Lifestyle, Food, Style, TravelCarl ThompsonAugust 20, 2017The Franklin Hotel, Hotels in Knightsbridge, London Hotels, Hotel Review, Boutique Hotels, Stylish Hotels, The Franklin Knightbridge, Star HotelsComment

The Franklin Knightsbridge - Stylish Boutique Hotel in London

If you are looking for a stylish, boutique hotel in London then look no further than The Franklin in Knightsbridge. Located just around the corner from the V&A museum in a quiet, tucked away side-road, lined with London Victorian townhouses and over looking the tranquil Egerton Gardens, a surprisingly sedate area of private grassland to get away from the hustle of everyday London. Knightsbridge; the home of Harrods and plenty of other luxury boutique brands is a paradise for shoppers. If you are after art & culture then you'll need to base yourself here, not only is the Franklin Hotel an interior design masterpiece you are within walking distance of London's most grand museums such as The Victoria & Albert Museum, The Natural History Museum and The Science Museum.

Designed by Anouska Hempel The Franklin is one of London's most awe inspiring Instagrammable hotels, the interior design is dark with black and grey hues, detailed luxurious touches of gold, silver and plenty of mirrors give this boutique hotel a unique royal feel to it. For romantic couples wanting the wow factor this hotel is for you, relax in the Hammam spa, before getting ready for an evening of fine dining cooked by the Michelin started chef Alfredo Russo's Italian menu then after a few signature cocktails in the bar kick back in a huge, extremely comfortable bed.

The Franklin is part of the Star Hotels collection in London alongside other heavyweight hotels such as The Gore and The Pelham. The interior design is perfect symmetry as you check in on the unique laid back minimalistic large, hexagon check-in tables. Also on the ground floor is The Library, If you want to get out of your hotel room then this well lit, comfortable lounge, fitted with sofas, magazines and a great big TV is for you. If you are staying in the hotel for work, maybe use this space for a meeting, presentation of even for evening cocktails.

The bar area is the most majestic spot in the hotel of which you can lose hours. It's a very intimate space with around 4 small tables and a few bar stools. Put your phones in your pocket, as this is a perfect bar to actually have a conversation! With only a small area to contend with, the expertly trained barman can spend his time mixing a great cocktail whilst stirring a classic Old Fashioned to perfection.

The fine dining restaurant at The Franklin is something of a hidden gem, an Italian menu put together by master chef Alfredo Russo, focused around beautiful simplicity. The dishes he puts together are playful yet elegant and pack a punch in flavour and combinations of flavours. The menu is put together of antipasti, primi, secondi and desserts - they are quite small'ish plates so I would recommend trying something from each of the sections. My personal favourites were the Tartaccio for antipasti, the Tortelli di Carni Bianche for primi, the Spezzatino di Vitella (veal) for secondi and finished off with the Crema Caramellata. Bellissimo.

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If you are booking yourself into The Franklin Hotel, why not treat yourself to one of their suites of which there are four to choose from. The 'Junior Suites' are approximately 27 to 30 sqm, decorated in a contemporary feel with flat screen TVs, marble bathroom and Penhaligon amenities. The 'Suites' are a massive 36 to 45 sqm, elegant and timeless décor with views of the Egerton Gardens. Then there are the 'One Bedroom Suites' which are 29 to 33 sqm of velvet furnishings which are truly luxurious and available over looking the gardens or the Victorian townhouses. Go all-out on the 'Presidential Suite' created by the hand of interior designer Anouska Hempel. Stunning views, marble surfaces, majestic curtains, spacious and state of the art in room entertainment. As well as the suites, there are a choice of two standard rooms, The Superior Room and The Deluxe Room.

Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant area or call down from 7am onwards to place your breakfast order for room service and treat yourself to breakfast in bed.