The Francis Hotel is undergoing a multi-million pound investment to transform the hotel and build a team to deliver an unparalleled sojourn. The Francis Hotel plays a huge part in Bath’s history. The original building was the inspiration of local freemason John Wood the Elder. It was built on Queen Square – the first Georgian square created in Bath. John lived at No. 9 Queen Square which is now the front door to The Francis Hotel and he went on to create the vision for the world-famous Circus before his son (John Wood the Younger) took his father’s inspiration and created the Royal Crescent. We are a long lasting part of Bath’s history and a play a pivotal part in the city. Our investment will touch every part of the hotel with opulent design, personalised service and curated experiences for our guests. It will be a place where we will celebrate Bath’s heritage and continue Bath’s beautiful legacy. We want you to feel your best self and will be one of the most sought-after hotels to stay in Bath.
THE FRANCIS HOTEL IS ONE OF THE FINEST AND FIRST EXAMPLES OF GEORGIAN ARCHITECTURE IN BATH AND HOLDS A VERY SPECIAL PLACE IN THE HEARTS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
Our plans
Join us on our exciting journey as the much-loved Francis Hotel undergoes a magnificent transformation. Experience 98 new-look bedrooms, a gourmet restaurant serving the tastiest cuisine, a cosy snug, and a stylish bar which will become Bath’s hottest spot. Unwind on the stylish outdoor terrace with a drink in hand and indulge in the cutting-edge spa. We look forward to welcoming you.
Reimagining Our Guest Experience

Reimagined uniforms – Where pride is worn with purpose.

Emberwood Restaurant welcomes Bath, South West
Reimagining Our Guest Experience
As we head into the next phase of The Francis Hotel reimagined, our team focus on the guest experience and journey, starting from the check-in to each of our 98 bedrooms are almost at the end of the transformation. With bold modern colours to welcome guests the moment they step inside, while beautiful wood-panelled walls frame the floral decor and hints of print, with comfortable chairs and cushions carefully thought to create perfect spots to curl up with a good book.
We’ve carefully selected custom-made furniture that gives a gentle nod to our Georgian heritage while ensuring guests have all the modern comforts they could wish for. And for a good night’s sleep, that every guest deserves. Our Hypnos mattresses and pillows promise the perfect night’s sleep after a day exploring beautiful Bath.
The artwork throughout tells stories about the fascinating people who once called these historic townhouses home. Every corner is designed to be a personal sanctuary, wrapped in plush fabrics that make guests feel pampered and taken on a tour of our hotel history in our interiors.
A Welcome That Warms the Heart
Our wonderful Guest Experience Manager, Guillermo Martin, puts it so perfectly: “It’s often the smallest details that leave the biggest impression. Thoughtfully curated welcome gifts are more than just a gesture, they’re the first chapter of a memorable stay. From handpicked treats to personal touches that reflect the spirit of our hospitality, every element is designed to make guests feel truly special from the moment they arrive. Because in the end, it’s not just about service. It’s about connection.”
Setting the example this weekend with a fully occupied hotel for Robbie Williams, Bath Spa and University of Bath Open Days, along with multiple other activities going on in the City of Bath. Our team left sweet-treats for our VIP guests, a small taster of Emberwood as a welcome and hospitality.
Modern Comforts with a Personal Touch
While we treasure our history, our luxury modern touches are another moment for our guests’ stay to feel just right. Want to set the perfect mood? Pop on your favourite tunes with the lovely Roberts radio in your room. Fancy catching up on your latest Netflix obsession? Cast it straight to your smart TV and settle in with a cup of freshly brewed coffee and proper fresh milk because the little things do matter.
These aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re our way of making sure you feel completely at home while discovering the magic of Bath.
This heartfelt approach touches everything we do at The Francis Hotel as we reposition ourselves in the city. With little quirks and fascinating stories scattered throughout the property, they aren’t just decoration, they’re conversation starters, memory makers, and the kind of special touches that make you feel like you’ve discovered something truly memorable.
Our guest journey is a carefully crafted story where every detail has been considered, every comfort provided, and every moment designed to create lasting memories. This is hospitality elevated to an art form, where the smallest details truly do leave the biggest impression.

Reimagined uniforms – Where pride is worn with purpose.
Confidence in Every Thread
At Francis Hotel Bath, a sense of welcome begins the moment a guest approaches. Even before a word is exchanged, there’s a quiet ease in how our team presents themselves, relaxed yet attentive, professional without being stiff. Our newly reimagined uniforms reflect that spirit. More than a nod to tradition, they’re designed to help every team member feel confident, comfortable, and completely themselves.
Wearing the Role with Ease
Whether it’s the tailored three-piece suits worn by our doormen, Alex and Jerry, or the crisp green polos of our housekeeping team, each garment has been chosen with intention. Designed to move with ease and to feel as good as they look, these uniforms support the rhythm of daily service, seamlessly blending style with practicality.
We’ve focused on what feels right, not just what appears polished. Because real hospitality isn’t about performance. It’s about people. When our team feels grounded and at ease, that sense of connection naturally extends to every guest they welcome.
Pride in the Detail
Every uniform carries thoughtful touches that speak to who we are, symbols of shared standards, high expectations, and a genuine care for how we present ourselves. For our team, getting dressed each day is more than preparation; it’s an act of pride and a small but significant reminder of the part they play in creating guest experiences and lasting memories.
In Emberwood, our chefs wear the match emblem on the chest of their aprons. Our waiters wear it stitched on the sleeve. A subtle spark, inspired by the fire of our open hearth, and a respectful nod to the match manufacturing company that once stood at No. 5 Queen Square in 1925.
Even our new Francis Hotel logo carries meaning, echoing the Bath stone street name carvings etched into the corners of Bath’s Georgian buildings. It’s a tribute to craftsmanship, place, and our city’s beauty.
More Than Fabric
These uniforms are not just about appearance. They are a physical expression of our values, welcoming, connected, thoughtful, and proper in the best possible way. Designed to support, not constrain, they help our team feel at home in their roles, free to bring their best selves to every guest interaction.

Emberwood Restaurant welcomes Bath, South West
We reignited Queen Square last night with our launch party at Emberwood.
Beginning with Executive Head Chef Dave Hazell at our open hearth. Guests gathered around, as he served cote boeuf straight from the flames and dishes that perfectly captured our concept in a moment of canapes.
We opened our doors to beloved locals, London journalists, influencers, and neighbouring businesses. All brought together to celebrate this exciting new chapter in our Francis Hotel story.
The bar team showcased our martini trolley with theatrical flair to those who sipped and had guests reaching for their cameras. Meanwhile, the magnificent magnum bottles gifted from 100 Hills provided the perfect welcome toast to our new beginnings and a celebration of our wine list curated by Clair Vins.
As we settled in for the evening, our thoughtfully designed interiors glowed warmly, filled with the ambience from the live band. Dom, our extraordinary Patisserie Chef, presented the evening’s finale, the dessert trolley laden with petit fours that had even the most sophisticated palates enchanted.
No guest departed empty-handed, with each receiving our signature rhubarb macarons, a souvenir of celebrating.
As we unveil our reimagined approach to dining, we perfectly embody the Francis Hotel’s vision: warm, attentive service firmly rooted in the present moment while honouring our storied past. In an age of fleeting dining trends, we provide something more substantial, a much-appreciated return to the fundamentals of hospitality, elevated through careful attention to detail.
Always ready with a warm welcome, we’re not just a restaurant; we’re the newest expression of the Francis Hotel experience where every meal becomes a memory, and every visit tells a story.