Inside COMO The Halkin, Belgravia’s Discreet Boutique Hotel

Set on a quiet residential street just off Hyde Park Corner, COMO The Halkin remains one of London’s most low-key luxury hotels. Opened in 1991 as the first property in the COMO Hotels and Resorts portfolio, it helped establish the idea of the contemporary boutique hotel in the capital. More than three decades on, its appeal lies in its discretion and easy location just moments away from Hyde Park and Knightsbridge.

Review: COMO The Halkin

STAY

COMO The Halkin has just 41 rooms and suites, which immediately sets an intimate tone. Interiors are pared back and elegant, combining Italian design with subtle Asian influences. Here, there’s warm wood panelling, carpeting and a subtle colour palette that comes together to create a serene backdrop, while rooms are notably generous by London standards. Bathrooms are a particular highlight, finished in marble and offering separate walk-in showers and deep bathtubs, compete with COMO bath salts for a relaxing soak in the tub. Technology is integrated, with intuitive controls for lighting and temperature, alongside high-speed connectivity that suits both business and leisure stays. Service is another highlight, which is considered, seamless and unobtrusive, and continuing the theme of the hotel, there’s an emphasis on privacy.

The hotel offers three named suite types: the Studio Suite, the Belgravia Suite and the COMO Suite, and these are set on the third and fourth floors. The Studio Suite and Belgravia Suite offer generous proportions by London standards, with flexible layouts and either garden or city views, providing a sense of space suited to longer stays. 

The COMO Suite is the hotel’s headline suite, and is the most generous in scale, with large conservatory-style windows running the length of the sitting room and allowing in ample natural light. Designed with extended stays in mind, it features a separate sitting area, a dining table and ample desk space. The marble bathroom includes a deep bathtub and a separate walk-in shower, reinforcing the calm, residential feel that outlines the suite experience at COMO The Halkin.

DO

Wellness sits at the centre of the hotel’s offering, and guests have access to the on-site gym, which benefits from natural daylight and is equipped for both cardiovascular and strength training. In-room yoga mats are provided, and COMO Shambhala therapies can be arranged privately within guest rooms. Guests here also have access to the spa at the COMO Metropolitan London hotel on Park Lane.  

Hyde Park is just a stone’s throw away, ideal for morning runs or mooches, while Knightsbridge, Mayfair and Sloane Street are all within walking distance, perfectly placed for Christmas shopping at Harvey Nichols. The concierge team is also on hand to assist with organising a day or night in the city from theatre tickets to exhibitions, restaurant reservations, and transport.

Alongside its focus on personal wellbeing, the hotel places increasing emphasis on sustainability. COMO The Halkin was awarded EarthCheck Silver certification in February 2025, recognising its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact while supporting the local community.

EAT

Dining at COMO The Halkin centres on The Halkin Bar, an all-day space just off the lobby that serves as the hotel’s informal meeting point. It is used throughout the day for coffee, light lunches and evening drinks, with menus that reflect the hotel’s broader focus on balance and wellbeing. Not forgetting the bar also serves a concise cocktail list, including a gin and tonic made with the hotel’s own Halkin Gin.

Afternoon tea is the standout offering, served daily from 2pm to 6pm, Afternoon Tea by COMO Shambhala offers a contemporary interpretation of the traditional format, drawing on the COMO Shambhala Kitchen philosophy and recipes from across the group’s global portfolio. Expect savoury dishes that range from chilled almond and green grape gazpacho to tuna tartare with avocado and a Japanese-inspired Champagne dressing. Sweet courses are light and include watermelon and pomegranate jelly with hibiscus sorbet, cacao mousse with raspberries and pistachios. The tea selection covers classic black, green and herbal blends, alongside the COMO Shambhala signature ginger tea and freshly pressed juices.

FINAL WORD

COMO The Halkin suits guests who value discretion, space and attentive service. Its Belgravia location places Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and Mayfair within easy reach, while the hotel itself maintains a composed atmosphere. With generous rooms, a focus on wellness and a considered approach to dining and drinking, it remains a dependable option for a well-located London stay.

BOOK IT

Rates start from £432 per night, including breakfast. comohotels.com