The Franklin Hotel

The elegant creation of designer Anoushka Hempel, the Franklin is a romantic boutique hotel (think Italian velvet upholstery and mirrored furniture) in South Kensington.

• The lush, soothing grey color palette
• The light-filled rooms overlooking Egerton Gardens
• The lofty Victorian windows, which are particularly exquisite in rooms on the high-ceilinged first floor

Tucked away amidst a row of redbrick Victorian townhouses on a leafy residential street in South Kensington, it would be easy to walk right past The Franklin. But this chic, 35-room escape is worth seeking out. Reopened after a lengthy renovation in 2016, the hotel is lovely and calm, and embodies discreet elegance thanks to designer Anoushka Hempel’s thoughtful styling. Using Venice as her inspiration, Hempel incorporated sophisticated elements into the décor, including patterned grey limestone, Carrara marble and alabaster and gilded or etched wall mirrors to reflect the light streaming in from Egerton Gardens. The guest rooms are equally elegant, with tranquil grey walls, mirrored furniture, wrought-iron four-poster beds and hardwood floors. (The only drawbacks are narrow hallways and the fact that the elevator does not reach the fifth floor).

The Franklin has a lovely bar, as well as a garden where guests can enjoy a drink when the weather is nice. In the colder months, the cozy restaurant is a nice place to unwind and indulge in fare from Michelin-starred chef Alfredo Russo. One of The Franklin’s best attributes is its location, right in the heart of South Kensington. It’s a stone’s throw from the Victoria & Albert Museum, Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Hyde Park.

Design junkies, couples, groups of friends traveling for a weekend of shopping.