The Franklin looks out over the immaculate Egerton GardensJust eight minutes walk from South Kensington station, and quite literally around the corner from the V&A, sits The Franklin. Upon first impressions, the grand townhouse looks just like one of the other red-brick homes on Egerton Gardens. However, behind the large dark front door, is a stunning hotel that makes you feel like you’re stepping into a home away from home. Walking into the foyer, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into the wrong building. The reception for The Franklin is not like any other hotel. There’s two large marble tables where staff wait to invite you in. There’s no queuing behind a desk to get your room key! Instead, take a seat one of the plush seats and enjoy a refreshing drink before being taken to your room. If you weren’t already lost for words, then you soon will be. Here’s OK!’s review of The Franklin… Location
Tucked away on the exclusive Egerton Gardens is The Franklin Hotel
If you’re visiting London for the first time, then look no further than The Franklin. It’s perfectly suited for all of the best attractions. The hotel is less than 10 minutes walk from the V&A, The Science Museum and The Natural History Museum. You’re also just minutes away from Harrods and a little further on, you’ll find yourself at Buckingham Palace. Or, if you want to avoid crowds, then you can enjoy a stroll through Hyde Park and walk up to Kensington Palace. The nearby tube stops of Knightsbridge and South Kensington mean you’re well connected to go further afield. But even if this isn’t your first time visiting the capital, the location means you can escape the hustle and bustle of London and relax after a long day. Even though it’s just one street away from the main road, it couldn’t be quieter. Rooms
The decor is elegant and chic with large mirrors behind the bed to make the room feel even bigger than it already is
I was stunned when I walked into the Garden Suite. With high ceilings, a four poster bed, walk in wardrobe and marble bathroom filled with Penhaglion’s toiletries, I felt like I’d been whisked away to a luxury home in Italy – even more so when I looked out of the floor to ceiling balcony doors that looked onto the immaculate gardens below. The decor is elegant and chic with large mirrors behind the bed to make the room feel even bigger than it already is. It truly feels like an escape when you slip into the sumptuously soft bedding and awake to sunlight flooding in when you open the heavy velvet curtains. Food and Drink
The Franklin Bar is reminiscent of the roaring 20s, with velvet chairs and mirror-lined walls
If you want an early evening cocktail then head down to The Franklin Bar, which is reminiscent of the roaring 20s, with velvet chairs and mirror-lined walls. As you sip on champagne, you can enjoy a number of bar snacks with the menu including everything from marinated olives to beef sliders, a cheese board and even pizza. But if you want something special, then The Franklin Restaurant run by Michelin starred chef Alfredo Russo is the place to go. Or, if you want to stay in your suite and relax – the menu for room service is just as appealing. For breakfast, you have three choices – order to your room and enjoy a slow start to the day, opt for the Continental Breakfast, or go all out and treat yourself to The Franklin Breakfast. This third option allows you to sample both the Continental offering and the addition of a made to order dish. Services
I felt like I’d been whisked away to a luxury home in Italy
The staff at The Franklin cannot be praised enough – they are attentive, discreet and on hand to help with any query, no matter how small. Despite being a small boutique hotel, there’s plenty on offer. Lose an hour or two in the cosy library, or head down to the hammam to relax. If you want to work out, there’s also a fitness centre. In each room, there is a pillow menu, minibar, TV with foreign satellite channels, safety deposit box, easy to use air conditioning, a hair dryer and if you’re in a suite, a fruit platter on your arrival. If you’re staying at The Franklin for a special event, there’s also a spa and beauty treatments available – just ask a member of staff for more details. Overall, I was incredibly impressed with The Franklin – staff are friendly yet professional, rooms are clean and chic, and the location is perfect. If you’re looking for somewhere special for a weekend break or a place to relax after a long day exploring London, then look no further. Prices For a weekend in April, a superior room starts at £440, a Junior Suite is priced a £660, and the Garden Suite is £1,254. For a weekend in June, a deluxe room starts at £460, an Executive Suite is £673, and the Presidential Suite is prices at £1,008. For a single room, prices start at £330.Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnTravelIn the News
