The Franklin London - Starhotels Collezione

The Franklin London - Starhotels Collezione, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a luxurious and intimate experience in the heart of Knightsbridge, blending English townhouse charm with Italian sophistication and design.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Franklin London is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently praising its elegant atmosphere, prime location, and exceptional staff. Review platforms show strong ratings, with an average of 8.6/10 on KAYAK from over 500 reviews, and similar high scores for location (9.6/10 on KAYAK, 9.4 on Booking.com) and staff (9.1 on Booking.com). The hotel is often described as a "fantastic luxury boutique hotel" and a "sophisticated elegant escape" that continuously earns guest loyalty.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud The Franklin for several standout features:

• Service & Staff: The "friendly and professional staff" are frequently highlighted for their attentiveness, helpfulness, and warm, Italian-influenced hospitality, making guests feel valued and cared for. Many reviews mention staff going "above and beyond" and providing "exceptional service".
• Location: The hotel's position in Knightsbridge is a major draw, offering a tranquil retreat on Egerton Gardens while being "a stone's throw" from major attractions.
• Design: The interiors, designed by Anouska Hempel, are frequently admired for their "timeless, Italian-influenced design", blending contemporary British style with Parisian flair and a touch of Gatsby-era glamour in spaces like the bar. The monochrome lobby with Carrara marble floors and velvet furnishings creates a chic and sophisticated ambiance.
• Amenities: Complimentary Wi-Fi, a concierge service, 24-hour room service, and a private hammam and fitness center are among the appreciated amenities.

3. Room Quality

The 35 elegantly appointed rooms and suites are designed for "total comfort" and luxury. They feature a harmonious blend of classic and modern design elements, often in a seductive charcoal grey palette with velvet furnishings and mirrored details. Key aspects include:

• Comfort: Guests frequently praise the "super comfortable beds" with "premium linens" like Italian Frette sheets and pillowtop mattresses, and a pillow menu, creating a "dreamy sanctuary".
• Design: Rooms are "tastefully decorated" with "contemporary and classic elements," offering high ceilings and full-height windows, often with views over Knightsbridge or the tranquil Egerton Gardens.
• Facilities: Each room is air-conditioned and includes a flat-screen TV, a seating area, and luxury bathrooms with bathrobes and Penhaligon's toiletries, often featuring roll-top bathtubs or rain showers. Some suites, like the Presidential Suite, offer separate living areas and walk-in closets. However, some guests have noted disappointment with room sizes and bathrooms, citing "cramped spaces" in certain instances.

4. Dining Experience

The Franklin Restaurant, helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Roberto Roncolato (formerly Alfredo Russo), offers an exquisite Italian dining experience with Mediterranean influences.

• Restaurant Quality: The restaurant, with seating for just 30 diners and garden views, is celebrated for its "modern Piedmont cuisine" and a menu that balances tradition with global flavors. Dishes are often described as "delightfully simple, Italian inspired elegant" and made with the "finest in seasonal ingredients". Everything from breadsticks to pasta is reportedly homemade.
• Breakfast: The "scrumptious continental breakfast" is described as fresh and abundant, with a variety of options. Many guests highly recommend the breakfast, with some calling it "fantastic". A full breakfast is available for a surcharge.
• Bar: The Franklin Bar offers a "glamorous 1920s/Great-Gatsby inspired mirrored" setting for cocktails and champagne, perfect for winding down.
• Room Service: 24-hour room service is available, featuring a menu of international and local dishes.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Franklin is consistently highlighted as a major strength, often described as "exceptional" and "impeccable".

• Hospitality: The staff, including Les Clefs d'Or Concierges, are noted for being "friendly and helpful", "attentive, and pleasant". Many guests appreciate the warm, Italian hospitality that creates a "cocoon-like atmosphere".
• Personalized Service: The hotel provides "very high standards of personalized service", with a team dedicated to organizing experiences and assisting with any query. Services like airport transfers, ticket services, and even shoe shining and packing are available.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Franklin London boasts an "enchanting location" in Knightsbridge, a "properly posh address" known for its elegance and culture.

• Neighborhood: Situated on the quiet, residential Egerton Gardens, it offers a peaceful ambiance while being incredibly close to major landmarks. The area is a haven for art, fashion, and culture enthusiasts, with high-end boutiques and designer stores on King's Road.
• Attractions: Within easy walking distance are iconic sites such as the Victoria and Albert Museum (steps away), Harrods (7-minute walk), Natural History Museum (less than 10 minutes), Imperial College London, Royal Albert Hall, and Hyde Park.
• Transport: The hotel offers excellent accessibility to public transport. South Kensington Tube Station is just a short walk away (around 600 feet to 1500 feet), and other nearby options include Fulham Broadway, Putney Bridge, Parsons Green, and Sloane Square Tube Stations, as well as Imperial Wharf Train Station. Airport transfer services can also be arranged.

7. Value & Pricing

The Franklin London is positioned as a luxury boutique hotel. While specific pricing fluctuates, rates on KAYAK are listed from $274, with general prices for a standard room ranging from approximately $375 to $547. Suites can range from $498 to $1,649.

• Perceived Value: Despite being a higher-end property, some reviews suggest it offers "exceptional value for money" due to its prime location and luxurious offerings. However, the "value for money" score on booking platforms like Booking.com and momondo is slightly lower (7.8), indicating that while guests appreciate the quality, the price point is a consideration. The cheapest deals are generally found in January and October.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are largely positive, some recurring criticisms have been noted:

• Room Size/Bathrooms: A common complaint among some guests relates to the "room sizes and bathrooms", which were sometimes described as "cramped spaces" or having "inadequate facilities". One guest mentioned insufficient closet space in their original room.
• Breakfast Cost: While the breakfast quality is highly rated, it is available for a surcharge, which some guests might consider an additional cost.
• Room Service Food: One review mentioned the room service food being "a bit bland".

Sources

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