The Hari

Hotel review

Situated in a leafy residential street just off Sloane Street, The Hari is a contemporary property occupying a corner spot which offers the best of all worlds: easy access to the best shopping in London (and of course all its cultural attractions too) yet also a quiet little enclave overlooking a charming square, where the reassuring roar of a passing supercar will remind you that you’re in the heart of Belgravia. When you enter The Hari you can immediately tell that you’re in for something a little bit special in terms of style and design. The lobby/lounge area is furnished with deep low sofas and accompanying tables which are scattered with a fabulous selection of artsy tomes, with moody lighting and a beautiful wooden flooring. The design ethic is mirrored in the property’s rooms and suites. You’ll find the same gorgeous flooring adorned with assorted rugs (some cow hide), huge mirrors with cow-hide and stud frames, bespoke wooden furniture, leather and velvet seating. Art in The Hari is a real feature throughout. Rooms and public areas alike boast a stunning collection of carefully curated pieces (including the odd Tracy Emin or two) plus rotating installations and an artist of the month focus! But the luxury is not only in the design, the beds are, as you’d expect, super comfy and the linen top quality; but the icing on the cake has to be the staggeringly indulgent marble bathrooms, which all rooms enjoy whether you’ve booked a suite or opted for entry level (though the best come with deep soaking tubs set in a window recess so you can enjoy the view). Our advice is to book a room on as high a floor as possible (there are 8), that way you get the rooftop views too. Drinking and dining here continue the theme: trendy spaces, which deliver quality results. For drinkers there’s both the Hari Bar, a smart book-lined space just up a sweeping staircase from reception, where there is more mood lighting and deep low sofas to sink into with one of their signature cocktails, and the Garden Terrace for those who prefer things alfresco (though it also has a roof which can be pulled over on inclement days). Il Pampero Restaurant offers fabulous Italian fine dining in a truly trattoria style setting with an equally impressive list of Italian wines (and others too) to accompany your dishes. It’s not surprising that it’s popular not only with hotel guests but local Londoners too. The Hari is a great find; it’s a five star that seems to fly slightly under the radar. But that can only be a good thing in my book, it makes it feel more personal and the staff certainly back this up. They are helpful, efficient and clearly know what they’re doing. So if you’re looking for a discreet stay with a grown-up design-led feel that’s close to many city highlights, you’d be hard pushed to find somewhere better.

Sarah Empson Review published: 2024-12-03