When COMO The Halkin first opened in 1991, its aim was to offer uncompromising standards of service and style. Since then it has become the benchmark for contemporary hotels around the world. Conceived, created and owned by Christina Ong, today COMO The Halkin is internationally regarded as London’s most elegant, exclusive and discreet hotel. A destination where modern inspired design and technology is combined with faultless service and fabulous dining.
Sitting in a quiet residential street close to Hyde Park Corner, COMO The Halkin provides an unrivalled base for the international traveller visiting London. Take a stroll down Motcomb Street or Elizabeth Street only minutes from the hotel and you will find a wealth of couture stores including Philip Treacy, Stuart Parvin, Christian Louboutin and Carolina Bucci. Or visit the high-end stores in Knightsbridge, Sloane Square or Mayfair, all within walking distance.
Immerse yourself in a mixture of history and culture with a trip to the V&A, the Natural History or Science Museum, or even the Royal Albert Hall.
The greenery of Hyde Park can be found at the end of the road, a perfect spot to enjoy a summer picnic or boating on the Serpentine, all of which can be arranged by the hotel’s exceptional concierge team.
COMO The Halkin is a purpose-built hotel – but the property’s Georgian-styled façade of weathered bricks, Portland stone and arching windows gives little away, blending comfortably into its Belgravia surroundings. However, inside, the supremely contemporary and innovative design of Italian architects, Laboratorio Associati of Milan, has created a hotel where every detail is tailored to meet the demanding needs of the most discerning traveller.
The concept at the heart of the hotel’s design is the ‘Expansion of Space’, a sensation that can be experienced throughout COMO The Halkin. Above the light and airy lobby soars an atrium ceiling decorated with a mural ‘skyscape’, created by the Italian painter Valentino Vago. The open-plan lobby flows seamlessly into the hotel’s bar on the left and reception on the right.
Basque culinary brilliance
Ametsa with Arzak Instruction is a Spanish restaurant from Michelin-starred chefs Elena and Juan Mari Arzak, which made its debut in February 2013. The restaurant is open for lunch Tuesday to Saturday, and dinner Monday to Saturday. The approach is rooted in the traditions of ‘new Basque cuisine’, pairing the earthy flavours and techniques of Spain’s Basque region with modern, surprising twists using fresh, locally-sourced and organic produce. Guests can also enjoy the tapas-inspired afternoon tea menu, which is served daily as a unique take on this British tradition.
There are just 41 guest rooms and suites at COMO The Halkin, all generously proportioned and individually designed and decorated. These are reached from a striking corridor of black, corrugated-wood panelling which flows in a powerfully sculptural curve on each level. All rooms are furnished to superlative standards in an uncluttered and elegant style, which uses pale cream fabrics and warm Pomelé Sapele veneers. Exceptionally comfortable beds are fitted with Egyptian cotton sheets and sumptuous goose down pillows.
Many rooms have separate seating and dressing areas, and all offer fabulous marble bathrooms with deep tubs, separate walk-in showers, anti-mist mirrors and plentiful COMO Shambhala amenities, exclusive to COMO Hotels and Resorts. Suites on the fifth-floor feature stunning, high curved ceilings that follow the arch of the barrel-vaulted roof, and large dormer windows allow light to flood in.
Central to the original concept for COMO The Halkin was the desire to offer guests technically sophisticated services – with control panels to operate lighting and room temperature fitted as standard. This attitude is still at the core of the hotel’s philosophy. Situated on each side of the beds are state-of-the-art touch-screen consoles. These enable guests to adjust their room’s lighting and temperature, set the alarm clock, see world times, and activate the ‘do not disturb’ sign (activating this also mutes the doorbell). In addition, the consoles allow access to numerous guest services and facilities such as alarm calls, world time information, requesting room service, or calling the butler – they also dim the lights. The consoles operate in six languages – English, French, German, Italian, Arabic and Japanese – and automatically dim to minimise glare when not in use.
COMO Hotels and Resorts are renowned for their commitment to health and wellbeing. Apart from a well-equipped gym, which unusually for London has natural daylight, guests can also find complimentary yoga mats in their room along with a dedicated yoga and meditation channel on the TV. The group’s healthy COMO Shambhala menu is available for room service and in the Halkin Bar.
Let COMO The Halkin become your home away from home when travelling to London.
Further information
www.comohotels.com/thehalkin