HOTELS > The Franklin (Summer 2007)

London’s Knightsbridge is brought up to date in a luxurious, bespoke take on the English inn. Designer Reardon Smith, London’s premier hotel “refinisher”, has taken the four townhouses spanned by the hotel to create an open, airy space. The lobby looks onto a tree-lined garden and features a solid, proper London aesthetic lightened by liberal use of glass and modern touches. The gardens are present in more ways than one: guests have exclusive access to the hotel’s stylish bar and restaurant, the Dining Room, both sitting atop the greenery. Further facilities include two meeting rooms and a new workout centre with the most recent Technogym facilities as well as a spa. Guestrooms sport fired-oak floors and abundant use of luxurious materials including Bellora linens; many bathrooms feature separate tiled areas with rain showers. All of this discreet luxury lies within a stone’s throw of Harrods and a host of London’s old- and new-school restaurants and entertainment.