IN 1885, Oscar Wilde, poet, playwright and philandering raconteur, was arrested in room 118 of what is now part of the Royal Suite at The Cadogan. He was tried and imprisoned in the convoluted case brought to bear by the Marquess of Queensbury. And so began the illustrious, rich and legendary history of this Belmond jewel.
Ensconced between Knightsbridge and Chelsea on iconic Sloane Street, checking in at The Cadogan on a chilly pre-Christmas evening is tantamount to being swaddled in a super soft blanket.
An open fire blazed while enthusiastic staff extended an equally warm welcome. Everywhere oozed quiet sophistication, refinement and unparalleled luxury.
The Lobby
I stayed in a Junior Suite overlooking the private garden of Cadogan Palace. The hotel’s rooms are a lesson in how to sympathetically renovate an important period property. Historic details such as the Queen Anne fireplaces have been restored, happy bedfellows with ultra modern amenities.
My personal favourite is the “we have thought of everything” bathroom. Here one finds fashionable Bamford beauty and bath products, the essential double sinks, an audio system and bath pillow for ultimate bubble bath to stave off tired feet and the capital’s winter chill.
One-Bedroom Suite
After a truly deep and super-comfortable sleep, breakfast beckons. It is a sedate and delicious affair. The menu runs from hyper-healthy to the more traditional full English with every possible permutation in between.
Next stop, my eagerly anticipated appointment with Renata Elias of Elemental Herbology, the beauty brand behind the in-house spa suite. Elemental Herbology is based on the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine: water, metal, fire, wood and air. I opt for the Metal Longevity facial treatment, determined by an in-depth consultation with Renata.
Exterior of The Cadogan
It’s an intensive treatment with targeted massage, facial acupressure and rich nourishing products to combat skin aging, lines, lack of elasticity and loss of radiance, I left two hours later under a halo of luminosity and with a spring in my step. If only all days were this.
by Katie Felstead
Junior Suite suites start at £1,192 per night and Superior Rooms £746 per night belmond.com