Fodor's Expert Review Franklin London

Like a life-size luxurious dolls house under the direction of designer Anouska Hempel’s every whim, to say the Franklin goes big on its opulent interiors is an understatement. Secreted away among the redbrick mansion townhouses of Knightsbridge, the hotel matches its lush décor with a location that puts it on the doorstep of some of London’s best restaurants, museums and shopping. Impeccably presented throughout, models, high flying international visitors and wealthy weekenders are the types to make the most of the splendor.

YOU SHOULD KNOW From Louis Vuitton luggage to little black dresses by Dior, the look at the Franklin is high glamor at times, so dress to impress.

room

Silver framed gallery clusters, mirrored four poster beds, richly varnished wooden floorboards, billowing curtains and dark hand-painted wallpaper make sure you’ll find all aspects of Anouska Hempel’s signature style in the sumptuous rooms.

With rooms facing the street and the rear gardens, you can choose between sights of the pretty row houses and the dramatic London Oratory church from one aspect and mature trees and green space from the other.

bathroom

Yet more shimmering glass and mirrors makes the bathrooms sparkle. Whether that’s practical with toothpaste marks and soap suds, well, that’s not the type of thing one has to consider when they’re staying at the Franklin.

lobby

The elegant lobby is a place designed to encourage posing. Slouching among the tall palms, geometric printed wallpaper and marble tiles would not be a strong look. A good spot to linger for first rate people watching.

spa

Given the splendour of the rest of the hotel it’s unsurprising to find that the Franklin hammam is every bit as gorgeous. Dark stone and intricate prints can be viewed through the steam.

gym

Everything you need to enjoy a full workout can be found in the hotel gym from cardio machines to a personal trainer by request.

dining

Italian fine dining is the theme at The Franklin restaurant, a space whose assiduously styled interior complements the pretty pastoral views of manicured gardens.

drinking

The stock of 22 different gins makes ordering a martini an exceedingly good choice at the Franklin Bar, the art deco snug where it pays to dress up to the nines.