$$
The Francis Hotel
A Regency townhouse hotel on Queen Square featuring vibrant Roman Baths wallpaper and breakfast in the John Wood room.
Exceptional · Deep coverage · read from 0 sources · 0 traveler insights
88
RoomExpert Score
Exceptional
The verdict
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Occupying seven Georgian townhouses overlooking Queen Square, this hotel provides colourful bedrooms styled with Regency stripes, dark wood furniture, and fluffy down pillows. Guests consistently value the walkable central setting near the Royal Crescent along with a generous breakfast buffet. However, restaurant service can be uncoordinated, leaving diners to prompt staff for orders and chase drinks during pricey dinners. 18191415
Every line below traces back to something a traveler actually wrote — open a line to read the original sentence and follow it to the source.
What travelers noticed
- Reviewers consistently praise the location across seven Georgian townhouses on Queen Square, placed a five-minute walk from the Royal Crescent and ten minutes from Bath Spa station. 19614
- The bedrooms receive high marks for their bold Regency stripes, dark wood furniture, Roberts radios, and comfortable beds with fluffy down pillows. 2169
- Bathrooms are appreciated for their fresh styling, White Company toiletries, and witty wallpaper depictions of the Roman Baths. 92215
- Breakfast is widely enjoyed, featuring an expansive buffet and an a la carte menu with classic Full English and Eggs Benedict dishes. 2
The catch
- While some guests praise dinners at the brasserie for seabass and attentive hospitality, others report uncoordinated floor service where they had to chase drinks and prompt for plates to be cleared. 18
- Bathrooms are considered fresh and well-stocked with toiletries, but some visitors find the layout tighter than expected. drawn from the full read
Who it's for
- — Walkers wanting quick access to Queen Square and the Royal Crescent
- — Fans of bold Regency styling and Roberts radios
- — Visitors arriving on foot from Bath Spa train station
Skip it if
- — Diners seeking budget-friendly meals on site
- — Guests expecting flawless, prompt brasserie service
- — Travellers who need exceptionally spacious bathrooms
Ways to book
Direct with the hotelRoomExpert pick
$262est. per night
Direct rate · King Guest Room
No loyalty program tracked at this property.
Expedia
$267est. per night
Public rate · King Guest Room
No loyalty program tracked at this property.
Hotel-program benefits may not apply.
RoomExpert read
No loyalty-earning direct rate was found for these dates, so the lowest cash rate is shown first.
Prices shown are an estimated range, not a live quote — the booking site confirms the real rate for your dates.
RoomExpert rate estimate
$262est. per night
Estimated range: $233–$339
Around our estimate
This sits inside our estimated range for this hotel.
Confidence: low · modelled estimate, not a live quote. Check the supplier for the real rate on your dates.
Score breakdown
How the 88/100 is built, category by category — each one with the strongest thing travelers actually said, and the source it came from.
Bathroom
92read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “Rooms are luxurious (elegant mirrors, poster beds and floor-to-ceiling windows) yet quirky, colourful and full of character, decorated with art inspired by Bath's history, from Roman-style artefacts to illustrations of Georgian fashion.” 6
- “Bath buffs who want an excellent base for exploring this extraordinary city and who relish being in one of its prettiest Georgian squares.” 22
Location
98read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “Overlooking grassy Queen Square and a ten minute walk from Bath Spa train station, Francis Hotel couldn't be in a more fantastic location - all the major sights are a short stroll away.” 6
- “The hotel couldn't be handier as a base for exploring the city; as I say, nowhere seems more than a 20 minute walk away.” 22
Room
88read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “The best part of the room was easily the bed. With fluffy down pillows and crisp white sheets, it was exactly as a luxurious hotel bed should be.” 2
- “Do request for the No.9 series room which has a splendid view of the Queen Square park just like its designer John Wood the elder did when he resided here.” 16
Service
90read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “The guest relations team and the front desk team were impeccable in their management and had enough time on their hands to share their personal thoughts about the city and the lifestyle.” 16
- “The service staff is incredibly swift and friendly and takes pleasure to help you out with your requests and dietary needs.” 16
Bed & Sleep
89read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “Beds are made for a good night's sleep, showers are bright and refreshing, and every morning a Roberts radio helps set the tone for your day.” 5
Value
82read from 1 source · Deep coverage
- “With an expansive breakfast buffet and an inclusive a la carte menu, The Francis had it spot on. The a la carte menu included all the British breakfast classics such as the Full English, Eggs Benedict and porridge, all of which are inclusive in the price of your stay.” 2
- “Add the Pump Room, Fashion and Building of Bath museums, the baths, the magnificent abbey and Pulteney Bridge, and Bath remains the greatest must-see attraction for visitors to the UK outside London. And it would be hard to find a more fitting place to stay offering better value than the Francis.” 9
Where it is, how to reach it
Queen Square
Somerset
BA1 2HH Europe
Details checked 2026-08-31
Where it sits
The Francis Hotel and the 2 other hotels we cover in Bath. Hover a marker for the hotel; click to open it.
What’s nearby
Landmarks and transport around The Francis Hotel. Distances are straight-line, so walking times are approximate.
- Queen Square — 1 min walk · 0 km
- Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution — 1 min walk · 0.1 km
- The Roman Baths — 4 min walk · 0.3 km
- The Assembly Rooms — 4 min walk · 0.4 km
- No.1 Royal Crescent Museum — 6 min walk · 0.5 km
- Parade Gardens — 6 min walk · 0.5 km
- Royal Victoria Park — 9 min walk · 0.7 km
- Bath Spa — 10 min walk · 0.8 km
- Bristol International AirportBRS — 24 min drive · 23.7 km
Stay value
How this property reads against the hotels we cover alongside it. Measured on review evidence, not on a nightly rate.
Right in line
On par with what $$ usually buys
Scores level with the mid-range median of 88, across 613 hotels in the same bracket.
Price bracket
$$
Mid-range
- This hotel
- 88
- Bracket median
- 88
- Index median
- 90
Based on 613 comparable hotels.
Which room to ask for
What reviewers say about where to sleep inside this building — by room number where one is named, and otherwise by floor, wing, aspect and position. Every line opens onto the quotes behind it.
No reviewer has yet described a room, floor or aspect specifically enough to act on at this property. Room intelligence appears here the moment they do.
Where travelers agree — and don’t
The topics reviewers split on most. A wide bar means your experience depends on which room you get — or whose opinion you trust.
Value
59
Service
40
Bathroom
26
Food
9
Room
7
Location
7
View the 59 things travelers said behind this verdict▾
Quotes run exactly as travelers wrote them — spelling and all. We trim for length, never for tidiness.
Room12 mentions
- “Do request for the No.9 series room which has a splendid view of the Queen Square park just like its designer John Wood the elder did when he resided here.” 16
- “We enjoyed touches of bright purple and bold black and white Regency stripes in the decor and a bathroom wittily wallpapered with a giant image of the nearby Roman baths which are a jewel in the city's crown.” 9
- “The bedroom is in calming colours - pale sage in our case - with gilt mirrors.” 22
- “The reception area is small, the drawing room spacious and the dining room - a branch of Brasserie Blanc - big, with the window tables giving a lovely view of the square.” 22
- “Inside you'll find 98 bedrooms each with Egyptian cotton sheets, Nespresso machines and temperature controls - no more stuffy hotel rooms.” 15
- “The room itself was not overly spacious but it was beautifully designed with plush furnishings and elegant features.” 2
- “I enjoyed the Robert's radio playing when we first entered our room, and was impressed by the size of the space, which had a bed, desk, sofa and still plenty of room to swing a cat.” 19
- “Pampered into oblivion, I retire to my Comfy Room, which, thankfully is just that, with its soothing blue hue, Egyptian cotton linens and padded headboard whose pattern pays homage to the building's past decor.” 14
- “Inside, decor draws on the Regency period but with a stylish twist, combining period features with modern amenities.” 6
- “The dark wood furniture and bright colours certainly were a dance between the old and new age, but it all pulled together brilliantly.” 16
- “The best part of the room was easily the bed. With fluffy down pillows and crisp white sheets, it was exactly as a luxurious hotel bed should be.” 2
- “The John Wood Suite is the best in the house, with grand proportions and a view of storied Queen Square.” 14
Food15 mentions
- “Dessert was a charred tarte Tatin topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Beautifully arranged and deeply caramelised, it was the highlight of the meal, classic, comforting, and neatly executed.” 18
- “During our stay we enjoyed a wonderful 3-course meal at Brasserie Blanc and my expectations on food, service and setting were all totally exceeded.” 2
- “Emberwood's interior makes a strong first impression: polished brass fittings, white tablecloths, and a marble-topped bar that links the restaurant to the hotel. The lighting is warm and flattering, and the overall feel sits somewhere between an elegant brasserie and a contemporary hotel dining room.” 18
- “Well worth mentioning is the hotel's restaurant, Emberwood. Before visiting, my research told me that this was a popular spot for locals - always a good sign - but I was surprised to be quite so impressed with the atmosphere and inventive menu.” 19
- “Crab on grilled toast with lemon and tarragon is generously heaped; the pork schnitzel is practically dinner-plate-sized; and the chocolate and lime cake with coconut and pandan sorbet is a surprising yet welcome diversion to the East.” 14
- “Had I fancied breakfast in bed, I could have, as they do in-room dining well.” 21
- “The hotel restaurant is one of Raymond Blanc's brassieries, and as you'd expect, the menu is French, but with some international elements. If confit of duck with cherries, beef burgundy, slow cooked pork and minute steak with frites is your thing - and they are mine - you're sorted.” 22
- “Dinner at the hotel restaurant Emberwood more than makes up for the incident.” 14
- “Breakfast was superb; the Accor group has made a point of perfectly interpreting the Great British Breakfast at its best in all its higher-end UK properties.” 9
- “ed interiors and casual outdoor dining, the restaurant is a perfect blend of upscale to nonchalant chic.” 16
- “The food is one of the key points to the hotel's advantage. The John Wood room is a perfect venue to begin your day with a wholesome English breakfast and tea.” 16
- “The crispy Porthilly oyster with Somerset lardo and spiced ketchup was a memorable way to kick off the meal, and the excellent produce really stood out.” 19
- “The meat sharing menu at Emberwood is not to be missed” 19
- “Looking to combine award-winning food with a getaway? Try our Foodie break. Dine on delicious food in Emberwood and explore Bath.” 5
- “Our lively group dinner in one of the brasserie's booths, feels like an exceptional family meal - informal and friendly yet accompanied by impeccable service and faultless food.” 8
Service14 mentions
- “The service at dinner is diligent and friendly; at breakfast, more laid back.” 22
- “My arrival at the hotel was quite welcoming and the guest relations manager was very helpful with his directions.” 16
- “Coincidentally, that stop was recommended by the friendly staff member who checked us in, and asked if we knew the city well. When I said no, she shared a handy card with a series of recommendations from Gerry, the doorman at the hotel who greeted us with a warm welcome each time we entered and left the property.” 19
- “The service staff is incredibly swift and friendly and takes pleasure to help you out with your requests and dietary needs.” 16
- “The two receptionists breeze through busyness without a hint of frazzle. While waiting in line, I hear one patiently explain, 'No, you cannot swim in the Roman baths; but the Thermae Spa has several pools' about 50 times to someone on the phone without hammering the receiver into their desk - impressive.” 14
- “The welcome was friendly, and the room itself looks the part of a modern grand brasserie.” 18
- “Pick a perch at the marble-topped bar to chat all things drinkable with the knowledgeable staff.” 14
- “The check-in was well within the two minutes time frame and I was well acquainted with the room and hotel amenities when we entered my room.” 16
- “The guest relations team and the front desk team were impeccable in their management and had enough time on their hands to share their personal thoughts about the city and the lifestyle.” 16
- “Oh, a charming concierge service will help with your bags and offer info and a map of the local area.” 21
- “Bowles tells me that the spa team underwent an intensive three-month training programme, and judging by the expertise of my therapist, it shows.” 8
- “Despite plenty of staff on the floor, the service felt uncoordinated. We had to prompt for our order, chase drinks, and ask for plates to be cleared.” 18
- “A long canopy heralds the revolving doors that lead to a small bright and bold reception area.” 21
- “A friendly receptionist checked us in and within a few minutes we had been handed our room keys and directed to the lift.” 2
Bathroom5 mentions
- “Rooms are luxurious (elegant mirrors, poster beds and floor-to-ceiling windows) yet quirky, colourful and full of character, decorated with art inspired by Bath's history, from Roman-style artefacts to illustrations of Georgian fashion.” 6
- “Set across seven Georgian townhouses on one side of Queen Square, Francis Hotel is in Bath's stately centre - within strolling distance of the main sights, and rolling-home distance of the bars.” 14
- “Bath buffs who want an excellent base for exploring this extraordinary city and who relish being in one of its prettiest Georgian squares.” 22
- “Some come with a bath, the others have a shower and a couple have four-poster beds, but all have sweet-smelling Noir toiletries.” 21
- “I was happy to see the bathroom had a wall imagery of the Roman Baths though the bathroom could have been spacious.” 16
Location9 mentions
- “And about ten minutes' walk from the cathedral, you get the Francis Hotel, in Queen's Square, one of the prettiest garden squares in the city.” 22
- “Colourful and cosy, the experience at Francis Hotel Bath is complemented by its city centre location.” 21
- “The hotel couldn't be handier as a base for exploring the city; as I say, nowhere seems more than a 20 minute walk away.” 22
- “The 4-star smoke-free Francis Marion Hotel Charleston enjoys an exceptional location in the very heart of Charleston, only 450 metres from the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry.” 7
- “As a first-time visitor to Bath, I appreciated the location - overlooking the green Queen Square, with the must-visit Royal Crescent just a five minute walk away.” 19
- “The room is stylish, the menu confident, and the location ideal.” 18
- “Overlooking grassy Queen Square and a ten minute walk from Bath Spa train station, Francis Hotel couldn't be in a more fantastic location - all the major sights are a short stroll away.” 6
- “An interesting juxtaposition of contemporary and historic styles, we love the vibrant interior and central location of the Francis Hotel.” 12
- “Situated on Queen Square, the Francis Hotel is a property that gives the best of both worlds in terms of location. While located in a relatively quiet, residential area, it's still central.” 12
Value3 mentions
- “Add the Pump Room, Fashion and Building of Bath museums, the baths, the magnificent abbey and Pulteney Bridge, and Bath remains the greatest must-see attraction for visitors to the UK outside London. And it would be hard to find a more fitting place to stay offering better value than the Francis.” 9
- “With an expansive breakfast buffet and an inclusive a la carte menu, The Francis had it spot on. The a la carte menu included all the British breakfast classics such as the Full English, Eggs Benedict and porridge, all of which are inclusive in the price of your stay.” 2
- “At £198 for dinner, this was not a cheap night out.” 18
Bed & Sleep1 mention
- “Beds are made for a good night's sleep, showers are bright and refreshing, and every morning a Roberts radio helps set the tone for your day.” 5
What we still don't know
What we can’t tell you yet, said plainly. These close as we read more coverage of this hotel.
- No reviewer has named an individual room number here yet.
- Nothing reliable said about room types.
- Nothing reliable said about floor level.
- Nothing reliable said about building or wing.
- Nothing reliable said about which side it faces.
- Nothing reliable said about view.
- Nothing reliable said about position on the floor.
- 14 sources carry no publication date, so we cannot tell how current they are.
Ask about The Francis Hotel
Answered only from the coverage cited on this page. If nobody has written about your question, it will say so rather than guess.
How much we read
Deep coverage · 20/100We read 0 sources for this property, covering 0 traveler mentions, boiled down to 0 traveler insights worth knowing. Last checked 2026-08-31.
0
Editorial
0
Blogs & sites
0
Video reviews
0
Podcast segments
Breadth
0
Depth
0
Freshness
98
Watch this hotel
We keep reading The Francis Hotel. Tell us when you're staying and we'll follow it until then — you'll hear from us only when the verdict is rewritten, the score moves, or new reviews land. No daily mail, and the watch closes itself after your stay.
Sources
Everything quoted on this page, grouped by traveler insights, outlets, and video & podcast. Counts beside each group show everything we’ve read of that kind; no one kind can carry the score on its own.
5 of 6 summary lines above are traced to specific quotes. The rest summarise the read as a whole rather than any single document.
View all 22 cited sources▾
Everything quoted on this page.
- 8The Francis: The Bath Hotel Hailing A New Era In Wellnesscountryandtownhouse.comReview site2026-05-21Current6 quotes used
“The next morning, doorman Alex, dapper in his tweed-style waistcoat and matching flat cap designed by tailoring house Gresham Blake, is there to wave me off, calling out cheerily in his warm West Country burr: 'If you're…”
Read originalcountryandtownhouse.com - 18Emberwood Bath: Glowing Potential at the Francis Hotelwinetravelandsong.comReview site2025-11-11Recent10 quotes used
“Dessert was a charred tarte Tatin topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Beautifully arranged and deeply caramelised, it was the highlight of the meal, classic, comforting, and neatly executed.”
Read originalwinetravelandsong.com - 12Francis Hotel | Hotels in Bathaudleytravel.comReview site2024-03-13Ageing2 quotes used
“An interesting juxtaposition of contemporary and historic styles, we love the vibrant interior and central location of the Francis Hotel.”
Read originalaudleytravel.com - 21Hotel Review: Francis Hotel Bath, Bath, Somersetthetravelmagazine.netReview site2024-01-16Ageing6 quotes used
“Colourful and cosy, the experience at Francis Hotel Bath is complemented by its city centre location.”
Read originalthetravelmagazine.net - 22Francis Hotel Bath – MGallery by Sofitel - hotel reviewstandard.co.ukReview site2018-07-19Ageing8 quotes used
“The service at dinner is diligent and friendly; at breakfast, more laid back.”
Read originalstandard.co.uk - 16Revisiting Regency at Francis Hotel, Bath - Luxury Meisterluxurymeister.comReview site2015-12-04Ageing9 quotes used
“Do request for the No.9 series room which has a splendid view of the Queen Square park just like its designer John Wood the elder did when he resided here.”
Read originalluxurymeister.com
Showing 6 of 22 cited · 0 read
1/4
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