Don’t be fooled by the glamorous art deco interiors of this boutique hotel in Knightsbridge: it may be opulent, but it’s also incredibly cosy. On the ground floor there are a series of nooks and crannies to nestle into: the bar, the reception room, restaurant, and a snug library.
As I’m not the biggest fan of black and gold with mirrors everywere, I was worried the decor in my room was going to be a bit much, but it did feel truly luxurious. When I first saw the enormous four-poster bed, I had no choice but to dive onto it and sink into the downy pillows. And when I say this was the best bath I’ve ever had in my life, I’m not exaggerating.
Then there’s the Michelin-starred Italian restaurant by Alfredo Russo. The food was hearty, yet elegant, and all round utterly scrumptious. The vibe itself was a little stuffy and quiet, but that may have been down to the fact I was eating there on a Tuesday night in November while an England World Cup match was on.
It’s not the most arty or edgy hotel, but it is luxe with an old-school charm. It nails the finer details, right down to the Penhaligon’s bath products, and I can’t fault it for that.
Neighbourhood
Walking up to the Franklin, you’re slapped with the romantic feeling that this is what London is supposed to be like. The hotel is opposite the V&A, down a grand residential street in Knightsbridge with red brick townhouses and lined with fancy cars. At Christmas time, you can even see Harrods glowing in the distance with its mega golden festive lights. It feels peak ‘Love Actually’.
Nearby
- The V&A, for unrivaled art exhibitions and the chance to goggle at some of the world’s greatest treasures
- The Conran Shop, for beautiful and original homeware
- Marcus, for British fine-dining
Time Out tip
For dinner, order the spaghetti vongole, and make sure they don’t skimp on the bottarga (a cured cods roe delicacy from Sardinia that tastes like the sea). It was made all the better by the jaunty chef who came to grate flakes of it over my coils of creamy pasta.
