Built in Queen Anne style in 1887, Belmond Cadogan Hotel has long played an integral role in the social history of the Kensington and Chelsea area. Once home to Lillie Langtry where she courted the future King of England, Prince of Wales, Albert Edward, the hotel was also known as Oscar Wilde’s London pied-a-terre. The project drew inspiration from the neighbourhood’s rich character, offering an elegant meeting place for both international visitors and the local community.
The hotel’s 54 rooms and suites provide a stylish retreat in the heart of the city, with spacious rooms that are a little ‘house’ in themselves; many have views over Cadogan Place Gardens and offer spacious living rooms with working fireplaces and dining areas as well as large bathrooms with deep freestanding baths and a specially designed champagne and book holder. Handcrafted in-room bars feature cocktails by Adam Handling and bespoke designed tea sets with traditional handknitted tea cosies to keep the tea piping hot.
Details such as the Prince of Wales’ feathers in Lillie Langtree’s original dining room, botanical mosaics on the floor tiles and wood panelling, preserve the historical fabric of the hotel whilst bold colours, lush fabrics and deeply relaxing furniture create a modern retreat. Playful elements such as ‘Oscar’, the stunning peacock, glittering with thousands of Swarovski crystals standing proudly in the entrance to the private dining room, is a cheeky nod to the eponymous poet and author.
