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The Halkin by COMO
5 Halkin St, London, England, UK
Neighborhood: Knightsbridge
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Many of the world’s most stylish hotels are heavy on the public spaces, pouring money into lounges, libraries, drawing rooms, even private cinemas, while relegating the paying guests to cramped, uninspired rooms. How this works as a business proposition is quite beyond our understanding, but in this case it’s irrelevant—London’s Halkin hotel turns this stereotype inside out. Here the public spaces amount to little more than a small but handsome lobby and bar (and of course a restaurant, of which more later), while the rooms get the star treatment.
And what rooms they are, outfitted in what can only be described as Milanese Zen, rich leathers and soothing muted colors doing their best to expand the already generous space (which in London counts as a real luxury). Each floor takes on as its theme one of the four ancient elements (five, if you count sky), but the differences are subtle enough to avoid gimmickry; all four are as unassumingly elegant as can be. The marble bathrooms are expansive, and the COMO Shambhala bath products add to the culture shock—you may have to walk outside and see the building’s Georgian facade to reassure yourself that this is indeed London.
The location, in quietly upscale Belgravia, is a perfect match for this chic yet grown-up hotel—attractive yet not too ostentatious, and providing easy access to Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, Sloane Street and Picadilly. It also affords easy access to the Halkin’s sister hotel, the Metropolitan, whose spa is open to Halkin guests, as is its restaurant, Nobu—and repeat guests should note that the Halkin's new gym makes a trip to the Metropolitan's health club unnecessary.
But while Nobu is nice, the Halkin has its own restaurant, the pure-Thai (as in decidedly un-fusion) Nahm. This is London’s only Michelin-starred Thai restaurant, which means the French approve; though presumably the Thai do as well, given chef David Thompson’s reverence for tradition and authenticity. Not to be flip, but you could have sushi anywhere—this is possibly the best Thai food west of the Andaman Sea.
So there you have it—a haute-couture Italian-style boutique hotel, owned by Singapore’s Christina Ong, serving obsessively authentic Thai cuisine just steps from Hyde Park Corner tube station. If it’s Union Jacks and bangers and mash you’re after, this is clearly not your place—but for those with global tastes, it’s hard to top.
How to get there:
The Halkin hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Hyde Park Corner tube station. If you’re arriving from Heathrow Airport the most convenient transfer option to central London is the Heathrow Express train, which leaves Heathrow Airport every 15 minutes and takes 15 minutes to arrive at Paddington Station. One-way fares are available from £18 and round-trip fares from £32. By black cab, The Halkin is approximately a 45-minute ride from Heathrow Airport (depending on traffic) and can cost upwards of £50.
- Complimentary upgrade upon hotel check-in, based upon availability
- Guaranteed 4pm check-out
- One complimentary glass of champagne or one cocktail, per guest, upon arrival
- Complimentary fruit on arrival
- *Tablet Plus Benefits cannot be combined with the "Extend That Feeling" offers and "Ultimate Savings" offer
- 41 Rooms
- Style: Modern Design
- Atmosphere: Quiet
- 63 Guest Reviews
- The Halkin by COMO
- 5 Halkin St
- London, England, UK
- Neighborhood: Knightsbridge
Hotel amenities and services
- 100% non-smoking hotel
- 24 hour concierge
- 24 hour front desk
- 24 hour gym
- 24 hour room service
- Bar
- Central air conditioning
- Free wi-fi
- Lounge
- Luggage storage
- Multi-lingual staff
- Pet Friendly
- Restaurant
- Spa treatments (on request)
- Valet parking (charges apply)
- Wake-up service
Other London hotels
63 Guest Reviews
All reviews are from Tablet guests with verified stays.
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- Darima
- Stayed January 2013
- Rating: Good
What I liked:
Location and quietness
What the hotel could do better:
Nothing, had a wonderful stay!
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- oystein
- Stayed August 2012
- Rating: Excellent
What I liked:
I love the intimate feeling of a family hotel and the discrete service
What the hotel could do better:
Nothing, had a wonderful stay!
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- Elizabeth
- Stayed October 2012
- Rating: Excellent
What I liked:
This is an amazing hotel. Location is fabulous, 5 minute walk to the Tube, Buckingham Palace and some great restaurants. I have stayed here several times and every time has been fabulous.
Service is amazing, the beds are wonderful, it is the quietest hotel I have ever been too. I joke that they must have a rule that housekeeping is never to be seen, they do not bug you at 9am to clean the room. It is so private and wonderful.
They always have great suggestions for spots to eat and are very helpful with everything. I called down early one morning for breakfast because I was up from jet lag, and even thought the kitchen was not open yet, the guy at the front desk said he would make me breakfast and bring it right up! Amazing.
They have a great little gym, with nice machines, tv's and nice facilities. I love their in room Shambala shower gels etc, they keep an extra stock in the closet so you can have a nice bath soak with bath salts or other options. I always buy some for home. Nice big tubs as well, so you can have a nice soak.
What the hotel could do better:
Nothing, had a wonderful stay! Seriously I can not think of one thing.