5 reasons why The Francis Hotel is Bath’s best luxury hotel for 2023

When it comes to the UK’s most beautiful cities, Bath is up there with the best of them. Steeped in rich history and with an impressive cultural scene, not to mention a selection of high-end hotels and eateries, it’s unsurprising that it’s also one of the most popular for luxury staycations and city breaks – so if you’re planning a last minute getaway then it’s guaranteed to please.

Knowing where to stay can feel tricky when visiting a new city, and if you want a great location, luxurious facilities and plenty of great places to eat and drink nearby, then finding a hotel that ticks all the right boxes can feel challenging. But the luxurious Francis Hotel does all of that and more, so here are five reasons to make your 2023 booking now.

Francis Hotel Bath lounge — Recline in the hotel’s lounge, Emily’s Tea Room, the ideal setting for a vintage-style afternoon tea

The excellent location

Located in the centre of Bath but in a peaceful spot, when it comes to perfectly positioned places to base yourself for a stay in the city, it doesn’t get much better than this. The Francis Hotel is just a short stroll from major sites including the Roman Baths and the Jane Austen Centre, iconic Bridgerton filming locations like the Royal Crescent, and an assortment of stylish restaurants, cafes and shops. As the only city in the UK to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, location is everything when it comes to planning your break to ensure you get the most out of it, and the Francis Hotel gets it just right.

History and character

This historic hotel was opened in 1884 by leading entrepreneur of her time, Emily Francis, and has been welcoming guests ever since. Comprised of seven Georgian townhouses which were merged at the time to create the property you see today, the buildings have been through a lot over the years – but despite a portion of the original frontage being destroyed during the ‘Bath Blitz’ in WWII, the elegance of the Georgian time-period was later lovingly restored and now blends seamlessly with the surrounding buildings of Bath.

Francis Hotel room — There are 98 individually-styled rooms at the hotel

Luxurious rooms

This stylish Regency retreat is home to 98 plush rooms, each of which has been thoughtfully designed and exudes appealingly modern style. As well as the standard classic rooms, you can choose from a selection of slightly larger superior rooms. The spacious feature rooms, however, are the crème-de-la-crème, and combine the elegance of period features with smart contemporary styling.

If you dream of waking up feeling like royalty, then the four-poster bed, dressed in Egyptian cotton, will do it – and the flatscreen TV will keep you suitably entertained during downtime. As for the colour scheme, greys and silvers meet jewel tones to exude a luxurious (yet not ostentatiously so) feel, with extra touches like the indulgent organic and British-made toiletries by 100 Acres and the soft bathrobes ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Food and drink

Offering a fresh twist on gourmet dining, dinner at Boho Marche is a must whilst staying at the Francis Hotel. Flavours of Marrakech and the Mediterranean combine to offer a mouth-watering and flavour-packed menu of decadent dishes to be enjoyed in a relaxed and laid-back bohemian setting, with heady Moroccan spices adding an inspired accent to indulgent breakfasts, decadent sharing platters and long and leisurely dinners.

As an added bonus, the restaurant also offers up an excellent menu of innovative cocktails to enjoy alongside your meal. Up on the terrace, you can soak up the sunshine during the warmer months of the year over a coffee, aperitif or some small plates – and pretend for a moment, thanks to the Moroccan-inspired décor, that you’re in Marrakech.

Boho Marche in bath — Boho Marché is located in the hotel and transports diners to a Moroccan-meets-Mediterranean haven

And Emily’s Tea Room is an unmissable experience if you’re seeking a quintessentially British afternoon tea, with quaint, Regency surroundings and an assortment of tempting sandwiches, cakes and scones served up alongside a pot of tea – or champagne, if you’re in the mood for celebrating.

Pet friendly

Pets are much-loved members of the family, and at the Francis Hotel, you don’t have to leave yours behind. Not only are dogs welcome when booking a pet-friendly package, but you’ll also receive a list of the best local bars and cafés that welcome pooches, too, as well as a walking map to help you find them all and a complimentary treat set comprising some luxury dog products by Bramley. Finally, a luxury hotel that appreciates your best friend as much as you do.