11 Cadogan Gardens – A labyrinth of treasures in the heart of Chelsea
Hidden amidst the Victorian red-brick facades of residential Chelsea, 11 Cadogan Gardens is a gem of a boutique hotel that oozes charm and decadence. Sat in the cosy library sipping Earl Grey tea or perched at the elegant bar savouring an autumnal Fallen Apple cocktail, you could be forgiven for forgetting that the bustle of Sloane Square with its frantic shoppers and steady stream of traffic is just metres away.
As you climb the marble stairs and push open the huge wooden door you feel like you’re stepping into an Agatha Christie novel, such is the atmosphere of intrigue and shadowy opulence. Brooding old gentlemen stare down at you, but don’t worry these are merely the paintings that adorn the wood-panelled walls. The welcome you’ll receive from the staff is quite the opposite: subtle, gracious, and friendly - there to meet your every need.
On further exploration of the warren of corridors and staircases that lead up to its 56 bedrooms and down to the surprising light and airy lower ground restaurant, quirky touches are uncovered at every turn. The ornate Mirror Room is reminiscent of Versailles and the original metal-gated ‘what the butler saw’ service lift continues to crank mysteriously up and down, although on drawing back its iron curtain it reveals only freshly pressed Egyptian cotton, rather than anything more sinister.
The element of surprise continues behind every bedroom door with each individually designed room equally well equipped for comfort. Open one to find the dramatic Red Room, all plush velvet and mahogany and another to discover cream silk drapes, lamb’s wool throws and bolster pillows adorned with artistically rendered poodles.
But best of all its treasures, be it on a hazy summer’s day or a fresh autumn afternoon, is Cadogan Garden itself; the tranquil centrepiece of the street which sits right opposite the hotel. Restricted to resident use only, take a book and relax under the old oak tree or ask the concierge to throw down a blanket and enjoy your afternoon tea with the birds.
Whichever spot you choose to settle upon amidst this indulgent abode, you’ll feel so completely free of the city’s distractions – you may even forget the reason you came.
Stay at 11 Cadogan Gardens for:
See contemporary art for free at the Saatchi Gallery just off Sloane Square
Flex your credit card in the chic boutiques of the Kings Road and designer brands of Sloane Street
Visit the ‘Portrait of the Artist’ exhibition at the Queens Gallery, Buckingham Palace (until 17 April ’17)
Hear classical music at Cadogan Hall, home to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Go ‘Blue Plaque’ hunting – Chelsea has many famous former residents including Alfred Hitchcock, Oscar Wilde and Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Attend the world’s most famous flower show RHS Chelsea, every May in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Find out how you could include a stay at 11 Cadogan Gardens in your London itinerary - give us a call on 0344 847 5004 or email destinations@travelb.co.uk.