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Francis Hotel Bath review: A decadent city centre escape

The exterior of Francis Hotel in Bath [Photo: Supplied]
The exterior of Francis Hotel in Bath [Photo: Supplied]

When visiting a city such as Bath, you want two things from your accommodation: an unrivalled location and a good night’s sleep.

Fortunately, the four-star Francis Hotel in the city centre offers both.

The Grade 1 listed property is a stone’s throw from the city’s high street and a 12-minute walk from the main train station.

The famous Circus is a three-minute stroll away and Victoria Park and neighbouring Royal Crescent are just a couple of minutes further.

The popular Jane Austin Museum is so close you can see it from the front of the hotel.

A corner of the bar area at Francis Hotel Bath [Photo: Supplied]
A corner of the bar area at Francis Hotel Bath [Photo: Supplied]
One of the lounge areas at Francis Hotel Bath [Photo: Supplied]
One of the lounge areas at Francis Hotel Bath [Photo: Supplied]

The Francis, part of the McGallery by Sofitel hotel chain, sits pretty on the picturesque Queen Square (ask for a park view room). The hotel occupies seven interconnecting townhouses and has a huge number of rooms - and rates - to choose from.

The Georgian facade, built between 1728 and 1734, is, like most of Bath’s honey-hued buildings, exquisite.

The interior, which was given a complete refresh in 2012, is equally photogenic. Furnished to compliment the hotel’s rich heritage while exuding 21st century elegance, the rooms and public spaces are decorated tastefully yet equipped with contemporary comforts.

Think velvet armchairs, luxe, patterned wallpaper, antique mirrors and modern chandeliers.

One of the stairwells at Francis Hotel Bath [Photo: Supplied]
One of the stairwells at Francis Hotel Bath [Photo: Supplied]
The lounge area at Francis Hotel Bath [Photo: Supplied]
The lounge area at Francis Hotel Bath [Photo: Supplied]

Thoughtful touches are included in the luxe, neo-Regency rooms to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Bluetooth-enabled Ruark radios enable you to sync up your Spotify playlist while washing away the day with The White Company products.

There are bathrobes, slippers, Nespresso machines and huge TVs for those who enjoy falling asleep to a film.

Keep an eye out for the blue plaques dotted along the corridor walls; each indicates a famous, previous resident including John Wood the Elder, the famed Bath architect and creator of Queen Square.

One of the larger bedrooms at Francis Hotel Bath [Photo: Supplied]
One of the larger bedrooms at Francis Hotel Bath [Photo: Supplied]

If you’re driving, you can request - and pay £15 a day for - a space in the fairly small car park.

As well as a bar and lounge area, there’s a Brasserie Blanc located within the hotel. The upscale restaurant serves seasonal, French dishes devised by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc.

Here, you’ll also be able to help yourself to a considerable buffet breakfast during your stay and order room service.

Considering the hotel’s fantastic location, it’s actually pretty affordable. Double rooms start at just £99 in low season and £129 in high season. Expect to pay £10-£20 extra for a Superior room and another £20 for a Feature room.

You also don’t need to stay for two nights: a one-night stay is possible, even at weekends.

Book to stay at the Francis Hotel Bath here.

The author was a guest of Francis Hotel Bath. Yahoo is committed to finding you the best products at the best prices. We may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Prices were correct at the time of publication.