JEWELS are often under our very noses there just waiting to be appreciated. So quite how the toilets at The Francis Hotel in Bath managed to escape our notice is frankly a mystery. Because these truly are among the lavatorial elite.

Considering how many hundreds of thousands of visitors pour into Bath every year, it's reassuring to know that there are toilets which live up to the city's reputation for class and elegance.

Number of urinals: Four gleaming white bowls, smelling of lavender (or some such herb), each pristine and clearly wiped clean after every use.

Number of cubicles: Two and each is a beaut; very comforting but clearly meant to be used with some respect. No dropping tissues on the floor here or copies of the Mirror.

Hand driers: Yup and they purr like Porsches. Good strong blast that dries the hands including the palms in approximately 10 seconds.

Dcor: Very 1930s. Indeed, wouldn't look out of place in a Jeeves and Wooster escapade. Beautiful clean lines, enhanced with some fancy tiling and some very smart photographs.

Lighting: Bright and light. Fine print presents no problems.

Ambience: Cheery but dignified. The kind of place you might want to wear a smoking jacket, enjoy a good Cognac and discuss the state of the bullion or commodities market.

General comments: This is the Rolls-Royce Phantom among conveniences. And if you are a tourist, then certainly make a point of stopping off at The Francis to appreciate another of Bath's postcard moments.

And, if part of a coach tour, demand that adequate time is allocated to allow you and your party to fully enjoy this Millionaire's Row of loos.