The Hari in Belgravia is one of those hotels that feels really special from the moment you set foot inside the building. This boutique hideaway, set in one of London’s most prestigious postcodes, is perfectly located for exploring the city (it’s about a ten-minute walk from Knightsbridge Tube Station and all of the upmarket shops and cultural attractions located close by) and whether you’re staying for business or pleasure, it promises to envelop you into a world of luxury from the moment you arrive.
A member of the esteemed PoB Hotels – a collection of over 50 unique, hand-picked luxury hotels across eight different regions of the UK – you know you’re in for a treat before you’ve even checked in. Not just any hotel makes the PoB list, and from castles brimming with northern charm to southern seafront lodges, The Hari is in good company, offering unrivalled charm and sophistication in one of London’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.
Inspired by the family values and an appreciation for next-level hospitality held by owner Dr Aron Harilela, The Hari aims to bring a relaxed elegance to the modern hotel stay whilst also incorporating a wealth of cultural influences into each of its locations to offer a unique, inspiring, and multi-layered experience – and it certainly does it well.
The brand belongs to the Harilela Group, which was established in 1959 and is still wholly owned by the Harilela family, as well as being the parent company of Harilela Hotels, which owns 15 properties across the globe in total.
Hotel
The hotel’s exterior impresses from the get-go with plants that climb high up the front windows, giving the effect of a vibrant living wall or even a greenhouse. Inside, the walls are adorned with an impressive collection of quirky and unique artwork that is rotated regularly to keep things fresh and interesting – so no matter how many times you’ve stayed, there will always be something new to see. An edgy and impactful collection including works by Tracey Emin can be admired in the rooms and public areas, and the hotel also offers a library of books which guests can borrow and are encouraged to donate to, which contribute to the hotel’s passion for culture.
The first hotel to open under The Hari brand (it now also has a sister property in Hong Kong), it offers real comfort and understated elegance. Think laid-back luxury, and a more boutique approach to it than you might find at some of the capital’s larger hotels – but certainly no less opulent. It exudes a really individual sense of character and personality that, in turn, reflects the rather unique personality of the hotel’s owner, Dr Harilela.
Green touches throughout allude to the hotel’s close proximity to the Royal Parks, with Hyde Park in particular just a short walk away.
Service is at the heart of the hotel. Staff are very attentive but not over the top, responding to requests immediately and expertly, and there’s an emphasis on personalisation, with a real effort to accommodate any particular preferences that you might have during your stay.
Under the direction of the newly appointed general manager, Francesco Sardelli, who took up the role in March and brings over 30 years of industry experience to the role, the hotel packs a real punch from the word go with its non pretentious and more personal approach to luxury.
Rooms and suites
The hotel is home to 85 rooms and 14 luxury suites, and in October ’22 unveiled the results of a large renovation project. Led by Hospitality Designs Designer of the Year for 2023 Tara Bernerd, who originally designed the Hari, the rooms have all had a refresh in every aspect of design, including furniture, fabrics and flooring, and the results are evidence that it was money well spent.
As a hotel that is committed to sustainability, the idea was to reimagine rather than replace. Wide-planked wood floors have been lightened, with new bespoke designed rugs set beneath the beds in tones of cream and navy or rich chocolate brown, depending on the room type you’re staying in. Bed frames are now finished in a dark ivory leather, complementing the newly upholstered headboards finished in either a dark racing green, or rich caramel corduroy, while the bespoke side tables, cantilevered from the headboard, are in a mid-toned wood, with a pale, lightly-veined marble top. The iconic Tara Bernerd mirrors above the bed have been retained.
I stayed in a studio king suite, which is centred around a large and extremely comfortable king-size bed. There was a cute bay window seat (newly recovered in honey-caramel velvet) where you can enjoy a drink or a snack from the complimentary mini bar whilst taking in views of the city. If we’re talking about vistas though, then these are best enjoyed from the impressive bathtub – so head into the bathroom and run yourself a long, hot, bubbly soak to get the most out of them, glass of champagne optional. In here, there’s also a spacious rainfall shower, with marble everything, which all adds to the rather opulent look and feel of the space.
Like the rest of the hotel, the room exemplifies plenty of character with jewel-toned pops of colour in the form of velvet scatter cushions and a green felt armchair brightening up an otherwise understated colour palette and adding a nice element of texture. There’s more of that quirky artwork on the walls, too, adding a real injection of personality. From impactful photography to simplistic pencil drawings, expect an eclectic collection of pieces that will make you think and get you talking.
Food and drink
Owner Dr Harilela is a big fan of Italian food, and has made it his mission to offer the very best Italian restaurant in London. It’s no small feat, but il Pampero certainly delivers, and it’s all down to the perfect combination of show-stopping cuisine and culinary expertise – along with the most elegant and inviting of settings.
In September 2023, The Hari announced the appointment of Angelo Albera as executive chef – and drawing upon his impressive career, which has included over 30 years of training in fine dining restaurants and hotels around the UK, Switzerland and the UAE – he now leads the team through his curation of Italian classics with a modern twist.
Having joined from his previous role as head chef at La Cucina Restaurant, Fairmont St. Andrews, his menus at il Pampero feature an array of mouth-watering and original dishes including the smoked swordfish, Gragnano spaghetti with chickpeas, octopus and tomato, as well as takes on the classics, such as the ever-indulgent indulgent tiramisu (which arrives to be served from a rather fun trolley).
Other menu highlights include the dishes such as artichoke tortelloni with pecorino fondue, crispy Jerusalem artichoke and fresh pesto; and the Parma ham wrapped monkfish featuring a saffron and mussel ‘guazzetto’ and cannellini bean cream – all indulgent choices that are as sophisticated in presentation as they are decadent in taste, texture and all-round impact. And of course, there’s an expert sommelier on hand to make sure each dish is flawlessly paired to enhance the dining experience even further.
The Hari Bar is intimate yet glamorous, making it the ideal environment for business meetings, light lunches, or to simply sit back, relax and unwind with a cocktail after a busy day in London. Then, there’s the Garden Terrace – the hotel’s intimate and very attractive outdoor terrace. This interior courtyard bar has the secluded feel of an urban retreat (although the plants here are artificial), and offers a welcome oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city that’s the perfect place to relax over a drink.
To do
The hotel also boasts a small but perfectly formed gym, with the standout feature a Peloton bike – so if you’re looking to let off some steam or keep up your fitness regime whilst you’re here, then you’re in luck. Personal training sessions can be organised at reception, and there is also a fleet of bicycles available for guests to borrow free of charge – so if you like the idea of a more sustainable way to explore the city or are keen to avoid the tubes and traffic, then they’re just the ticket.
Just a short walk away, you can explore Knightsbridge’s raft of upmarket designer boutiques, take a stroll in Kensington Park, or venture further into Central London to see the city’s many iconic sights and maybe catch a West End Show.
In a nutshell
For a London hotel that offers relaxed elegance and unrivalled hospitality, boutique style, head to The Hari in Belgravia, where a great location, original vibe and attentive, personalised service are guaranteed.
Factbox
Double rooms from £366 in low season; and from £648 in high. Breakfast dishes from £10. Free Wi-Fi.
Address: 20 Chesham Pl, London SW1X 8HQ
Phone: 020 7858 0100
Website: thehari.com
All imagery credit: The Hari
