The Franklin London

If you're looking for a discreet, elegant, luxury stay in the centre of Knightsbridge, you can stop looking now! The Franklin is a seriously stylish property that will suit anyone who likes to exist slightly off radar (and by that I mean anyone who eschews the big, corporate chain-type hotel offerings that are so easy to pick, and may well be seen as a safe bet). But if you take my advice and book yourself into The Franklin, you will have struck gold. Comprising three townhouses in the smart Egerton Gardens, the property (owned by Italian group Star Hotels) has seen a fabulous make over and finally opened its doors in summer 2016. The interiors are simply stunning (designed by style icon Anouska Hempel): monochrome colourscheme throughout with Venetian palazzo style black and white Carrera marble and slate floors and tables, luxurious velvets and silks and all accompanied by well placed mirrors and lovely prints. Rooms and suites continue the monochrome theme. Many feature sumptuous four poster beds with mirrored posts, and all have opulent furnishings, including oak flooring, beautiful botanical specimens framed on the walls, luxurious Frette Linens, super comfy beds and marble bathrooms (all with rainshowers) with complimentary Penhaligon toiletries. Foodies will also love The Franklin. Whilst you're located close to some of London's finest eateries, there's no need to venture off site at all. Alfredo Russo (an Italian Michelin starred chef) has designed the menu and oversees the kitchen. The food is quite simply fabulous - inventive Italian cuisine at its finest. And from an establishment of this calibre, the wine list won't disappoint either! For those who like their wellbeing to be taken care of, The Franklin has thought of that too. Venture down to the basement and you'll find a small gym with selection of fitness machines and weights, and a gorgeous little hammam where you can sit and relax after a hard day's shopping or sightseeing. There's a cozy and intimate bar, plus the hotel's secret weapon - access to the quiet oasis of Egerton Gardens (sit outside and it's hard to believe you're in the centre of the metropolis). Service (as you'd expect from a five star establishment) is excellent, staff are friendly and knowledgeable and keen to help however large or small the task. The Franklin is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a smart, intimate stay in one of the best areas of the capital.

 

Written by Sarah Empson

• Rooms with balcony/terrace
• Some of the rooms overlooking Egerton Gardens have small Juliet balconies.
• Walking distance restaurants
• You're in the heart of Knightsbridge so there's a huge range of choice.
• Garden
• All guests have access to the pivate oasis of Egerton Gardens
• Child friendly
• There are interconnecting room options available
• Sauna/Steam
• There is a hammam
• In room music system
• Library
• Bar
• Good wine list
• Bath robes
• Free wifi

• Wifi
• Four poster beds
• Air conditioning
• Satellite / Cable TV
• Concierge
• Suites
• Room service
• Sitting Room
• Gym
• Restaurant

• Sights nearby
• A stone's throw from the famous V&A and Natural History Museums, and the rest of London's highlights easily accessible.
• Close to nightlife
• Right in the heart of Knightsbridge there are pubs, cafes, bars and restaurants galore.

• Designer Shopping
• You're just ten minutes walk from Harrods and Harvey Nicks.
• Museums
• Two minutes walk from the V&A and Natural History Museums

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Firstly the design of the hotel. The Franklin Hotel has been designed by one of the Top 100 World Designers and Architects: Anouska Hempel. She took inspiration from her travels, particularly in Venice, to create a property that feels more like a warm and inviting private home than a hotel; offering to our guests the atmosphere of an English country house meeting an Italian Palazzo. The resulting design creates a true standout on the London luxury hotel map. Secondly The location of the Franklin –set in the beautiful surroundings of the private Egerton Gardens-   is very much appreciated by our guests. We are just a few minutes from buzzy Knightsbridge - home to Harrods and Harvey Nichols and within walking distance of the V&A and the Museums of South Kensington, but we offer the exclusivity of a private home. The minute our guests enter the hotel they are transported into an oasis of piece and taken away from the hustle and bustle of busy London. To finish, the food (obviously !). Overlooking the garden, The Franklin restaurant by Michelin Starred Alfredo Russo offers an accessible yet sophisticated menu. The food is authentic, in the traditions of the Italian cuisine using the freshest ingredient but also innovative. What is there to do in the area or on site? Outside of The Franklin Hotel is a riot of activity with Harrods, The Victoria and Albert Museum, Hyde Park and Kensington Palace all located nearby. Trafalgar Square and the London Eye are also easily reachable, though slightly further away. On Site, The Hammam is a great way to relax after visiting the city and we recommend experiencing The Franklin restaurant by Alfredo Russo to taste sophisticated Italian Cuisine What kind of breakfast do you offer? We serve a continental breakfast with an Italian twist Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? In addition to lunch or dinner at The Franklin Restaurant by Alfredo Russo, we also serve a delicious Italian Afternoon Tea at The Franklin and being located in the heart of Knightsbridge there are plenty of restaurants to experience around. Ask one of our experienced concierge for bespoke advise on restaurants, they know the best kept secrets…. Which are your most popular room types, and why? The Suites at The Franklin Hotel are extremely popular, they have an elegant and timeless décor, high ceiling with floor to ceiling windows and a view of Egerton Gardens. Luxurious and comfortable bathroom with bathtub and Mirror TV. What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? We can fit an extra bed from the deluxe room to the presidential suite but the most popular rooms for families are our one bedroom suites where families can enjoy a separate living room. We can also interconnect a one bedroom suite to a suite and create a beautiful 2 bedroom suite ideal for families. What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? If you wish to experience Five-star refinement, fantastic location in the heart of Knightsbridge and quintessentially Italian hospitality, The Franklin Hotel is the best choice for you.