathrooms feel more modern, with marble-lined walls and illuminated mirrors that make getting ready easy. The GAIA toiletries are inspired by the hotel’s spa and focus on natural ingredients, while in-room amenities include a selection of teas, an espresso machine, a French press with ground coffee, and a Roberts radio to set the mood.
My room looked out onto the Georgian square, where sunlight filtered through the trees and bounced across the surrounding buildings. It offered the best of both worlds, placing guests close to the city’s gentle rhythm while still providing a welcome sense of calm.
The hotel has also partnered with The Space Bath, founded by local wellness practitioner Chloe Baio, to offer 15-minute yoga and meditation sessions that guests can follow in their rooms, with mats provided. It is a small detail, but one that helps The Francis Hotel stand out from the standard city stay.
Spa Treatments
Bath has long been associated with wellness, from its Roman Baths to its restorative pace of life. The Francis Hotel leans into that legacy with a new spa located on the lower ground floor.
Opened this spring, the spa offers thermal experiences, facials, massages and medicosmetic treatments. The thermal suite is a particular highlight, described as the city’s only private thermal experience.
My spa experience began with a complimentary shot of apple cider vinegar diluted with goji berry juice, designed to support digestion and reduce inflammation. Before the treatment, I was asked to complete a consultation form with questions about my preferred music and what I hoped to gain from the experience. It was a thoughtful touch that made the treatment feel personal from the beginning.
I chose the Deep Muscle Fix, a targeted massage designed to ease tension, featuring Theragun techniques. Over 60 minutes, the treatment delivered exactly what was needed. My therapist, Clara, was warm, calm and attentive, checking in throughout while still allowing the experience to feel restful.
What followed was just as important as the massage itself. Rather than being sent straight back into the hotel, I was guided to a post-treatment room with a sunny terrace, where chamomile and lavender tea were served. Guests are encouraged to linger, slow down and properly reset before returning to the day. These thoughtful additions give The Francis Hotel spa a real sense of care. It anticipates what guests need before they realise it themselves.
Restaurants and Bars
Emberwood, the hotel’s British brasserie, is led by Executive Chef David and his team. The restaurant focuses on local suppliers and simple cooking over natural flame, allowing seasonal produce to take centre stage. By morning, the same space becomes the hotel’s breakfast room.
The space is bright and welcoming, with comfortable booths, greenery, and a relaxed energy that works just as well for a cosy dinner as for a slow breakfast.
Dinner began with an Emberwood Negroni, a bittersweet start that prepared the palate for the richer dishes ahead. Starters included Isle of Wight tomato and burrata with aged sherry vinegar, a bright and creamy dish with just enough acidity. We also ordered the picked Cornish crab with crab oil mayo, tarragon and pickled lemon on sourdough. The crab was fresh, the sauce was moreish, and the sourdough proved ideal for wiping the plate clean.
For the main course, we ordered the ex-dairy South West côte de boeuf with house peppercorn jus, paired with Koffman fries. The meat was beautifully cooked, juicy at the centre with crisp edges, while the jus added depth and richness. The fries were golden, generous and exactly what you want beside a steak of this calibre.
Dessert came from the restaurant’s trolley, a touch that added a little theatre to the end of the meal. We chose a light strawberry gateau, a tart raspberry and lemon choux, and a pistachio macaron to finish.
Service at Emberwood deserves a special mention. It was attentive without feeling intrusive, friendly without being overfamiliar and personal in a way that made the evening feel relaxed from start to finish.
The Verdict
The Francis Hotel carries its history with confidence, but it never feels stuck in the past. Instead, the property brings Georgian heritage into the present through considered design, thoughtful wellness touches and a restaurant that gives guests a reason to stay in.
There is a quiet intelligence to the experience. From the in-room yoga sessions and spa rituals to the comforting bedrooms and attentive service, the hotel understands that care is often found in the smallest details.
By the time I checked out, I felt rested, well-fed and fully absorbed into Bath’s slower rhythm. More importantly, I was already thinking about when I could return.
Where: The Francis Hotel, Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HH
Contact: www.francishotel.com