The Hari Review: Central London Hotels
SW1; a highly sought-after postcode in one of the world’s most dynamic cities, and home to prestigious addresses such as Buckingham Palace, Sloane Square, and Belgravia. Well-heeled locals browse independent retail boutiques and refined interior stores and dine on rooftop terraces sipping champagne.
On a quiet corner, just a five minute walk away from the hustle and bustle, among sweeping crescents and stucco mansions sits The Hari London.
A new edition to the affluent quarter, The Hari London arrived in Belgravia in 2016 and is the Harilela Group’s first foray into luxury property under ‘The Hari’ brand in Belgravia.
The Harilela Group’s principal focus was to remodel the typical hotel experience from the mundane to the magnificent, to birth a design hotel that lives and breathes all things art and contemporary design with a twist.
Upon entry, a visual signature is apparent on each and every facet of the hotel; a large fireplace in an open loft-feel lobby, walls ornamented with striking art installations, bold Vespa-green lacquers and rich velvets combine with soft leathers and heritage fabrics in Il Pampero, the hotel’s restaurant.
The lounge lobby features a diverse library and a cosy hideaway area dubbed ‘The Snug’. On the mezzanine level is The Bar that leads to the stylish Garden Terrace and features a library of books that readers can borrow and are encouraged to donate to, illustrating the hotel’s passion and appetite for culture.
Focussing her lens on design, Tara Bernerd & Partners took the lead creative role for the full interior architecture and design of the 85 rooms including 14 luxury suites and The Penthouse plus the lounge lobby, bars and restaurant.
The master interior designer, who is known for strong layouts and layered materials, reintroduced sandblasted brick walls and grey oak flooring. An eclectic mix of contemporary and vintage furniture pieces give the hotel an intimate, home-from-home quality.
All rooms are bold and finished with palettes of natural grey tones and textures. Hues of aubergine on signature walls create a stylish yet warm atmosphere. Elegant marble bathrooms finished with smoked glass and brass-beaded curtains add a luxurious finishing touch.
The corner Studio King Suite is a favourite of ours in Belgravia, overlooking the lively street and well-heeled passers-by below.
475 square feet of luxury space features a soft king bed, tall bespoke bedroom mirrors by Tara Bernerd & Partners, a bathroom vestured in Arabescato Italian marble, a beautiful bay window bathtub, and views of Belgravia and London skylines. In-room media includes a handy pullout 46” flat-screen TV and thoughtful bedside USB charging ports.
The aesthetes among us will appreciate the artwork displays in each room by Tracey Emin, including her beautiful piece, ‘She Lay Down Deep Beneath The Sea’. Art adorns the rooms and public areas, the selection curated by Charlie Smedley of ‘A Space for Art’.
A thoughtful touch, visitors looking to explore London have access to complimentary bikes to cycle around the city. In fact, many aspects of the hotel lean toward thoughtfulness, inclusion and support.
Pieces of art, including chairs and tables, and the entrance staircase of Tuscany Honed Marble and bronze, come from all around the world: Turkey, Italy, Spain, England, Demark and Sweden to name a few.
Serious about their art efforts, The Hari will also play host to the forthcoming exhibition of artists Emmanuel Unaji and Matilde Merli whose 11 artworks were created during the artists’ residency at the hotel. The exhibition will be on display until 1 November 2021.
If you have a yen for artistic surroundings, clean-cut elegance and views of the chic Belgravian neighbourhood, The Hari London is the place for you.
Book your stay at The Hari London by visiting www.thehari.com
20 Chesham Place, Belgravia, London SW1X 8HQ
+44 0207 858 0100
* This review was written by one of our journalists who was invited to the hotel via a press invite. All opinions are honest and their own.