Written by Menswear Style in Travel on the 28th January 2015

With a staff uniform designed by Giorgio Armani, this 5 star luxury hotel was certainly one we were looking forward to reviewing. Located in Belgravia, The Halkin with just 41 rooms and suites is within walking distance of Hyde Park, Knightsbridge, Sloane Street and Piccadilly. When The Halkin by COMO first opened in 1991, its aim was to offer uncompromising standards of service and style.

Since then the hotel has become the benchmark for contemporary hotels around the world. Conceived, created and owned by Christina Ong, today The Halkin is internationally regarded as London’s most elegant, exclusive and discreet hotel.

Here, modern inspired design and technology combine with faultless service and fabulous dining. The concept at the heart of the hotel’s design was the ‘Expansion of Space’, a sensation that can be experienced throughout The Halkin. Above the light and airy lobby soars an atrium ceiling decorated with a mural ‘skyscape’, created by the Italian painter Valentino Vago. The lobby is open-plan in design and flows seamlessly into the hotel’s bar on the left and reception on the right.

The Room 

Our Deluxe room was very design led with neutral colours and a combination of Asian and Italian minimal design at the heart by interior designer Laboratorio Associati. The entrance door is hidden, almost secret, and this theme continues inside with the wardrobe space doubling as a wall. 

A standout feature was certainly the bathroom area which included a large bath tub, COMO Shambhala bathroom amenities and walk in shower all fully made from a luxurious marble. These quiet, open-plan corner rooms include a comfortable sitting area, sofa and king-sized bed, and are decorated in pale cream colours and warm Pomelé Sapele veneers.

Situated on each side of the beds are state-of-the-art touch-screen consoles. These enable guests to adjust their room’s lighting and temperature, set the alarm clock, see world times, and activate the ‘do not disturb’ sign (activating this also mutes the doorbell). In addition, the consoles allow access to numerous guest services and facilities such as alarm calls, world time information, requesting room service, or calling the butler – they also dim the lights.

Ametsa with Arzak Instruction Restaurant 

Michelin star restaurant food is both art and a culinary experience, and the Ametsa restaurant had the perfect level of engaging service and ambiance set within a room that boasts a roof designed from 7,000 clear tubes filled with cooking spices from around the world. We opted for the taster menu with the choice of not knowing what each dish was until it arrived. This gave us both a nice surprise and the chance to have the dish swiftly explained along with the wine pairing. 

The Instruction is from Michelin-starred chefs Elena and Juan Mari Arzak who deliver the philosophies of the family’s unique cooking style. The Arzak approach is rooted in the traditions of ‘New Basque Cuisine’, pairing the earthy flavours and techniques of Spain’s Basque region with modern, surprising twists.

We experience the Michelin star Ametsa Restaurant and stop over at The Halkin by COMO in London for a Review.