Review of The Halkin, by Jenny Pidgeon

Behind the Georgian façade of this oh-so-very Belgravia 5-storey building, lies what was the first contemporary design hotel in London. Others in the capital have now taken minimalism and cutting-edge interiors to new levels, but The Halkin Hotel, opened in 1991, retains its stylish appeal and attracts many repeat clients, both business and leisure. The location of The Halkin, close to Hyde Park Corner, is great for those lusting after the shops of Mayfair and Knightsbridge but appreciating the quiet of Belgravia. Equally popular, then, with leisure, business and design-minded guests, this luxury hotel serves all with quiet grace.

The Halkin is an intimate design hotel, but the Milan-conceived design concept 'Expansion of Space' works well to create a feeling of openness throughout. The lobby and its mirror-image bar opposite are separated by a whimsical white waft of a curtain, which takes the edge off the clean lines and predominantly beige/black/cream colour scheme. The bar at this luxury hotel is narrow and light-filled rather than cosy, but it is buzzing in the early-evening with pre-dinner drinkers on their way to Nahm, The Halkin's Michelin-starred Thai restaurant (the first in the world).

Breakfast is served down in Nahm, miraculously free of the wonderful Thai fragrances wafting out the previous evening. The soft golden walls and rattan furniture are pleasing on the early-morning eye, as is the varied breakfast menu, and the food is very good. The restaurant staff are young and professional, as is the Armani-clad staff who welcome you at the reception desk. There is a state-of-the-art gym that has just been installed, too.

Upstairs, the 41 rooms on each of the five guest room floors showcases a different element: water, air, fire, earth and sky. The differences are so subtle that they probably go unnoticed by many guests, and the over-riding impression of the upper levels must be the startlingly black, corrugated-wood panelled corridors which curve dramatically away from the lift. At first they appear impenetrable, but hidden along their length are doors which lead to your state-of-the-art bedroom. Spacious, uncluttered, they are dressed in neutral tones of stone, beige, cream and slate, warmed with smooth expanses of polished wood.

Fresh flowers and textured walls are amongst details which ensure the sophisticated, modern design is not unforgiving but rather comfortable and calm at this luxury hotel. There are no views to speak of, but the eye is sufficiently stimulated internally and no views also mean welcome quiet. Romantics should go for rooms on the 5th floor, which have interesting sloping ceilings and for those watching the pennies, note that a Deluxe Double is basically a Studio Suite without a dressing area.

Thanks to the bedside control panel at the Halkin Hotel, you don't have to get up at all if you prefer not to - temperature, lighting, curtains, room service - it's all within easy reach of your pillow. You can even check world times, just in case you wake up at 3 a.m. with a burning desire to know the hour in Guatemala. Multiple phone and fax lines, modem and complimentary mobile phone hire further assist the business traveller. The bathrooms - marble everywhere - are fairly large and feature anti-mist mirrors and possibly the best shower this writer has ever experienced.