The Francis Hotel in Bath to undergo £13m refurb

Sutton Hotel Collection has announced The Francis Hotel in Bath will undergo a £13m refurbishment project. The renovation, which is due to begin in July, will include a full revamp to all 98 bedrooms and suites, a reconfiguration of the hotel’s lobby, the addition of a brand-new restaurant, as well as a new spa and snug. As one of the first Georgian buildings to be built in Bath, The Francis Hotel was once home to 18th Century architect John Wood the Elder who was the inspiration behind the first Georgian stone buildings of Queen Square, the Royal Crescent, and The Circus. The design concept planned for the hotel will take inspiration from the Georgian era whilst “appreciating all the modern amenities and touches that today’s traveller expects”. Alongside a reinvention of the hotel’s 98 bedrooms and suites, the refurbishment will include a complete reimagining of the ground floor and lobby including the introduction of a snug. A new destination-restaurant, The Townhouse Brasserie, will also be introduced. It will offer British cuisine and focus on seasonal and locally grown produce cooked over an open hearth in front of guests. Towards the end of the refurbishment, a new thermal spa and three treatment rooms will be created. William Gibbs, hotel director of Sutton Hotel Collection, said: “We are thrilled to be announcing the upcoming £13m renovation of The Francis Hotel. This transformation will not only create an even more compelling hotel stay for domestic guests, but also drive even greater interest from more international leisure and business tourists who are visiting Bath.” Shaun Bowles, cluster general manager of The Francis Hotel, Bath, added: “Our vision is to create something incredibly special in the heart of Bath that offers truly personalised and curated experiences to guests. “A place where guests can be their best selves and our team can be proud to offer a unique and enhanced service. Our location is already one of the best in the city, combine that with our fascinating history and compelling refurbishment and we will be one of the most sought-after places to stay in Bath.”