A library, lounges and quiet luxury in the heart of Belgravia.
The Hari Hotel has mastered the art of making you feel at home in the heart of the city. Central London is a hectic hotspot, especially on the shiny streets of Knightsbridge. When you enter this five-star hotel, however, it feels like you’re a local Londoner and part of the neighbourhood. Welcome home – and welcome to a discreet, distinctive and #verydemure hotel.
When it comes to Knightsbridge, there are the heavyweight hotels, from Jumeirah Carlton Tower to Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. Sure, it’s steps away from Harrods and Hyde Park. What sets The Hari Hotel apart is that it oozes a quiet luxury. Money talks and wealth whispers, after all – and here, you should lean in and listen.
In 2016, The Hari Hotel opened on Chesham Place, Belgravia. In 2021, The Hari Hong Kong opened on Lockhart Road, Wan Chai. The Harilela Group is behind the hotels, and they own 15 properties around the world. Small but mighty, The Hari Hotel has combined a local touch with an international perspective.
When we checked in The Hari Hotel, the concierge felt like an old friend. He had a marvellous memory and recognised me from five years ago. The staff greeted me with smiles, and everything was ready for an early check in. Tara Bernerd & Partners have created the interior design, which was warm and welcoming. The lobby looked like a living room – albeit a sophisticated and stylish one – as it was decked out with soft sofas, lamps and a changing art exhibition.
Rooms and suites
The Hari Hotel is home to 85 rooms, which include 14 suites and The Penthouse. We checked into The Studio King Suite, which was a serene spot in the centre of the capital. Spanning 475 square feet, it overlooked the heartland of embassies, and we could see the Egyptian Consulate outside of the window.
The room boasted an effortless elegance, from the king size bed with soft sheets to fresh flowers. There was a sparkle of stardom, thanks to the framed photograph of the actress, Julienne Moore. The layout maximised every millimetre, with the sofa and desk in the alcoves by the window.
Most desks in hotel rooms face walls. The desk was something special, and the best desk we’ve experienced in a hotel room. The wide window overlooked a pretty park, and it made working easy as well as enjoyable. Make sure you indulge in the magnificent marble bathroom with a rainforest shower and bathtub with a view. And, if you need your room cleaned, hang the sketch of Mary Poppins, who was created by the Belgravia residence PL Travers, on the door.
Restaurants and bars
The Hari Hotel is home to an all-day Italian restaurant, Il Pampero. The venue has a vespa outside, but black and white photos of London inside. At breakfast, we dug into the pretty pastries and fresh fruit and the Full English, which had our full attention. At dinner, the signature dish is the Cacio e Pepe, and the Tiramisu is served tableside. Throughout the day, we spotted tourists as well as business meetings.
The mezzanine offers some sleek, secretive spot for those in-the-know. The Bar is great for coffees, drinks and reading – it feels like a luxurious library, as there are books on the shelves. The Garden Terrace is an alfresco terrace with a retractable roof and heaters, and it was popular with the Middle Eastern market on our visit.
Facilities
The Hari Hotel includes a 24-hour, state-of-the-art health and fitness centre. While there is no spa, it has curated relationships with local salons, which offer preferential rates to guests. And, there are curated and charming I-live-here experiences – a ride on a free bike, anyone?
Verdict
Knightsbridge can be over-the-top with supercars and the superrich. The Hari Hotel is tastefully trendy. It’s rare to return to the same hotel. When I’m next in the area, I’ll head back to the bar – and I’m sure, like a local, they’ll make me feel at home.
GO: Visit www.thehari.com for more information.