COMO The Halkin  is so discrete you may not even know it’s there. Located on a quiet, tree-lined street between Belgrave Square and Hyde Park Corner – and just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace – the hotel couldn’t be more central. The area has been attracting the attention of major hotel brands of late, with The Lanesborough recently unveiling a major renovation, and the news that Peninsula is starting work on their first London property almost next door.

Opened in 1991, The Halkin was COMO Hotels and Resorts’ first property, and the first luxury boutique hotel to open in London. An early example of a modern, design-conscious hotel, the building has a Georgian-style exterior of Portland stone and arching windows, with Italian-cum-Asian interiors sporting a minimalist aesthetic. Curved corridors are lined with wooden panelling, creating a calm, contemporary atmosphere. The owner spent a cool US$1 million to fit out each room, and over 25 years later, these spaces remain impressive, hugely comfortable and user friendly.

Guestrooms range from City rooms (27 square-metres) to COMO suites (64 square-metres), some of which have a balcony and access to a second bedroom. Our Halkin Room (45 square-metres) had a sitting area with big sofa and desk. Although not a suite, there was still plenty of space to relax and work – perfect for a few nights. The sizable marble bathroom came complete with lovely products from COMO’s own Shambhala range. The room exuded the soothing COMO atmosphere, ensuring an excellent night’s sleep.

Ametsa, the property’s one Michelin Star Basque restaurant, (more about that in the next issue), served an excellent breakfast. The menu had various wellness offerings, a theme close to COMO’s heart.  Guests have access to the spa at famed sister hotel The Metropolitan five minutes away, but The Halkin does have a well-equipped gym, and of course Hyde Park is just a few minutes’ walk away. The COMO yoga channel on the television provides a work-out in the privacy of your own room.

Surrounded by embassies, this chic Belgravia hotel is remarkably quiet. COMO The Halkin’s great location, beautiful rooms, and slick and friendly service make it an ideal home for diplomats and visiting dignitaries while in London.

COMO The Halkin, Halkin Street, London SW1X 7DJ    T: +44 (0)20 7333 1000

E: thehalkin@comohotels.com    www.comohotels.com/thehalkin