Historic Bath Hotel Survives Bombing to Re-Open

MGallery hotel

The historic Francis Hotel in central Bath is set to return to its former glory after undergoing an intensive £6 million refurbishment. It will re-open on 28 May as part of Accor's prestigious boutique MGallery collection.

The heritage-listed hotel has withstood the test of time - though, only just. In April 1942, it was almost obliterated when hit by a bomb from a Luftwaffe aircraft that crashed through the building and destroyed a section of the hotel. Fortunately, it was sympathetically restored and resumed as a hotel after the war.

The elegant Georgian-style hotel is located on the city's exclusive Queen Square, and perfectly captures the city's grandeur and rich history. Queen Square was built in the 1720s and 1730s by Bath's most famous architect, John Wood the Elder, and the Francis Hotel was developed out of seven of Wood's townhouses in 1884 by local hotelier Emily Francis.

MGallery hotel

The hotel boasts one of the best locations for visitors wanting to discover Bath's rich heritage and character, with the Roman Baths, Pump Room and Thermae Spa all within easy walking distance of the hotel.

When the MGallery hotel opens in May it will boast 98 individually styled bedrooms with a plush lounge and bar, as well as a snug, front parlour and breakfast room, all finished with an eclectic and elegant mix of traditional and contemporary furnishings to reflect the hotel's distinctive personality.

The hotel's transformation into Bath's unique Regency townhouse hotel will coincide with the much anticipated launch of Brasserie Blanc (the latest addition to Raymond Blanc's successful group of brasseries), which will adjoin the hotel and welcome both guests and the general public.

Queen Square

Karen Bassett, Francis Hotel Manager, said: "The hotel has always had a strong Australian and New Zealand following, and with the refurbishment and inclusion in Accor's MGallery Collection, we expect to welcome even more visitors from down-under. When people come to Bath they really want to get close to its heritage roots, and there's no better way than by staying at the Francis and taking in the centuries of history that surround the hotel."

The MGallery collection from Accor was launched in 2008 and today encompasses almost 50 hotels in 18 countries around the world. Unique, each hotel tells its own individual story which guests experience through the hotel's striking architectural features, interior design, atmosphere and service. All MGallery hotels invite guests to experience a "Memorable Moment", designed to offer additional enjoyment through a special activity that resonates with the history of the hotel, its culture, way of life, and its personality. MGallery hotels are renowned for their quality, unique attention to detail and stand-out memorable features.

MGallery hotel

Rates: From £119 per night room only, or there is a 2-night City Experience package from £320 (for two nights) inclusive of breakfast, afternoon tea and a City Pass offering discounts at many of Bath's attractions. Valid till 31 July 2012, subject to availability. Bookings and further information: www.mgallery.com