The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel

The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel located on stylish Sloane Street in the heart of Chelsea is an indulgent city escape.

The world’s leading luxury group, Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH), acquired Belmond in April of 2019 and the brand is synonymous with history, heritage, and timeless experiences. Belmond did a fabulous job weaving together the past and present of London’s best into 54 well-appointed rooms and opulent suites overlooking Cadogan Place Gardens. Belmond is the ultimate travel curator and connoisseur and recently spent four years and nearly $50 million renovating the hotel to its current glory. It certainly dazzles and delights its stylish and sophisticated guests!

The Cadogan is located at the beating heart of London and you won’t have a hard time finding things to do. Satisfy your craving for a little retail therapy or broaden your horizons at the many nearby museums. That said, considering the hotel is an oasis of calm and class in this charming city, you wouldn’t be faulted for staying onsite all day long.

The hotel is also rich in intrigue and for some time, it’s been known as a playground for socialites and bohemians like Oscar Wilde. Room 118 was once Oscar Wilde’s room and it was even the site of his arrest in 1895 – if only the walls could speak! Today, room 118 is now part of the Royal Suite.

Wake up chic in The Royal Suite – it’s both the largest space in the hotel and the one with the most dramatic past. Inside the suite, lounge in luxury with its immaculate living room and dining space, personal balcony, dedicated butler service and fireplace. To top it off, you can take in views of Cadogan Place Gardens from the deep soaking bathtub.

If you’re seeking a room with sweeping city views, consider the Penthouse Suite where you can experience top-floor living. With its private dining room, sitting room and terrace, it’s perfect for entertaining. One can relax by the fireplace or luxuriate in the marble bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower.

If you need some fresh air, step outside and soak up enchanting views of London from the balcony. If you need some more space, you can also connect to a Superior Room to create a stunning two-bedroom residence.

As part of the 93-acre Cadogan Estate, the luxury hotel also offers guests access to private Cadogan Place Gardens and tennis courts, which are typically reserved for local residents. After an afternoon in the bustle of London, the serene private gardens are a breath of fresh air. Enjoy a picnic in the garden with beautifully presented bites and picnic essentials prepared by Chef Patron, Adam Handling. It’s easy to spend a few lazy hours lying on the grass, indulging in fine cuisine and sipping on Adam Handling’s own label of English sparkling wine from West Sussex.

If you don’t feel like having tea in the garden, there’s a range of other locations to enjoy a cuppa. Take tea in the beautifully restored Lounge graced by jewel-like stained glass windows or in the comfort of your own room. The hotel will be happy to arrange tea time for you wherever you may like.

When it comes to food, I started my day by heading downstairs for a full English breakfast at Adam Handling’s restaurant. For lunch, dine al fresco on the outside terrace and enjoy an assortment of perfectly presented dishes. In the evening, enjoy a classic British cocktail (or two) coupled with an unforgettable dinner. Regardless of the meal, the stage is set for a culinary journey at Adam Handling’s. It’s a destination dining experience that showcases this celebrated British Chef’s commitment to local produce, sustainability and zero waste.

Chelsea has long been a trendsetter, a place where young bohemians, mavericks and eccentrics feel at home. Considering the crowd and the scene, The Cadogan feels like the perfect headquarters for London’s trailblazers and avant-garde set. The staff are also impeccably dressed and add a certain flair to the ambiance.

My time at The Cadogan felt somewhere between a movie and a picture of life at its best in arguably the world’s greatest city. I look forward to further exploring the world of Belmond as it offers discerning global travelers unforgettable journeys to unrivaled locations. Perhaps next time I’m in the UK, I’ll visit Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire or go on a journey with the Royal Scotsman, A Belmond Train.