Francis Hotel Bath, part of the MGallery collection, sits on Queen Square, the elegant garden square laid out by John Wood the Elder in the 1730s as one of the first great set pieces of Georgian Bath. The hotel occupies a run of period townhouses, so you arrive through a classic doorway into a space that blends original details with a contemporary finish. Jane Austen stayed on the square during a visit to Bath, so the address has a literary connection that suits the city. The hotel has a restaurant and a bar, and the ground-floor rooms are a comfortable place to start or end the day. Bedrooms vary, as they must in historic buildings, from compact doubles to larger rooms and suites, and some overlook the central garden of the square. The brand focuses on individual character rather than chain uniformity, which makes it a good pick for travellers who want something with a sense of place at a price below the very top end of the city. Check current facilities and room types when you book.
Location and getting around
Queen Square lies on the western side of the old centre, just far enough from the Abbey to avoid the heaviest crowds yet close enough to walk there in a few minutes. The Roman Baths, the Abbey and Thermae Bath Spa are all within easy walking distance, and the Theatre Royal is close by.
The Royal Crescent and the Circus are a gentle uphill walk, so the hotel works well as a base for both halves of the city. Bath Spa station is a short walk or a quick taxi, which is helpful with luggage.
The rooms
Expect Georgian proportions, with tall windows and good ceiling height in the principal rooms, and smaller, cosier spaces at the top of the buildings. If you are a light sleeper, ask for a room at the back or one overlooking the square, depending on the traffic at the time. Families and groups can enquire about interconnecting rooms or suites. The decor is meant to feel considered, with local art and quality fabrics, rather than anonymous.
Good to know
Breakfast, dinner and drinks are served on site, which is useful on cold evenings, and the bar is a pleasant place to relax. Parking is limited and may be charged, so ask when you reserve, and consider arriving by train instead. During the Christmas market period and on weekends, rooms in Bath fill quickly, so book early, and flexible rates are worth considering when plans may change.
The square itself is a lovely place for a stroll, particularly in the early morning when it is quiet, and there are several cafes and restaurants within a few minutes. For visitors who want a central, characterful stay in a Georgian setting with some polish, but who do not need a spa or a five-minute walk to every sight, this is a sound middle-to-upper choice.
Why stay here
- ✓Georgian townhouses on Queen Square
- ✓On-site restaurant
- ✓Bar and lounge
- ✓Rooms with period features
- ✓Suites and larger rooms
- ✓Short walk to the Abbey and Roman Baths
- ✓Walk to the Theatre Royal
- ✓Easy walk to the Royal Crescent
Good questions
Where is Francis Hotel Bath?+
On Queen Square, on the western side of the old centre. The Abbey and Roman Baths are a short walk away, and the Royal Crescent is a gentle walk uphill.
Does it have a restaurant?+
Yes, the hotel has a restaurant and a bar. Check your rate to see whether breakfast is included.
Is there parking?+
Parking is limited and may be charged. Ask the hotel when you book, or arrive by train, since the station is a short walk or taxi ride away.
