You know that moment when you walk into a hotel and immediately think “okay, this is going to be good”? That’s exactly what happened when I first stepped into COMO The Halkin. It’s tucked away on this quiet little street in Belgravia – honestly, you could walk right past it if you weren’t looking, which is sort of the point. The building itself is this sleek, understated thing that doesn’t scream luxury but whispers it instead. And the location – I mean, you’re literally a three-minute walk from Hyde Park Corner and about five minutes from Harrods if that’s your thing. But what I really love is how you can slip down Halkin Street and feel like you’ve escaped central London’s chaos, even though you’re right in the thick of everything.
The inside is where things get really interesting though. It’s got this minimalist, almost zen-like vibe that feels distinctly Asian-influenced – which makes sense given it’s part of the COMO group. The rooms are spacious by London standards (and trust me, that matters here), with these gorgeous bathrooms that have deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers that actually have proper water pressure. I stayed in one of the suites overlooking the street, and honestly, the noise level was surprisingly manageable even with the windows open – you get the occasional Bentley purring past since this is Belgravia, but it’s nothing like the constant hum you’d get on Park Lane. The staff genuinely seems to know what they’re doing too, which isn’t always a given even at five-star places. Check-in was smooth, they remembered my coffee preference after day one, and when I mentioned I was heading to a meeting in Canary Wharf, the concierge actually suggested the best route during rush hour.
What really sets this place apart is how it manages to feel both luxurious and livable at the same time. The restaurant – Ametsa – has this Michelin star and serves incredible Basque cuisine, but you can also just grab a really good sandwich at the bar if you’re not in the mood for a full production. And the location gives you options that most London hotels can’t match. You can walk to Green Park in one direction, pop over to Knightsbridge for shopping in another, or head toward Victoria if you need to catch a train. The tube stations are close enough to be convenient but far enough that you’re not dealing with tourist crowds right outside your door. Honestly, after staying here a few times, I get why it has that 9.2 rating – it’s one of those places that just gets the details right without making a big fuss about it.