Gautam Balasundar

COMO The Halkin

  • Where:
  • Why:Quick work trip to London
  • When:February 2018
  • Who:Me
>
COMO The Halkin The facade, which is also the logo of the hotel.

The facade, which is also the logo of the hotel.

COMO The Halkin The bar/cafe on the first floor is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

The bar/cafe on the first floor is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

COMO The Halkin I loved how the doors to the room are almost hidden, it lends itself to the sense of privacy you get here.

I loved how the doors to the room are almost hidden, it lends itself to the sense of privacy you get here.

COMO The Halkin So cozy.

So cozy.

COMO The Halkin It's such a simple but relaxing room.

It's such a simple but relaxing room.

COMO The Halkin Huge bathroom. I only used the shower, but there were bath salts included if I really wanted to indulge (another nice touch: heated towel racks).

Huge bathroom. I only used the shower, but there were bath salts included if I really wanted to indulge (another nice touch: heated towel racks).

COMO The Halkin I loved having this huge desk in my room, I sat here most of the time while working.

I loved having this huge desk in my room, I sat here most of the time while working.

COMO The Halkin There are mirrors in the corners, in case you needed more sense of space.

There are mirrors in the corners, in case you needed more sense of space.

COMO The Halkin Outside the elevators; the artwork here is subtle but tasteful. Like I said, the hotel doesn't really impose itself on you. It's not the center of attention, you are.

Outside the elevators; the artwork here is subtle but tasteful. Like I said, the hotel doesn't really impose itself on you. It's not the center of attention, you are.

COMO The Halkin Typical buildings in Belgravia. All off-white, all beautiful.

Typical buildings in Belgravia. All off-white, all beautiful.

COMO The Halkin You can find some charming little nooks in Belgravia. This was a bar I stumbled on (and I liked the contrast of the brick and the teal door next to all the white buildings).

You can find some charming little nooks in Belgravia. This was a bar I stumbled on (and I liked the contrast of the brick and the teal door next to all the white buildings).

COMO The Halkin A few of the rooms at the COMO Halkin have balconies.

A few of the rooms at the COMO Halkin have balconies.

COMO The Halkin I had the full tasting menu at Ametsa, which Chef Ruben Briones altered to accommodate my vegetarianism.

I had the full tasting menu at Ametsa, which Chef Ruben Briones altered to accommodate my vegetarianism.

COMO The Halkin There were so many amazing dishes, with this serving as the finale: La Pasion del Chocolate.

There were so many amazing dishes, with this serving as the finale: La Pasion del Chocolate.

COMO The Halkin That cozy bed comes super handy when you're in a food coma after Ametsa.

That cozy bed comes super handy when you're in a food coma after Ametsa.

Highs & Lows

  • It's a hotel of subtle charm. The hotel never gets in your way - you just find yourself feeling peaceful and at home.

  • It's a great place to get work done. Clearly there were some business people around, but even for creative work I felt so comfortable and without distraction, something you wouldn't get at some of the new, trendy hotel chains.

  • It's also completely relaxing. I loved my spacious room and barely left it; I could have just stayed in for days.

  • The staff was amazing. Valeria was my go-to person for requests but everyone was just as warm and friendly.

  • Belgravia is beautiful but a little quiet. It worked for me, but don't come here looking for a scene.

  • I felt a little out of place in my jeans and Doc Martens, but the staff couldn't care less. You should know the vibe of the place, but I would still recommend it to artist-types who are seeking a respite.

The Barometer

  • Design

  • Website

  • Environmental Consciousness

  • Night's Sleep

  • Service

  • Amenities

  • Takeable Treats

  • Refer a Friend

  • Overall Value

  • Life Changing

Total: 48/50

Important Bits

  • Type

    Luxury hotel

  • Vibe

    Relaxed contemporary luxury

  • Location

    Belgravia, which is very wealthy but also very pretty

  • Rooms

    41

  • Music

    Very soft, but mostly quiet throughout the hotel

  • Year Opened

    1991

  • Designed By

    Laboratorio Associati

  • Health & Wellness

    Gym

  • Restaurant

    Ametsa, headed by Reuben Briones. The Spanish-influenced tasting menu is a must.

  • Bar

    Also has a Spanish influence, worth trying some of the cocktails

  • Minibar

    Pretty standard

  • Children

    Yes, but they might be bored in this neighborhood

  • Price

    Luxury, but good considering the neighborhood

  • Website

    Visit website

Hyde Park

Hyde Park

Hyde Park, London, UK

The Horse and Groom

The Horse and Groom

The Horse & Groom, Curtain Road, London, UK

Harrod's

Harrod's

Harrods, Brompton Road, London, UK

COMO The Halkin

COMO The Halkin

COMO The Halkin, London, Halkin Street, London, UK

Share this Hotel

More AHL

LondonUK

Rosewood London

by Michael Hemy

“Stately grandeur with a sci-fi twist.”

LondonUK

The Connaught

by Gemma Bell

“A hotel as it should be...utterly charming.”

LondonUK

The Laslett

by Yasha Wallin

“Exudes the best of British charm.”

LondonUK

The Twenty Two

by Tansy Kaschak

“A Westside hideaway for the creative and the curious”

LondonUK

The Prince Akatoki

by Carolina Ramirez Herrera

“Serene Japanese sanctuary... In Marylebone”