If you’re looking for a weekend reset, the Francis Hotel certainly delivers.
Perfectly placed in the heart of Bath, this boutique stay is formed from seven beautifully restored Georgian townhouses overlooking Queen Square. Step outside and you’re immediately immersed in one of England’s most restorative cities, with its honey-hued architecture, independent shops and historic thermal waters setting the tone for a slower pace of life.
It’s also an easy escape from London, with direct trains taking around 90 minutes – close enough for convenience, yet far enough to feel like a proper change of scene.
Back at the hotel, the experience continues with a vibrant restaurant and intimate spa, making it a perfect base for a restorative weekend. Here’s what to expect.
Arriving at The Francis Hotel
Parking in Bath can be hard to come by at times, so if you can, travel by train.
The Francis Hotel is around a 15-minute walk from Bath Spa station. Alternatively, opt for a short taxi ride for a more relaxing start to your stay.
I feel welcome before I even step through the door, greeted by the hotel’s friendly doorman who swiftly gathers my bags and ushers me inside. Check-in is seamless and, before long, I’m opening the door to my home for the weekend – a Generous Room overlooking the square below.
Inside the room
Inside, I’m greeted by mellow tunes softly playing from a Roberts radio in the corner. It’s an immediate invitation to slow down.
The room strikes a balance between classic Georgian elegance and modern comfort. One particularly thoughtful touch is a basket containing a yoga mat and blocks.
Part of the hotel’s wellness initiative, guests can request yoga equipment from reception and follow along with on-demand classes led by local yoga teachers via the smart TV in the room. Space is a little limited for a full practice, but with a slight rearrangement of furniture there’s enough room for some gentle stretches, cat-cows and a downward-facing dog or two.
The king-sized bed ensures a comfortable night’s sleep, while blackout curtains help block out any disruption from the early summer sunrise. The coffee machine certainly helps to wake me up in the morning, too.
The spacious bathroom continues the sense of luxury, with locally-sourced GAIA toiletries giving a nod to the hotel’s spa offering.
At the spa
Speaking of which, wellness at the Francis Hotel is intimate and all the more relaxing for it.
My experience begins with the thermal suite. Designed for couples but equally enjoyable solo, this 45-minute ritual takes place in a softly lit private space centred around a heated reclining bench – the perfect place to unwind with a magazine and simply be still.
The journey starts in the experience shower, where different settings include a refreshing mist, powerful massage jets to ease tense shoulders and an invigorating cold blast that awakens the senses. A warm rainfall setting provides a gentler alternative, helping to ease both body and mind into relaxation.
It’s here that I apply a GAIA exfoliating body scrub to smooth and soften my skin before entering the steam room.
Inside, heated reclining seats line either side of the space. In the ceiling, I spot a curious feature that reveals itself once a button outside the room is pressed. Moments later, clouds of soft cleansing bubbles begin to cascade down, gradually surrounding my feet and legs in foam. It’s playful, unexpected and strangely soothing – the spa equivalent of a foam party.
After emerging from the steam room, all that’s left to do is dry off and apply a rich GAIA body moisturiser from head to toe. With softened skin and a noticeably calmer mind, the thermal experience draws to a close, leaving me ready to ease into the rest of my stay.
The treatment menu
For those who love a treatment, you won’t be disappointed by the extensive menu at the Francis.
I opt for the GAIA Jade Facial, a deeply relaxing treatment designed to restore balance and natural radiance to the skin. Organic skincare products are gently massaged into the complexion, while soothing jade crystal wands encourage lymphatic flow and boost circulation.
The treatment combines nurturing facial massage with scalp work, helping to release tension while leaving skin refreshed and glowing.
A particularly thoughtful touch is the ability to personalise your treatment room. Guests can choose both the music played and the scents used throughout the experience, creating a tailor-made sanctuary.
Dining at The Francis Hotel
Emberwood is arguably the jewel in the Francis Hotel’s crown. This vibrant dining spot comes alive each evening, providing a buzzy space where guests and locals can mingle.
Dinner here really feels like an occasion. Cocktails are mixed tableside by talented bartenders, while desserts arrive on an old-fashioned trolley, adding a touch of theatre to the experience.
On my first evening, small plates set the tone. Rich mushroom arancini is followed by a charcuterie board, before a seasonal vegetable risotto takes centre stage. Dessert arrives in the form of a praline-filled profiterole – the perfect sweet ending to the meal.
On my second night, seafood is the star of the show. Coquilles St Jacques and crab toast are followed by brill and monkfish – cooked to perfection and served alongside an abundance of seasonal vegetables. All washed down, of course, with a crisp glass of white wine.
Breakfast is also served in Emberwood each morning, with a selection of fresh fruit, yoghurt and pastries alongside a generous hot buffet, providing plenty of fuel for a day spent exploring Bath’s historic streets.
In a nutshell
Combining Georgian elegance with thoughtful wellness touches, the Francis Hotel offers a restorative city break in the heart of Bath.
From rolling out a yoga mat in your room to unwinding in the thermal suites or lingering over a leisurely dinner at Emberwood, wellbeing has been woven subtly throughout the guest experience.
Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the city’s historic sights, while the intimate wellness facilities provide a welcome retreat after a day of sightseeing. Add in comfortable rooms, attentive service and excellent food, and the Francis Hotel strikes the perfect balance between boutique luxury and laid-back relaxation.
Book your stay
Rooms from: £160
