The Franklin – Starhotels Collezione

This boutique hotel is typical of the area and the original house is Grade-II listed, dating back to the 1840s. All this might lead you to expect quintessentially British interiors, but the reality couldn’t be more different. The initial shock as you step into The Franklin is that everything is black, or a shade of it. From the incredible Carrara marble floors to the romantic Venetian screens, and even the stylish coffee table books. The second surprise is that there is no reception area. Instead, hotel staff welcomes you to take a seat in the dimly lit lounge area as they check you in. The design throughout the ground floor is moody and atmospheric, with Anouska Hempel’s interiors drawing influences from Italy and Morocco. What little light there is is harnessed with Art Deco style mirrors and large glass partitions. The result is a unique and breath-taking space that feels endlessly glamorous and elegant. Elsewhere, by the Gatsby-inspired bar, there are a few brassy accents and more Art Deco mirrors, ikaat hangings from Istanbul, plus gray-blue sofas and velvet bar stools. Travelers can usually be found in the equally swanky lounge area, or later on in the bar or restaurant, but there’s an overall quiet and peaceful vibe at the hotel. Rates are high, but guests do have the likes of Hyde Park, the Victoria & Albert, and Kensington Palace on their doorstep.

The Franklin has a prime spot, nestled on the outskirts of well-to-do Kensington, with museums and shopping opportunities close at hand. Its immediate location, backing onto the perfectly manicured Egerton Gardens, is residential and calm. However, it’s still close enough to the Knightsbridge action that attractions are within an easy walk. The Natural History Museum is eight minutes away on foot, and it's only an extra two minutes to reach the Victoria & Albert Museum. It takes the same amount of time by bus to reach Harrods or add a few minutes extra if you’re planning on walking. The luxury department store is located on Brompton Road, which is lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars. Expect around a 10-minute walk to the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea. The gallery is on the King’s Road and exhibits Charles Saatchi’s famous collection. It’s a longer 20-minute walk to reach the likes of Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. Heathrow is the closest airport and takes around 35 minutes to reach by car or just under an hour by train. If you’re traveling by train, Gatwick Airport is also easy to reach via the Gatwick Express in just under 50 minutes. 

While the 35 rooms were crafted by the same interior designer, expect brighter decor behind closed doors. Interiors are flooded with natural light from the large windows, which have lovely views of Knightsbridge or the gardens below. Framed mirrors reflect even more light, making rooms feel bigger and airier. Mirrored bed posts, bedside tables, and picture frames feel modern and pair well with the soft gray linens and crisp white walls. Plush velvet armchairs and stools only add to the luxe vibe. One of the best design features are the small botanical pictures that have been framed in silver and create mini statement walls. Beds are comfortable and were specially created by Simmons for the hotel. All rooms have Frette Italian linens, pillow menus, and at least one armchair, white suites feature larger sitting areas. For business travelers, it's worth noting that all rooms come with desks as standard too. 

Entry-level Superior Rooms range from 193 to 248 square feet and include a range of high-end amenities found in other categories as well. Each comes with a Samsung Smart TV, free Wi-Fi, minibar, electric kettle, free Handy smartphone, plus wardrobes with safes. Bright bathrooms feature a combination of walk-in showers and tubs with overhead showers, as well as luxury toiletries, hairdryers, and bathrobes and slippers. Optional extras include free daily newspapers. Upgrading gets you discounts at the restaurant, a late checkout, and extra seating. The best option is the gargantuan Presidential Suite, which is 667 square feet and has a separate living area, walk-in closet, and four-poster bed. Other perks in this unit include decadent marble surfaces, park views, and double sinks in the huge bathroom.

One of the best corners of this hotel is the ground-floor restaurant, which shares a name with the hotel. There are only 30 seats, which creates an intimate exclusive feel, as well as a cozy little nook in which to enjoy three meals. The restaurant is run by Michelin-starred chef Alfredo Russo who serves modern Italian fare. Breakfast is pricey, but includes a full continental spread plus cooked options like cast-iron baked eggs with chanterelle mushrooms and black truffle during our 2018 visit. Afternoon tea is also served here, and a current partnership with the Victoria & Albert sees the hotel serving a Frida Kahlo inspired Afternoon Tea. Bar The Franklin is a chic martini & Champagne Bar with retro 1920s lamps, gray velvet stools, and plenty of Art Nouveau mirrors. In keeping with the opulence, the bar serves seven different types of Champagne and 22 varietes of gin.

Another gem in this surprising property is the extensive wellness center. There’s a 24-hour fitness center, with personal trainers on request, plus a hammam (traditional Turkish baths), and a spa menu. Finally, the meeting room gets lots of natural light, and there's a dedicated event manager, LCD projector, flip chart, and screen. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.