11 Cadogan Gardens

"The vibe: Raffish yet mysterious  Location: Chelsea  Top amenities: Hans' Bar & Grill, with streetside dining Best for:  Shopping in nearby Knightsbridge There are 56 rooms at 11 Cadogan Gardens—not that you’d know. An amalgamation of four Victorian townhouses, connected by wiggling corridors and staircases that seem to go nowhere, its meandering premises gives it a homely feel—you’ll likely only become aware of the other guests at breakfast. Hidden off a residential square in Chelsea, just edging north of Sloane Square and near the shops of Knightsbridge, this isn’t a hotel zone, and 11 Cadogan Gardens masquerades perfectly as just another house. Once home to a private members’ club—it still has that slightly mysterious, raffish air—it’s now the only Relais & Chateaux property in the capital, with all-day restaurant Hans’ Bar & Grill backing onto Pavilion Road, the pretty pedestrianized street at the back of the hotel. In the past, rooms looked a little zany, and there’s still a bit of that left—like the odd dramatic black-and-gold four-poster bed, and the sexy dark-walled, dark-carpeted staircase—but today’s decor is largely boutique-chic with a hint of English countryside: think neutrals with bright pops of color found on bed cushions, armchairs, and headboards. In 2021, it opened The Apartments by 11 Cadogan Gardens—six apartments, each spread across an entire floor of a Victorian townhouse across the square from the hotel. Even the one-bed apartments have full kitchens. Back in the main building, there’s the moody Chelsea Bar, the plush library, and the Mirror Room—which, as the name suggests, is wall-to-wall mirrors." - Julia Buckley

"Near the posh shopping area of Sloane Square and occupying a series of Victorian townhouses, this small hotel in Chelsea offers some truly attractive communal areas. And you don’t have to be a guest to use them. There’s a small, clubby bar full of leather chairs and dark, moody lighting for an early-evening drink (or to escape the London drizzle). Our favorite spot, though, is the library. Dreamily quiet, its walls lined with old books and its tables stacked with newspapers, it’s a proper oasis for the freelancer or aspiring novelist—especially with a pot (and then another) of English breakfast tea. For those looking to sleepover, guestrooms are a lesson in English elegance, many with roomy, four-poster beds and picturesque views of the leafy park on the adjacent quiet square. "

"How did it strike you on arrival?You may get lost finding 11 Cadogan Gardens—even my taxi driver did. It’s hidden off a residential square in Chelsea, just north of Sloane Square, and is one of the last places you’d expect to find a hotel. It’s fairly hidden amid the red-brick terraced townhouses. Nice. What’s the crowd like?The crowd is well-heeled and slightly older—some repeat guests have been coming for years. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.I’ve stayed twice, with a renovation in between. There used to be a zany feel to all of the rooms and décor, which the refurb has largely done away with, but although I was concerned it might have drained the life out of the place, I loved the superior (one up from entry-level) room I stayed in. The look is boutique chic with a hint of English countryside—think floral curtains and elaborately carved mirror frames. The superior rooms aren’t enormous but feel cozy rather than tight. Certain suites and higher level rooms still have their original, outré décor, like the “Red Room,” which is more old-school aristocrat than Fifty Shades." We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The Hypnos beds are high, plush, and squashy—I slept beautifully. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Turndown includes lip balm, pillow mist and a mini Chelsea bun, just in case you'd forgotten your location and needed a sticky treat. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Good water pressure, plush towels and robes, and toiletries by Mayfair parfumier Ormonde Jayne. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Free and super-fast Wi-Fi (100MB). Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?Concierge William is a delight—extremely knowledgeable, passionate about the hotel and the area, and wonderfully chatty. I talked to him for ages, and never had a sense that I was in the way. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.A new restaurant is planned for 2018. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?William the concierge—seriously the highlight of the hotel. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Low-key luxury with personal service." - Julia Buckley