Francis Hotel, Bath

• Francis Hotel is centrally placed, across the street from beautiful 18th-century Queen Square and within a 10-minute walk to some of Bath's best attractions.
• The new spa is a real luxury treat with more traditional sauna, steam, massage, and facial programs, but the showstopper is the multi-sensory thermal suite experience.
• Jane Austen fans are only two minutes away on foot from the Jane Austen Centre, and might be happy to know: back in 1799, she stayed a few doors down from the hotel.
• The staff is fantastic and well-equipped to assist those with limited mobility, as are the elevators and the accessible guest rooms.
• With centuries-old history at your fingertips, the curious can ask at the front desk for a directory to learn who occupied and/or stayed in their room—it could have been a member of The Beatles!
• Rooms all follow an elegant aesthetic, though they're modestly themed to fit the people who stayed there; you may find a musician's piano music framed and on display, or perhaps an abstract rendering of chemist paraphernalia from a 1700's apothecary occupant.
• For a special stay, upgrade to the hotel's only suite, the John Wood, for added floor space and additional comforts, and the fun knowledge that you'll be overnighting in his former townhouse (he's the architect behind Queen Square).
• There's a strong emphasis on supporting local; we particularly loved finding the hotel-branded tote with a discount token for nearby shops in our room.
  

• There isn't any real outdoor space to enjoy a bit of fresh air; there's only a sliver of terrace available in the summer, but it's available only to those using the sauna.

Authenticity

Location

Set on elegant Queen Square, the hotel sits just at the edge of Bath's center. Most of the city's major attractions—including the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, The Circus, and Royal Crescent—are reachable within a 10-minute stroll, while shopping streets, independent bookstores, restaurants, and other key sights are just as close, with the Jane Austen Centre just beyond the square (and next door to Mary Shelley's house). Rooms facing honey-stoned Queen Square look out toward leafy trees, with similar green views from parts of the lobby and restaurant. Despite the central setting and traffic around the square, double-glazed windows help keep street noise to a minimum. Parking (and an EV charging port) is available on-site, and the Bath Spa train station, which connects to London, is 12 minutes on foot.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's 98 rooms, recently refurbished in 2026, feature deep tones of blue, green, or purple, soft textures, floral-patterned headboards, wood furnishings, and traditional architectural details like crown and picture-frame molding that further elevate the space. Entry-level rooms can feel compact—particularly Snug and Cosy—but they're thoughtfully arranged with space for luggage, tea and coffee facilities, Roberts radios, and fridges stocked with complimentary drinks, including locally-sourced soft drinks and kombucha. Higher-category rooms add king beds, taller ceilings, tan leather couches, and views over Queen Square, while family-oriented rooms include sofa beds for 1-2 kids. Elegant cream-and-beige-tiled bathrooms are bright, with gold metal fixtures, towel warmers, GHD hairdryers (straighteners upon request), large walk-in showers (bathtubs in some), and organic GAIA toiletries.

Amenities

Public-facing Emberwood brasserie serves British fare highlighting seasonal Somerset ingredients, open-flame cooking, and an open kitchen where you can watch your meal being prepared, while afternoon tea and Sunday roasts add a classic British touch. Breakfast is served buffet-style (for a fee) or via room service. The hammam-style spa offers massage, facials, and self-guided thermal rituals. In-room yoga sessions can be arranged, and dog owners are well-catered to with pet beds, bowls, and treats for four-legged friends. There are two common areas: a charming public lounge serving refreshments, and The Snug, a great guest-only spot with games, ambient jazz, and options from the marble-topped bar available into the evening. The in-room "welcome" tote filled with a token for discounts at local shops is a nice touch. Parking is first-come, first-served at a nightly cost. 

Family-Friendliness

Francis Hotel works well for families of 3-4 who want a central base. The Comfy Family and Generous Family rooms sleep four and three guests, respectively, with added double and single sofa beds. The elevator, even floors, and helpful staff make the property easier for parents managing strollers, while Emberwood offers a kids' menu. Its walkable location near Queen Square, the kid-friendly Jane Austen Centre, restaurants, shops, and Bath's major sights also helps keep sightseeing simple. 

Sustainability

The thoughtful welcome totes you receive upon arrival encourage guests to shop locally, while its room and spa products come from regional providers, like the Devon-based GAIA Skincare line. Emberwood also highlights seasonal ingredients from the southwest, including local produce, seafood, meat, cheeses, and Bath-made goods. Just as importantly, the hotel gives historic Georgian townhouses new life, preserving part of Bath's architectural history.