Oscar Wilde once said, “I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.” Well, he’d certainly feel at home at the reimagining of his once London hang-out, today the super-chic Chelsea bolthole, the Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel.
The Cadogan has been a long time coming. Before opening, the experiential travel brand had been talking it up for almost half a decade and now it’s finally open, it’s easy to understand that its opening was rather an emotional one for Belmond, as they braced themselves to see if folk thought it lived up to the hype.
Belmond brings its brand signature of understated luxury to this prestigious Chelsea address with classic, embellished touches throughout. We loved the sparkly white mosaic floors and ‘period’ features in the common areas – oak bars, lead mirrors, chandeliers and an imposing, albeit freshly lathed wooden stairwell – serving up some old-world charm. The homage to the past is evident in the detailing too: entomological displays, bronze book claddings and custom-made teacups and pots; that come complete with hand-knitted tea cosies, allegedly made by once exec chef, Adam Handling’s mother.
But contemporary travellers need not worry, the Cadogan also has some fabulous modern touches – most notable in its commissioned artwork, adding splashes of colour and vibrance throughout the hotel (and even some ‘bling’ we might add: look out for the crystal-encrusted peacock, aptly named ‘Oscar’) – offsetting the earthy, autumnal brown colour palette and the unprepossessing, leaf-motif chocolate carpets.
But what Oscar (Wilde, not the peacock) would have loved most is Belmond’s experiential spirit and personality infused throughout the hotel – that ‘joie de vivre’ that’s infamous in Belmond properties across the world. One can see from the renovation itself that the property will inspire much conversation and storytelling, a perfect spiritual home for well-travelled OutThere raconteurs from all over the world.
And the suites themselves? Let’s just say that they’re perfect to carry on the romantic goings-on of room 118 back in Oscar Wilde’s day.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Culturalist | LHR / LCY | GMT |
| While you’re Out There |
| Seafood fans must try one of our favourite spots in this part of London – The Sea, The Sea – a gorgeous little fishmonger, deli and eatery helmed by Executive Chef Leo Carreira. The tasting menu is fantastic value and serves up some of the freshest morsels you’d find in London. |
Photography courtesy of Belmond
