Review of The Hari - London

For discerning travelers seeking an authentic boutique hotel experience in London, The Hari London is a standout. Nestled in elite Belgravia, this independent, family-operated property exemplifies contemporary comfort, heartfelt hospitality, and refined design. The rooms are generously sized, with inviting furnishings and a curated art collection that rivals many local galleries. From our suite on a high floor, panoramic city vistas—especially after dark—were unforgettable. 

The Hari features 85 thoughtfully designed rooms, including 14 luxurious suites, spread across 12 floors from the lower ground up.

Dining is a highlight: il Pampero serves genuine Italian cuisine all day, from breakfast to dinner, in an intimate setting. The Hari Bar draws both in-house guests and Belgravia locals, known for its signature cocktails and lively “Haritinis.” In warmer months, the Garden Terrace is a coveted alfresco spot—perfect for a leisurely meal, a hand-crafted whisky, or a premium cigar. 

Guests have access to a compact but state-of-the-art gym, open around the clock, and can enjoy exclusive rates at a nearby wellness clinic for spa services. 

The hotel’s atmosphere is crucial to its appeal. A recent soft renovation by renowned designer Tara Bernerd has elevated guestroom comfort and style, making The Hari a top choice for those who appreciate both elegance and a sense of home. 

Despite its cosmopolitan flair reminiscent of a chic Manhattan loft, The Hari is welcoming to families, guests with accessibility needs, and pets—ensuring every visitor feels at home. 

The Hari is part of the esteemed Harilela Group, with sister properties in London and Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district.

The Hari occupies a prestigious corner at Chesham Place and Pont Street in Belgravia, arguably one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods. Surrounded by embassies, luxury residences, and some of the capital’s most iconic retail streets, the hotel sits at the epicentre of affluence and culture.

A hotel has graced 20 Chesham Place since 1972, ensuring a rich tradition of hospitality on this illustrious street. 

Guests can borrow complimentary bicycles (with helmets) to explore, but the city’s legendary shopping—Knightsbridge, Sloane Street, Sloane Square, and Chelsea—is all within easy walking distance. Harrods is less than 10 minutes away by foot, and London’s world-class museums in Kensington are just a stroll beyond.

The lush expanse of Hyde Park is nearby, as is the vibrant King's Road, making outdoor escapes effortless.

Transport connections are excellent: both Hyde Park Corner and Knightsbridge Underground stations are a short walk, providing seamless access to the city’s major attractions. 

There’s something magical about starting your day at The Hari—grabbing a takeaway coffee from the lobby and wandering through immaculate, picturesque streets that reflect the best of London’s grandeur.

The Hari offers an intimate collection of 85 rooms, including 14 suites, with five accessible options for guests with special requirements.

Most accommodations are welcoming to both children and pets, complete with plush beds and curated treats for each.

Three features immediately set the guest rooms apart: 1) bespoke welcome amenities, 2) a complimentary, eco-conscious minibar, and 3) high-end bathroom products.

• Returning guests enjoy personalized touches, with the team remembering preferences or thoughtfully inquiring ahead of arrival. We were greeted with a custom amenity—whisky and cake.
• The minibar is included in the rate and brimming with organic, sustainable snacks and beverages, reflecting the hotel’s green ethos.
• IIUVO bath products—delivered in generous, refillable dispensers—are both stylish and refreshingly aromatic, enhancing the in-room spa experience.

Since joining the Harilela Group in 2010, The Hari has undergone a transformative renovation under the creative vision of Tara Bernerd & Partners. The most recent soft refresh has further enhanced the interiors, introducing lighter wood flooring, elegant ivory leather bed frames, plush velvet banquettes in warm tones, and new marble-topped tables. The effect is one of understated sophistication, with layered textures and soothing palettes throughout. 

Room categories range from Twin Premiums to the expansive Library Suite and the crowning Hari Suite—the primary difference being their generous scale and bespoke detailing.

Beds are supremely comfortable, with premium linens, tactile throws, intuitive lighting, abundant storage, artisan coffee machines, and a curated selection of contemporary art—some with a playful edge. Every element feels intentional, modern, and welcoming. 

Bathrooms showcase Arabescato marble, AXOR fixtures, oversized mirrors, walk-in rain showers, deep soaking tubs, and eco-friendly amenities. Upper-level rooms offer sweeping views over South London, including landmarks such as The Shard and the London Eye. The night skyline, scattered with city lights, is mesmerizing.

If you’re fortunate to secure a suite with a tub overlooking the city, we recommend indulging in a soak both day and night—an experience fit for royalty.

Complimentary Minibar Features:

• Two Farmers crisps in compostable packaging
• Organic, Fairtrade Seed & Bean chocolate
• Awfully Posh peanuts in biodegradable containers
• 100% organic Gusto Organic drinks (UK’s top-rated ethical soft drink brand)
• Plastic-free, recyclable Mallow Tree sweets
• Belu sustainable bottled water
• CRU Kafe organic coffee (Nespresso-compatible)
• JING Tea organic tea selection
• Coca-Cola

As an intimate property with fewer than 100 rooms, The Hari delivers a highly personalised service experience, though facilities are more boutique than resort-scale.

The 24-hour fitness studio is immaculately maintained, featuring free weights, advanced cardio equipment, and a Peloton bike for immersive virtual rides. For those who prefer real-world adventure, complimentary bicycles are available—just ask the Concierge for a helmet and city map, and you’re off! 

Active guests can request curated running routes from the Concierge, with Hyde Park, St James’s, and Green Park all within easy reach. 

Should you wish to elevate your workout, the team can arrange a personal trainer session with top local professionals. 

While The Hari does not have an on-site spa, pool, or salon, guests enjoy exclusive access and preferred rates at nearby beauty destinations including Errol Douglas for hair and Teresa Tarmey for advanced facials. 

The dedicated Concierge and Front Desk teams are adept at crafting bespoke itineraries, from private shopping to exclusive cultural tours. 

For meetings and events, The Muse on the first floor accommodates up to 24 guests and can be transformed into an elegant private dining space by night. 

One of our favourite features is the hotel’s library—a tranquil haven brimming with an eclectic book collection, where guests are encouraged to both read and contribute their own favourites.

Originally a classic white stucco Belgravia mansion, 20 Chesham Place was transformed into a hotel in the 1970s. After a period of decline, the building was revitalised by the visionary Harilela family, with acclaimed designer Tara Bernerd orchestrating a complete aesthetic overhaul. Bernerd’s global portfolio includes projects for Thompson, Four Seasons, Rosewood, and Belmond, and her touch at The Hari is unmistakable—combining modern glamour with inviting warmth.

The property’s dated façade and interiors have been replaced with sleek glass, atmospheric lighting, and a sophisticated entrance. Inside, guests encounter a chic yet comfortable space—plush seating, vibrant art, exposed brickwork, and a palpable sense of soul and hospitality. 

The Hari’s annual Art Prize has become a respected platform for emerging British artists, awarding £10,000 to the winner and supporting promising talent from local art colleges. The hotel’s art collection features both established names, such as Tracey Emin and Mario Testino, and rising stars, ensuring visual intrigue throughout the property.

Whether you’re a design enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful spaces, The Hari’s creative energy and attention to detail set it apart in London’s luxury hotel scene.

London’s dynamic dining scene is mirrored at The Hari, where il Pampero has earned a loyal following for its authentic Italian fare and inviting ambiance. Unlike many city restaurants that compromise on either décor or cuisine, il Pampero excels at both.

Head Chef Angelo Albera, hailing from Casale Monferrato, brings true Italian heritage to the menu. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a popular weekend brunch, all served in a space designed by Tara Bernerd to balance Belgravia sophistication with Italian warmth. 

Breakfast options range from a classic Full English to flaky pastries and vibrant smoothies. For those seeking a celebratory start, a traditional Bellini is a must.

The lunch and brunch menus showcase Italian staples: creamy burrata, Parma ham, artisan pizzas, branzino, and handmade pastas, all capped with indulgent gelato or a creative cocktail.

Dinner is a highlight, with Chef Albera’s comforting, soulful Italian dishes. The tableside tiramisù, a signature creation, is a theatrical and delicious finish that rivals any in London.

il Pampero’s setting is both stylish and approachable, with playful artwork adding to the restaurant’s charm.

The Hari Bar is renowned for its discreet, convivial atmosphere, offering a broad selection of wines (with a focus on Italian labels) and innovative cocktails. The “Haritini,” crafted with The Hari’s house gin, is a guest favourite, alongside an artistic menu of signature drinks. For a twist, try the Studio 54—a bold take on the Bloody Mary that pays homage to Andy Warhol.

The Garden Terrace is a hidden gem, featuring lush living walls, a retractable glass roof, and outdoor heaters for year-round comfort. Just steps from the bar, it’s an idyllic setting for leisurely lunches, extended cocktail gatherings, or an after-dinner cigar and whisky. The onsite cigar sommelier and humidor elevate the experience for aficionados.

The Hari London is dedicated to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, striving to offer guests a stay that is both luxurious and sustainable.

The hotel holds EarthCheck Certified Silver Accreditation, reflecting rigorous, independently verified sustainability standards in the hospitality sector. As a member of the NOW Force for Good Alliance, The Hari collaborates with leading eco-conscious hotels worldwide to ensure transparency and accountability in its green initiatives.

Led by Sustainability Executive Angela Montebello, the hotel’s eco-programmes include sourcing organic, high-quality amenities (like IIUVO bath products), and stocking minibars with guilt-free snacks from brands such as Seed & Bean, Two Farmers, and Gusto Organic.

The Hari partners with local charities, including The Children’s Trust, through regular visits, donations of clothing, books, and toys, and creative engagement with young patients. The hotel also supports the Born Free Foundation, sponsoring wildlife adoption packs for children and integrating conservation education into the guest experience.

All rooms feature Belu water, a brand that reinvests profits in carbon reduction and water access projects worldwide.

Evening turndown gifts are thoughtfully curated: Fairtrade Chocolate and Love bars, cruelty-free Aromatherapy Associates body oil, Himalayan bath salts from Corrine Taylor, vegan candelilla wax lip balm by Nathalie Bond, and Faye Co Papier affirmation cards for restful sleep and wellbeing. The minibar is stocked with snacks from responsible brands including Gusto Organic, Two Farmers, and Seed & Bean.

Bathrooms are stocked with Ada Cosmetics, chosen for their ethical sourcing and sustainable production practices, and Bumboo’s 100% bamboo, plastic-free tissues.

Staff benefit from a green commuting scheme, with subsidies for bicycles and safety equipment—promoting cleaner air, less congestion, and a vibrant urban environment.

• Architecture & Design – Having seen 20 Chesham Place’s transformation firsthand, I can attest to the remarkable vision behind The Hari. The Harilela Family has reimagined a once-neglected structure into a harmonious blend of art, comfort, and style. Every detail—from the placement of a mirror to the hue of a throw—has been meticulously curated for both beauty and functionality. The result is a true design destination that never sacrifices comfort.
• Sense of Home – Unlike most hotels where keycards grant anonymous access, The Hari maintains a warm, personal atmosphere. Each guest passes the attentive Front Desk and Concierge, who greet you by name and ensure a sense of belonging and security. The complimentary minibar is filled with premium snacks and drinks, echoing the comforts of home and prioritising guest satisfaction above all else.
• Unrivalled Location – Belgravia remains my top London neighbourhood for its stately architecture, cosmopolitan spirit, heritage buildings, luxury boutiques, charming cafés, manicured squares, and cheerful canine companions. The Hari is at the heart of it all.Varun SharmaEditor in ChiefBusinessclass 

• Arrival Experience – One of the most memorable aspects of The Hari is the sense of understated luxury that envelops you the moment you step inside. The ambiance is both sophisticated and welcoming, reflected in every design choice.
• Exceptional Staff – Our passionate team delivers truly bespoke service. Every guest is treated as an individual, whether that means a warm greeting by name, a favourite drink upon arrival, or a personalised amenity. The feeling of being genuinely cared for is what guests remember most.
• Distinctive Identity – What truly distinguishes The Hari is its singular blend of name, character, and service philosophy. There is simply no other hotel in London quite like it.Francesco SardelliGeneral ManagerThe Hari