Inside Sloane Street’s Best Address

The red brick mansions of Chelsea are among the most iconic sights in London. They immediately tell of a lost age of glamour, of ritual and tradition – frankly, of the indulgence we all deserve once in a while. This whole section of London is devoted to the finer things in life, be they property, fashion, or entertainment, and visitors from out of town flock here in droves – and the recent upgrade of Sloane Street has made it an even more pleasant place to stroll than it was before. Naturally, they need an appropriate base from which to explore. Gleaming out from Sloane Street’s centre is the perfect white façade of The Cadogan, catching the light on even the most grey of days and beckoning passers-by inside for a moment of luxurious respite. It’s a first impression which promises much. What awaits behind the elegant mahogany doors delivers even more.

Review: The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel, London

STAY

At The Cadogan, 54 rooms and suites are spread across an amalgam of historic townhouses. All are spacious and well appointed. My own was located just above the street entrance to The LaLee, the hotel’s restaurant, on the corner of Sloane and Pont Streets. The view from the bay window at the building’s point is fantastic, but the interiors are so sumptuous I didn’t spend too much time enjoying it, astonishing marble bathrooms and considered detailing capturing my attention instead. When evening came, I lost myself in the most comfortable hotel bed I have encountered in quite some time.

The crowning glory of the hotel is the astonishing Cadogan Penthouse. It can be booked as ‘just’ the two-bedroom version – complete with two balconies, a dining area in the building’s turret, and views across the whole postcode – or extended to comprise the entire top floor of the hotel and include butler service. For those who value space or travel in groups, this is the ultimate in luxury.

EAT

The LaLee is open from breakfast through to dinner, including a pretty and cosy terrace for the warmer months, and serves classic dishes from around Europe. Breakfast is a perfect balance between buffet and à la carte, with plenty of healthy options.

The real star of the show, however, is the afternoon tea created by chef Benoît Blin. Many of the herbs and botanicals used to flavour this innovative twist on the English staple come from the garden at sister property Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons – like the lavender used to perfectly scent your pillow each evening, too – and each course is a creative elevation of the traditional offering. The peach and lavender pebble in the sweet course was simply sublime.

DO

The whole of London is on your doorstep, so what can’t you do? Sloane Street tube station is at one end of the street, as are the shops and restaurants of the Square; Knightsbridge is at the other end with its own retail paradise and tube connections. Chelsea is just a few minutes’ walk away, making the hotel the perfect base for attending this September’s Chelsea Arts Festival.

Whatever you choose to do, one thing is a must: taking in the private Cadogan Place Gardens. It’s very rare to have access to one of these garden squares – once such a quintessential part of London life – so when you have the chance, you must grab it. Play tennis if you’re feeling active; go for a simple stroll if you want to unwind.

MORE: Chelsea Arts Festival: 8 Events To Book Tickets For Now

THE FINAL WORD

The Cadogan has struck a perfect balance of opulence and elegance. There is grandeur here, but it’s not overwhelming. Key to it all is the staff – every one of them seems to know exactly what it means to be truly hospitable, and the service is subtle but attentive. Whichever is your favourite element of the luxury amenities here, they are the real reason to keep coming back.

Rooms start from £625 per night.

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