Francis Hotel Bath

Since the 18th century, people have called the Francis Hotel home. Seven Georgian townhouses built on Bath’s first Georgian square. You could say we’re woven into Bath’s heritage.

Our origin

Built during the Georgian era, our origins lie in a time when innovation and discovery established the British Empire's prominence. A young architect named John Wood combined his passion for Palladianism and freemasonry to craft a distinctive vision for his hometown of Bath. His goal was to transform Bath into one of the UK's most important and celebrated cities.

His initial project was Queen Square, where several townhouses were constructed using Bath's iconic honey-coloured stone. John moved into No. 9 Queen Square, the site where he designed the renowned Circus and other significant Bath buildings. No. 9 Queen Square became a hub of inspiration and innovation. Today, it serves as the entrance to the Francis Hotel, and that creative spirit still lives on.

Originally seven townhouses. Architects, surgeons, musicians, entrepreneurs and barristers walked our corridors. They called our building home. They witnessed births, deaths and the odd scandal or two.

Our townhouses

In 1858, Solomon Francis purchased No. 10 Queen Square, and it became a lodging house. As townhouses came to market, Solomon expanded his lodging business across Nos 5-11, and, in 1884, his then widow Emily Francis launched the Francis Private Hotel, and our story began.

During the Second World War, the hotel was famously bombed by the Nazis. By 1955, it had been meticulously restored. In 2017, the hotel was bought by Sir Richard Sutton Ltd. Today we celebrate reimagined spaces, a new dawn of specially curated guest experiences, a stunning dining experience in Emberwood and a brand new thermal spa.

We are an original local. And you're warmly welcomed, stay with us and be part of the story.