Detailed Review
Number Eleven Cadogan Gardens was the first of the private town house hotels and retains this leading position.
This luxury hotel occupies four stately Victorian townhouses tucked away in a tree-lined square between Harrods and Sloane Square. The decoration is traditional with wood-panelled rooms hung with oil paintings, and furnished with antiques and rugs in a very English, understated style. The atmosphere is unique; no reception desk, a butler to meet you at the door, total privacy and security. Arriving guests do not "register"; instead they are invited to sign the leather-bound visitors' book.
Just over a hundred years ago Lord Chelsea built these handsome Victorian townhouses on his former cricket ground near Buckingham Palace
The townhouses were occupied by members of the aristocracy, well-to-do businessmen and Members of Parliament, with a sprinkling of Victorian celebrities.
Press Quotes
"This aristocratic, late-Victorian, gabled town house has a clubby feel -- there's no sign, just a simple 11 above the door." Fodor's 06
Independent Reviews
-
“Exceptionally civilized with flawless service, the traditional antique-filled townhouse hotel has a prime address near Harrods.”
11 Cadogan Gardens
By Chloe Loyd
This original Chelsea townhouse hotel (open since 1949), still maintains its image of exceptional service from bygone days. An elegantly coiffed concierge will greet you on arrival and usher you into this characterful hotel where a team of friendly, mostly longterm staff all pitch in to contribute a cosy familiar feel. The comforting aroma of cigars lingers in the parquet-floored drawing room, where guests can relax round a gas fire and enjoy tea, served at four, followed by sherry and canapes at six - very civilised. This opens out into a light airy conservatory, with equally delicious sofas, overlooking the garden which is open to use. This traditional style hotel also boasts a small, well-equipped gym in the basement, where you are entitled to the services of a complimentary personal trainer as well as the use of a sauna.
The hotel comprises four townhouses and the upstairs interior is a rabbit warren of corridors. The rooms, the majority recently redecorated, are Edwardian in style with period furnishings and Jane Churchill-eqsue decor. The beds are fantastic, with orthopedic mattresses and chenille spreads, certain to encourage those lazy mornings. A good selection of books along with oil paintings and English oddities such as treasure chests in the rooms all contribute to the quirky character of this old favourite stopover. The bathrooms are equally well-equipped, with huge tubs conducive to indulgent wallowing. Most also have separate showers and rich marble surfaces with double free-standing sinks and large mirrors. The upper garden suites are the best to go for, with very comfortable and tastefully decorated adjoining sitting rooms.
© Travel Intelligence. All rights reserved
