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Review of COMO Metropolitan London

Varun Sharma Varun Sharma Oct 15, 2024

Location

Nestled discreetly off Park Lane, COMO Metropolitan London is a contemporary sanctuary that melds cosmopolitan flair with understated luxury. Situated opposite Hyde Park and the iconic Number One London, this property offers an exclusive vantage point in the heart of Mayfair. Behind its sleek façade, guests are welcomed into 144 meticulously designed rooms and suites, each echoing the tranquillity of the park just beyond. The Metropolitan Suite on the ninth floor, the Penthouse on the tenth with panoramic park vistas, and the COMO Suite—bathed in daylight from expansive windows—cater to those seeking elevated privacy and space. For extended stays or family escapes, the Brick Street Residences and the recently revitalized Hertford Street Residences deliver townhouse-style living paired with all the amenities of a five-star hotel. 

Culinary options are equally impressive. Guests can begin their day in The White Room, savour inventive Japanese-Peruvian dishes at the celebrated Nobu, or opt for nourishing COMO Shambhala Cuisine in the lobby, complemented by signature cocktails at sunset. The COMO Shambhala Urban Escape spa invites guests to unwind with its serene ambiance, six treatment rooms, steam facilities, and a comprehensive gym—making it a holistic urban retreat for the modern luxury traveller.

Accommodation

Perfectly positioned in prestigious Mayfair, directly across from Hyde Park, COMO Metropolitan London offers effortless access to London’s most coveted destinations. Guests can stroll to Piccadilly for Fortnum & Mason, the curated boutiques of Burlington Arcade, and the renowned Royal Academy of Arts. Bond Street’s luxury shopping is just minutes away, while Harrods and Harvey Nichols are a pleasant walk in the opposite direction. Landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster are easily reached within a 20–30 minute walk, placing guests at the epicentre of London’s cultural and historic heart.

London Heathrow Airport is typically a 45–60 minute chauffeured drive, while Gatwick can be reached in around 75–90 minutes depending on traffic. Many international travellers prefer the Heathrow Express to Paddington, followed by a short taxi ride. The Gatwick Express to Victoria Station offers a similarly efficient journey. For those arriving via London City Airport, expect a 40–50 minute drive. Private aviation is well catered for, with Battersea Heliport and private terminals at Biggin Hill, Farnborough, and Stansted providing seamless access. Valet parking is available for local guests, ensuring convenience from arrival to departure.

Service & Facilities

At COMO Metropolitan London, comfort and style are paramount. All 144 rooms and suites feature expansive windows, inviting daylight and offering sweeping Hyde Park views that seamlessly blend the outdoors with refined interiors. Designed by Linzi Coppick of Forme UK, the accommodations embrace a soothing palette of walnut, sycamore, and neutral hues, accented by vibrant yellow details. Public spaces evoke a sense of the natural world with rich greens and berry tones, while bespoke furnishings add a contemporary, residential feel. 

Every room is equipped with custom king beds, 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, interactive TVs with streaming and pay-per-view options, Nespresso machines, stocked private bars, intuitive touchscreen controls, and automated blackout curtains. Bathrooms are fitted with COMO Shambhala amenities, rainfall showers, and premium hairdryers. 

Room categories include the Deluxe City Room (29 sqm), Metropolitan City Room (33 sqm), and the Metropolitan Park Room (33 sqm), the latter offering private balconies in select units for unobstructed park views. Suites are generously proportioned and bright, starting with the Junior Park Suite (35 sqm) up to the Junior City Suite (44 sqm), both overlooking Mayfair’s skyline. City Suites echo the feel of a private pied-à-terre with distinct living and dining spaces, while Park Suites (47 sqm) provide a tranquil one-bedroom retreat with panoramic park vistas. 

For elevated stays, the ninth-floor Metropolitan Suite (53 sqm) exudes the ambiance of a chic city apartment, including a dining table for four. The Penthouse Suite (77 sqm) boasts a spacious balcony and can be combined with adjoining suites for added flexibility. At the pinnacle, the COMO Suite (110 sqm) delivers an unparalleled residential experience, featuring a dining area for six, a fully equipped pantry, and custom furnishings such as Kappa Lambda rugs and Morgan sofas, all framed by breathtaking Hyde Park panoramas.

Families and long-stay guests can opt for the Brick Street Residences (98–104 sqm), offering townhouse elegance with modern interiors, six-person dining, full kitchens, and private landscaped courtyards—plus seamless access to hotel services. These can be interconnected for up to three bedrooms. The newly redesigned Hertford Street Residences (22 Hertford Street), a collaboration between Linzi Coppick and Mark Pinney Associates, blend Georgian heritage with contemporary open-plan living. Two duplexes (148–160 sqm) include private terraces, full kitchens, and laundry amenities, while the four-bedroom Penthouse Apartment (195 sqm) offers expansive living space and a home-like ambiance. Classic residences (104 sqm) feature two en-suite bedrooms, spacious lounges, and flexible layouts for added comfort. 

All residences benefit from 24-hour concierge, in-room COMO Shambhala spa treatments, priority Nobu reservations or room service, and exclusive COMO tablets for digital access to hotel amenities. Tech-savvy guests will appreciate the 50–75 inch TVs with Chromecast and Bose sound systems curated by the Music Concierge. Additional services include an IT Butler and a personal shopping assistant on request. 

Style

Wellness seekers will find COMO Shambhala Urban Escape to be a tranquil haven, offering holistic Asian-inspired therapies and signature treatments, including the renowned COMO Shambhala Massage, shiatsu, reiki, reflexology, acupuncture, and bespoke facials using Dr. Hauschka and Guinot products. The spa features six treatment rooms—two designed for couples—gender-specific steam rooms, and a state-of-the-art gym open 24 hours a day. The COMO Shambhala Cuisine, focused on nutrition and wellness, is available in the Lobby Lounge for those seeking health-conscious dining options.

For those with a passion for mixology, the hotel hosts interactive cocktail masterclasses every Saturday, where expert bartenders reveal the art of crafting signature drinks, paired with a curated selection of light bites. Throughout our experience at COMO Metropolitan London, the attentive and intuitive service consistently exceeded expectations, underpinning the property’s reputation for excellence in the luxury hospitality sector.

Restaurants & Bars

COMO Metropolitan London stands as a benchmark for contemporary hotel design in the capital. Since its debut, the property has been synonymous with style, attracting cosmopolitan guests who appreciate both substance and sophistication. The creative vision of Keith Hobbs and Linzi Coppick established its iconic look, with subsequent refurbishments in 2006, 2015, and most recently, the Residences, ensuring the hotel remains at the forefront of modern luxury. The interiors harmoniously blend Asian-inspired minimalism with European flair, resulting in a curated, timeless aesthetic that is both inviting and exclusive.

Residences continue this narrative, resembling high-end minimalist apartments or townhouses, awash in natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows and accented by bespoke artworks from Marta Suarez. Natural wood floors, neutral palettes, and bursts of colour create a sense of refined home living, complemented by landscaped outdoor spaces. Repeated collaborations with the same visionary designer have ensured a consistent, instantly recognisable identity—one that continues to set the standard for London’s luxury hospitality scene.

Sustainability

Breakfast at COMO Metropolitan London is served in The White Room, offering an elegant start to the day. For lunch and dinner, the acclaimed Nobu restaurant delivers innovative Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine that has become a staple among London’s gastronomes, with signature dishes such as miso black cod, yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño, and delicate squid pasta. Nobu’s global reputation for culinary excellence continues to attract discerning diners from around the world. 

Guests seeking a more relaxed atmosphere can enjoy seasonal light fare, artisanal cocktails, and nourishing COMO Shambhala Cuisine in the vibrant lobby lounge. In recent years, the hotel’s culinary team, under Executive Chef Ruben Briones, has introduced the “A Taste of COMO” pop-up series, featuring globally inspired menus—such as Basque seafood paired with Taittinger Champagne or French bistro classics—providing a rotating showcase of international flavours for in-house guests and visitors alike. 

What We Love

Environmental stewardship and community engagement are at the core of COMO Hotels and Resorts’ philosophy. The group views itself as a guardian of its properties, prioritising sustainable operations, support for local culture, and minimising ecological impact. COMO Metropolitan London has been recognised with a Green Tourism Business Scheme bronze award for its ongoing environmental initiatives, including responsible sourcing of produce for its restaurants and robust waste reduction strategies. The hotel actively collaborates with organisations such as The Felix Project to redistribute surplus food, supporting those facing food insecurity throughout London.

Editor’s Picks: Why We Recommend

  • Wellness Sanctuary: COMO Shambhala Urban Escape remains a hallmark of the brand, offering an exceptional spa experience in the heart of London. The extensive menu—ranging from massages to reiki and acupuncture—delivers world-class wellness, ideal for unwinding after long flights or a day of discovery in the city.
  • Parkside Views: The hotel’s prime location, nestled between the Four Seasons and Hilton Park Lane, allows for unrivalled Hyde Park vistas. Suites facing the park offer ever-changing scenery, from golden sunrise to city lights shimmering at night—a visual treat, especially in the winter months. Floor-to-ceiling windows ensure the city’s beauty is always on display.
  • Service Excellence: Founded by visionary Christina Ong, COMO’s Singaporean heritage is reflected in its seamless blend of contemporary design and attentive, heartfelt service. Across every touchpoint—from the doorman to the spa—guests encounter genuine hospitality underpinned by a dedication to excellence.Varun SharmaEditor-In-ChiefBusinessclass

Guest Favourites: What Stands Out

  • Unbeatable Setting: With Hyde Park just steps away, guests can begin their day with peaceful jogs amid lush greenery or leisurely strolls through Mayfair, discovering both Michelin-starred restaurants and the charming boutiques of Shepherd Market. The location offers a rare blend of tranquillity and urban excitement.
  • Light-Filled Retreats: Guestrooms are bathed in natural light, with sumptuous fabrics that glow in the sunlight and create a calm, restorative environment—an oasis of serenity above the city’s bustle.Rory SlaterGeneral ManagerCOMO Metropolitan Hotel