Review of COMO The Halkin

COMO The Halkin stands as one of London’s most iconic boutique hotels, having set the benchmark for discreet luxury since its debut in 1991. Visionary hotelier Christina Ong selected Belgravia for COMO’s very first property, and her pioneering spirit is evident in every detail.  

With just 41 refined rooms and suites, COMO The Halkin offers a sanctuary of tranquillity mere steps from Hyde Park Corner, nestled on a quiet street in the heart of Belgravia. 

In its early days, the hotel attracted an elite clientele—celebrities, royalty, and international jet-setters—thanks to its impeccable service, celebrated dining (once home to multiple Michelin stars), and commitment to guest privacy. The intimate atmosphere is still a draw for high-profile guests seeking exclusivity and world-class hospitality. 

Following a comprehensive refurbishment, the Halkin Bar has become a vibrant spot for both guests and discerning locals. The COMO Shambhala Afternoon Tea is a standout, offering one of the city’s most imaginative culinary experiences. A compact but well-equipped gym is available, and guests enjoy complimentary access to COMO Shambhala Urban Escape at COMO Metropolitan London, just a short stroll away, for holistic wellness therapies and treatments. 

Nearly 35 years after opening, COMO The Halkin remains a pillar of London’s luxury hotel scene, beloved by loyal guests and consistently ranked among the city’s finest boutique addresses. 

Positioned on tranquil Halkin Street, COMO The Halkin sits between the elegant Belgrave Square and lively Grosvenor Place, just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace. The only sound likely to reach your window is the gentle melody of bagpipes from the historic Caledonian Club across the road.

This address places you in one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods. Hyde Park Corner Underground and Victoria Station are within walking distance, providing seamless connections to Gatwick via the express rail and to Heathrow in approximately 45 minutes by car. International and local travellers alike benefit from this strategic setting. 

World-class shopping at Harrods, Harvey Nichols, and Sloane Street’s luxury boutiques is mere minutes away, while renowned theatre and fine dining in Mayfair and Piccadilly are easily accessible. This is a location that balances peaceful exclusivity with direct access to London’s most vibrant cultural and retail districts. 

With just 41 guest rooms and suites, COMO The Halkin embraces an intimate, residential feel. In the early 1990s, each room reportedly benefited from a £1 million investment—an attention to detail that still resonates today. The original interiors, masterminded by Italian design studio Laboratorio Associati, blend timeless Italian sophistication with subtle contemporary updates. 

Natural Pommele Sapele wood, soothing earth tones, and design cues inspired by the five elements—earth, air, fire, water, and space—create a serene retreat in every category.

The City Rooms (27-33 sqm) feature plush king beds and marble bathrooms, perfect for business or leisure guests seeking a calm oasis. Garden Rooms (34-38 sqm) overlook manicured greenery, offering deep soaking tubs and walk-in showers for a spa-like experience.

Halkin Rooms (42-45 sqm) deliver generous space with an open-plan layout and a cozy seating nook. Studio Suites (47 sqm) provide expansive dressing areas and elegant marble bathrooms, while Belgravia Suites (58 sqm) impress with soaring ceilings, curved walls, and, in select rooms, private balconies. The COMO Suites (64 sqm) elevate the experience with floor-to-ceiling windows and dining areas for small gatherings.

All accommodations feature indulgent goose down bedding, COMO Shambhala bath products, and intuitive in-room tablets for controlling lighting, temperature, and curtains. Bathrooms are equipped with the latest Japanese TOTO toilets, and the technology—high-speed Wi-Fi, large smart TVs—meets the needs of today’s luxury traveller. 

While the decor has retained much of its original character, soft furnishings have been refreshed for 2025, ensuring a modern ambiance that still appeals to loyal repeat guests—who make up an impressive 25% of bookings. This enduring appeal is a testament to the hotel’s unique blend of heritage and contemporary comfort. 

With an intimate scale of 41 accommodations, COMO The Halkin places its focus on tailored, anticipatory service rather than expansive facilities. The guest experience is defined by genuine warmth, professionalism, and remarkable attention to detail.

The 24-hour Concierge is a true highlight, renowned for securing coveted tables, arranging private shopping tours, and organising bespoke city experiences. Their expertise transforms every stay into a series of memorable moments.

Active guests will appreciate the naturally lit, state-of-the-art fitness studio, while wellness seekers enjoy complimentary access to COMO Shambhala Urban Escape at the nearby COMO Metropolitan London. Signature Asian-inspired therapies—ranging from Reiki to Thai massage and restorative facials—are delivered by highly trained practitioners.

London’s celebrated parks—Hyde Park, Green Park, and St. James’s Park—are close, offering endless opportunities for walking, running, or relaxation in lush surroundings. 

Unique COMO Rituals, such as energising ‘Green Clean’ juice in the afternoon or a soothing cacao drink with curated music in the evening, add thoughtful touches to each stay.

For recreation, guests have access to tennis courts at Belgrave Square (subject to availability) and can arrange guided bike tours of London—especially enjoyable on sunny summer days. For a creative outing, the Biscuiteers’ School of Icing at the Ministry of Biscuits in Belgravia offers delightful hands-on experiences for all ages.

COMO The Halkin radiates an intimate ambiance, with interiors inspired by the harmony of the five elements—earth, air, fire, water, and space—woven across five floors. This ethos delivers a sense of calm that stands in striking contrast to the city’s dynamic energy. 

The COMO brand is synonymous with understated luxury, and The Halkin exemplifies this through inviting furnishings, warm lighting, and natural materials. Pommele Sapele wood panelling adds depth and sophistication, while bespoke soft furnishings infuse a contemporary touch without compromising the hotel’s classic DNA. 

Nature-inspired motifs extend from guest rooms into public spaces, where a muted neoclassical palette and handcrafted finishes create a soothing, timeless environment. This thoughtful design serves as a calming counterpoint to the urban vibrancy outside.

While many original 1991 features—especially in bathrooms—remain, recent collaborations with acclaimed designer Linzi Coppick (whose portfolio includes COMO Metropolitan London and COMO Parrot Cay) have subtly refreshed corridors and rooms, ensuring a modern yet authentic COMO experience. 

The recently revamped Halkin Bar and welcoming lobby have become lively meeting points for both guests and locals. 

Start your day with a refined English breakfast or explore an all-day menu featuring global favourites: a classic Caesar Salad, COMO’s signature Club Sandwich, Indonesian Nasi Goreng, and Scottish Cod Fish & Chips. Evening cocktails are a highlight, with an emphasis on the hotel’s own Halkin Gin, produced in partnership with Devon Distillery, and paired with Mediterranean tonic. The Gin Flight—especially the raspberry infusion—comes highly recommended for connoisseurs.

The crown jewel of the hotel’s culinary offerings is the COMO Shambhala Afternoon Tea, an inventive, wellness-inspired journey that draws on the brand’s international portfolio. Guests are treated to a curated selection of sweet and savoury delicacies from destinations such as Bali, Singapore, Maldives, Bhutan, Australia, and England, celebrating COMO’s global footprint. Standouts include the “tuna tartare with avocado, radish, and Champagne dressing” (inspired by COMO Metropolitan Singapore) and the “Sphere of coconut textures” from COMO Cocoa Island Maldives. Each bite can be paired with a berry quencher or a glass of Champagne for a truly indulgent experience. 

Afternoon tea service includes a wide selection of teas, from classic Earl Grey to the COMO Shambhala Signature Ginger Tea. In-room dining remains a guest favourite, with healthy and comfort options available around the clock—perfect for unwinding in privacy with a film.

Looking ahead, the hotel is expected to introduce a new signature restaurant, promising to further elevate the dining scene in Belgravia. 

Environmental stewardship is woven into COMO The Halkin’s ethos. The hotel’s ongoing partnership with The Felix Project reflects its commitment to social responsibility, redistributing surplus food to London charities tackling hunger.

Operationally, COMO The Halkin prioritises local and seasonal sourcing to minimise food miles and support sustainable producers. The property also converts used cooking oil into biofuel, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to reducing its carbon footprint. These initiatives ensure that guests enjoy luxury experiences with a lighter ecological impact, setting a standard for responsible hospitality in London.

• Signature Afternoon Tea : Having experienced several COMO properties worldwide, I can confidently say that COMO The Halkin’s afternoon tea stands out. On a chilly, rainy London afternoon, I invited a close industry friend to enjoy this unique tea service. Over 75 minutes, we sampled imaginative bites inspired by COMO’s global destinations, swapping stories and savouring every moment. It’s every bit as iconic as afternoon tea at The Ritz, but with a distinctive wellness-driven twist.
• Exceptional Service: Legendary since 1991, the team at COMO The Halkin consistently anticipates guest needs, with a Concierge service that is second to none. This dedication to hospitality keeps loyal guests returning year after year—they truly feel at home here.
• Prime Belgravia Setting: Surrounded by London’s major luxury hotels, COMO The Halkin carves its own path with its serene setting, outstanding service, and signature afternoon tea. Its location offers effortless access to top dining, shopping, and attractions, yet the peacefulness of Halkin Street makes you forget you’re in the centre of London. Varun SharmaEditor-In-ChiefBusinessclass

• Belgravia’s Green Spaces: Hyde Park lies just moments away, offering expansive lawns and tranquil lakes. Whether you prefer a morning jog, a leisurely walk, or a boating excursion on the Serpentine, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. During summer, the Serpentine Lido offers a refreshing swim in the heart of London.
• Exclusive Neighbourhood: Belgravia is renowned for its grand architecture, leafy garden squares, and proximity to Buckingham Palace. This prestigious setting combines historical charm with modern luxury, boutique shops, and acclaimed restaurants.
• Gastronomy: COMO The Halkin has recently received a Michelin Key for its culinary distinction. The acclaimed Shambhala Afternoon Tea merges wellness with indulgence, while the hotel’s signature Halkin Gin, crafted with Devon Distillery, captures the spirit of Belgravia in every glass. Alain Martzolff Hotel ManagerCOMO The Halkin