Hotel Guide: The Franklin, London - a hidden luxurious city sanctuary

If a boutique hotel is all about creating an intimate atmosphere offering personalised attention and upscale stylish accommodation then five-star property The Franklin London is a hotel that hits all the marks.

The Franklin London, which reopened in August 2016, is located in exclusive Knightsbridge at Egerton Gardens in an elegant row of Grade II-listed Victorian residential townhouses.

The elegant Italian-inspired boutique hotel offers great privacy and a unique residential-feel creating a sense of staying at someone’s lavish private residence.

The hotel’s 35 rooms include Junior Suites, Suites, One Bedroom Suites and a Presidential Suite. All rooms share the sophisticated hotel’s signature interior design described as a ‘fusion of west meets east and classical meets contemporary’.

The service is impeccable all around including an excellent concierge service.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Garden view from one of the SuitesThe Lobby

The Lobby

Don’t be fooled by the classic quintessentially Brisith Egerton Cresent facade. Once entering the Italian-inspired luxury boutique hotel a seductive, dark and elegant decor takes over. Featuring large marble tables, green plants and velvet draped furniture the lobby creates a feeling of arriving at an exotic hidden city sanctuary.

Renowned designer Anouska Hempel is the woman behind the incredible transformation of the stylish boutique hotel. The actress turned socialite and well-known designer has been taking inspiration from her own lifestyle and her travels to Venetian piazzas and Italian buildings.

The check-in is managed from the two large marble centre tables and there is also a VIP room for private check-ins.

pig — A communal study room which can be used for business meetings and even for breakfast for larger families.

The Suite

The hotel has two stunning Suites each 37sqm boasting with floor-to-ceiling windows and Juliet balconies overlooking the gardens adding both light and air to the high-ceiling room.

The Suite has a mirrored four-posted bespoke Simmons bed which adds to the spacious feel. The luxurious Italian linen adds elegance to the hotel’s timeless design and is also incredibly soft to sleep on.

USB power plugs are conveniently located on both sides of the bed for charging laptops and phones. During the evening room service, two bottles of water are placed on the bedside table together with slippers conveniently placed next to the bed which are nice touches adding to the overall hotel experience.

The Suite also features a large Samsung Smart TV, GHD hair dryers, straighteners as well as 24Hour room service.

The Bathroom

The spacious bathroom, made from Italian sandstone, is sectioned off with a separate room fitted with a double rain shower and a bath tub creating a ‘steam room-feel’ making the decision of having a bath or a shower next to impossible.

The amenities are from iconic British brand Penhaligon’s bracing a mix of citrus, spices and wood. A fresh unisex scent leaves both body and hair smelling divine.

The towels and bathrobes are crisp white, extra soft and thick to the point that having to get dressed and slip out of the robe is a sad moment. For the complete comfortable in-room experience quality slippers are provided.

The Breakfast

The breakfast, served from 7 am is an elaborate affair.

The breakfast buffet table beautifully displays a large selection of homemade pastries, biscuits, tarts and bread. The croissants are sinfully delicious and so are the Italian ladyfingers especially together with a double espresso for a real continental breakfast experience.

From the breakfast, a la carte menu guests can choose from cast iron baked eggs, Frittata, homemade pancakes. The baked eggs with Chanterelle mushrooms and black truffle served with homemade bread will set you up for a busy day.

For guests who prefer a more healthy option, there is a ‘ wellness breakfast’ available including yoghurt and fruit salad.
A selection of newspapers is available and excellent for prolonging a superb breakfast in the private and cosy restaurant.

The Bar &Restaurant

The garden-fronting 30-seat fine dining restaurant run by Michelin star chef Alfredo Russo provides an intimate, private and comfortable atmosphere.

Overlooking Egerton Gardens lunch and dinner guests can enjoy the sophistication of fine Italian cuisine which at the same time celebrates the simplicity of fresh produce using local ingredients.
The food presentation is colourful and cheerful, the flavours innovative and the service impeccable.
For hotel guests with an interest in gourmet food, Italian cooking lessons are offered by the executive chef.
Guests can also enjoy Afternoon Tea which is served daily between 3 pm and 5 pm.

Possibly the most glitzy part of the hotel is the impressive Gatsby-esque Champagne Bar which is open between 12 pm to 11 pm. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail and serving seven types of Champagne by the glass and 22 types of gin, guests will not struggle to run out of cocktail options.

Perhaps the best part of the unique dining and bar experience at The Franklin is the fact that neither of them is yet fully open to the public. The exclusive hidden London oasis is providing hotel guests with complete comfort and convenience. There is no need to queue up at the bar or fight over dinner tables which create a feeling of being invited to a private dinner-party.

Gym & Hammam (The Wellness Floor)

Popular in the morning and evenings the ‘Wellness Floor’ on lower ground is dedicated to relaxation and comfort with a hammam and a treatment room.
There is a separate gym overlooking the garden for guests looking to work out. For active guests looking to push things further the celebrity personal trainer, Matt Roberts is available for private sessions on request.

Fresh towels are provided as well as water and fruit for a complete wellness experience.

Who is this hotel for?

The Franklin London is the perfect hotel for couples looking for a city escape enjoying pure tranquillity coupled with luxury. With wifi throughout the property and with a separate room which can easily be turned into a meeting room, business travellers will also benefit from staying at this stunning and elegant property.