The Hari Hotel has arrived in Belgravia and it is wonderful. This stylish new accommodation option is the perfect place to rest your head after a long day of shopping on Sloane Avenue, or to pop into for aperitivo in the Italian eatery, Il Pampero.
The hotel is found on the corner of Chesham Place, a short walk from Hyde Park Corner, Victoria and Sloane Square tube stations, but tucked away from the noise and tourism of these popular areas. It was previously the Thompson Hotel before a recent renovation transformed it into the sophisticated Hari Hotel, named after the owner’s father. Inside, the building has a welcoming warmth and lovely feeling of luxury, with lavish velvet sofas and plenty of intriguing artwork adorning the walls.
I was very at home in the Studio Suite, a cosy but spacious room with enviable views over the townhouses of Belgravia. The decor is simple and chic with a hint of eccentricity… I loved creative touches like the animal-skin rug and the sheer curtains concealing extra sections of the room. The huge bed was blissfully comfortable, and the small writing desk was a pleasant place to work. Thoughtful amenities like a Nespresso machine and inspiring book collection give guests little reason to leave the room.
Our bathroom had serious wow-factor, with floor to ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the streets below. The glamorous bathroom was clad in white marble with a powerful walk in shower and stocked with pear-scented toiletries from Noble Isle.
The resident restaurant, Il Pampero, is definitely not an afterthought with a menu of classic Italian dishes and drinks. After a round of immaculately-made cocktails we picked a couple of the pasta recipes on offer (both recommended by the waiter). Pappardelle All’Astice was plated in a majestic style, wonderful homemade strands of pasta with chunks of soft and creamy native lobster and sweet cherry tomatoes. Priced at £32 a plate, it seemed a little on the expensive side even if the ingredients were luxurious. I tried the rather more simple, but utterly delicious, Tagliolini Cacio E Pepe, homemade tagliolini with creamy cream and black pepper, mixed in a pecorino wheel at the table.
There were plenty of other tempting choices on the menu, but thanks to the generous pasta portion sizes we were too full to eat anything else, aside from a dessert to share, of course! The Il Pampero Tiramisu promised to be special, and it was certainly a unique take on the famous pudding. Layers of thick cream and sponge were covered in strong espresso, an intense but tasty take on the classic tiramisu.
The next morning, our breakfast was a delight, with an array of treats served in the room. Don’t miss the ‘Hari Specials’… dishes like Nutella stuffed french toast with caramelised banana will put a smile on your face and get you through the morning. I also loved the tropical fruit salad which looked pretty enough to be on a Michelin-starred menu.
The Hari Hotel is an asset to the area, offering stylish visitors a beautiful place to stay, with delicious food and faultless service.
More information and book a room at The Hari Hotel here.