Hotel Snapshot at The Francis
Courtesy of The Francis
The Francis is a 98-room, 4-star boutique hotel with spa treatment rooms and a lauded charcoal-grill brasserie and bar on Queen’s Square in central Bath, England. A series of honey-colored houses expertly converted into one of Somerset's finest hotels, the residence is rich in history and color.
The Francis offers quintessentially Bathonian dwellings for the discerning contemporary citygoer. Its distinct rizz—the bar and dining room buzz with friends, dates, and families alike every night—is balanced by a labyrinth of spa treatment rooms, a private hydrotherapy suite, and a garden lounge in the lower ground.
The place is lively and refreshing for a city steeped in Austen lore, with a locals' hangout vibe alongside an international-guest feel. Its executive chef helped previous kitchens earn Michelin stars, and that skill shows right away in the gently decadent restaurant Emberwood, with an open charcoal hearth and bubbly waitstaff.
Design & Character at The Francis
Courtesy of The Francis
At the gateway to the southern Cotswolds, Bath is rich with museums, theaters, global flavors, and modish natural wine parlors. The Francis is a fitting extension of this refined, cozy city, with bespoke wooden bookshelves against original Georgian alcoves, loud damask prints against muted wall colors, and no shortage of chandeliers. Clean white bathrooms with minimalist layouts offset the opulence; sleek tiling and local artwork keep the place fresh and original.
The Rooms at The Francis
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With 98 rooms and suites to book—families and pets welcome, with cots and sofabeds available on request—this snug-feeling residence is surprisingly sprawling. Request a room on the garden square side for the best views, and enjoy a complimentary mini bar with organic kombuchas and teas. I loved the drama of the giant headboards in the family suite, plus the deep blue walls and touches like the radio/Bluetooth speaker and air con (not always a given in British boutiques outside London).
The Food & Drink at The Francis
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No guest will leave unimpressed by the martini trolley (Douglas Fir vodka, vermouth, and coal oil stirred chicly at your table). Their whisky selection is strong, and they carry their own Emberwood chablis as the house white. Heritage baked carrots, crispy polenta, garlic butter fries, tarragon tagliatelle and generous children’s portions leave everyone delighted, but diners come from far and wide for the open grill scenario: follow shucked oysters with granita, in-shell buttery scallops, charcoal-flamed ribeye and market fish such as monkfish from the west coast of England. Leave room for the campy dessert trolley (rhubarb choux bun) or the miso custard tart.
The Amenities at The Francis
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Though the private hydro room—a small nod to Bath’s rich spa history—must be booked individually, their wide range of spa treatments impress. Plump up with a collagen-boosting facial and leave looking newborn, then relax in the light- and plant-flooded relaxation area. The bar upstairs is open 24 hours for guests, and so is the concierge desk. The hotel also has ultra-fast Wi-Fi throughout.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
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Smack bang in central Bath, within walking distance of the train station, with direct trains from London Paddington in under 90 minutes. Queen Square is elegant as they come, but you’ll want to explore the crescent dwellings, Roman spa, and the city’s shopping and dining scene. Bookshops here are strong, from Oxfam to the double-level Topping, Bath Old Books, and Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights. For shopping, head to Milsom and Walcot Streets for boutique and interior-design perusal, and check out 18 Green Street or Corked for great wine and small plates. For meat-free, elevated Desi fare, go to Sarthi, a fabulous Indian restaurant in a converted church with open eaves and big booths. Be sure to explore Solina, a renowned, light-filled spot for delightfully fresh and affordable pasta. Brand-new opening Zaytoun serves up superb Palestinian bread and grilled meats in a cute corner spot overlooking one of the city’s prettiest parks.
Fast Facts
Location: Bath, England
Address: No. 5-11 Queen Square, Bath, Somerset, BA1 2HH England
Neighborhood: Historic center
Nearest Airport: Bristol
Star Rating: 4
Starting Rate: £160 / $216
Room Count: 98
Vibe: Stylish, cool
Best for: Couples and those seeking a quaint but lively city break paired with some nature in the nearby Cotswolds
Amenities: 24-hour concierge, buffet breakfast, some parking, spa treatment rooms, treats for kids and pets who tag along
Nearby: The Circus and Royal Crescent, The Assembly Rooms and Roman Baths
Our Favorite Thing: The martini and dessert trolleys stay with you.