Martin Jarred samples a life of luxury in London's fashionable centre.

HONESTY is the best policy at the Franklin Hotel.

The 50-bedroom townhouse in the heart of London's fashionable Knightsbridge is so relaxing it has an open self-service bar.

Champagne and top quality white wines are on ice in the small, intimate bar while a good selection of reds, beers and spirits are on offer in the adjoining alcove.

It's just the spot to unwind after a hard day at Harrods or the nearby Natural History and Albert and Victoria Museums.

Simply scribble down what you have had to drink, pop it in the honesty box and pay up when you check out.

The honour system is not abused because the bill will be small change for people lucky enough to stay at the luxurious Franklin.

With prices starting at £175 a room per night, it is a hotel which successfully offers something the large high-class chain hotels cannot offer - intimacy.

Set in a quiet crescent off the busy Brompton Road, the Franklin is an oasis of peace.

From the outside it sits neatly in the arc of beautiful townhouse mansions with the fluttering Union Jack over the discreet entrance - the only clue that it is a hotel.

Instead of a bellboy to efficiently whisk your luggage to your room you get a smart well-pressed butler, who also serves you at breakfast. At night, beds are turned down, bathrooms cleaned and truffles left by two maids, not one.

The rooms were designed by the Duchess of Roxburghe and are complete with sumptious fabrics, antique furniture, oil paintings and objets d'art.

The drawing room opens directly on to Egerton Gardens, a lovely tree-lined garden square. It is so quiet that it is hard to imagine you are in the heart of one of the world's greatest capital cities.

This country house in a metropolis prides itself on courteous and friendly service, but still keeps pace with modern life.

The plush drape-clad bedrooms, many boasting four-poster beds, include satellite television, wireless broadband, data-port telephones - all discreetly placed hi-tech facilities. The slick marble-lined bathroom is packed with all the luxurious necessities.

It is hard to imagine that the Franklin only opened in September 1992 as its furnishings have such a permanent feel to them.

For most of us, the Franklin is a special occasion place. A place to linger a while in luxury.

Quality does not come cheap, but it is always worth checking out the various offers which are available.

Past Franklin visitors include supermodel Helena Christensen and author Bill Bryson. You can't stop yourself from thinking that the Franklin oozes the best of British, which appealed to Bryson in his bestseller "Notes from a Small Island".

Class and quality... and, like Ms Christensen, perfectly formed.

The Franklin Hotel, 28 Egerton Gardens, Knightsbridge, London SW3 2DB

What it costs

Oratory rooms £175, double rooms £210-£230, deluxe double and garden rooms. £295-£395 - all exclusive of VAT.

Tel: 020 7584 5533

Fax: 020 7584 5449

e-mail: bookings@franklinhotel.co.uk

website: www.franklinhtel.co.uk

Updated: 16:47 Friday, November 18, 2005