You know what struck me first about The Hari? It’s this perfectly understated elegance that doesn’t try too hard – which honestly feels rare in London’s five-star scene. Tucked on Chesham Place, you’re literally a two-minute walk from Hyde Park Corner, but the street itself is surprisingly quiet for being so central. I mean, you’re close enough to hear the occasional rumble of the Tube if you really listen, but it’s more like a gentle urban hum than anything disruptive. The building has this gorgeous 1960s modernist vibe that somehow feels both retro and completely current – think clean lines and lots of natural light flooding through those floor-to-ceiling windows.
What really sets this place apart is how they’ve nailed the details without being precious about it. The rooms have this warm, residential feel with oak floors and these amazing Italian marble bathrooms that actually make you want to take a long bath (the water pressure is fantastic, by the way). The staff genuinely seems to know the neighborhood – like, they’ll send you to the little Italian deli on Motcomb Street instead of just pointing toward Harrods like everywhere else does. Speaking of location, you’re perfectly positioned between Belgravia and Knightsbridge, so whether you want to browse the boutiques on Sloane Street or just grab a coffee and people-watch in one of those garden squares, everything’s walkable. The restaurant downstairs serves this modern Italian food that’s actually good – not just hotel-good, but legitimately worth eating even if you weren’t staying there.
Honestly, with an 8.8 rating, I expected it to be solid, but The Hari exceeded that in ways that matter when you’re actually living somewhere for a few days. The check-in was smooth (they had my room ready at 2 PM without me even asking), there’s proper blackout curtains for those brutal summer mornings when the sun’s up at 5 AM, and – this might sound small but it’s huge – the air conditioning actually works effectively, which you can’t take for granted in London hotels. It’s pricey, sure, but you’re paying for that sweet spot of being central without feeling like you’re in the middle of a tourist hurricane. If you want to feel like a sophisticated London resident for a few days rather than just another visitor, this is your spot.