‘We live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities’ – The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde. If Oscar Wilde stepped back into this place – the place he knew so well that it became his arrest spot – he’d see all such unnecessary necessities and necessary unnecessities. Because, at this boutique hotel, pure indulgence isn’t just offered, it’s served as something that’s deserved. The Cadogan will bring the unnecessary necessities to you.

The Cadogan is a luxury boutique hotel in London. With 54 rooms, 39 of which are suites, it’s a secluded sanctuary away from the hectic city. With its five-star service, Adam Handling fine dining restaurant, and its rich history, it’s the place to stay – both now and over the last 140 years.

From 1882, Lillie Langtry could be found living and loving life in what became The Cadogan in 1895. And Lillie cleverly sold on the condition that she could continue to live and love her life there, even beyond 1895. As an actress, model, and mistress of the Prince of Wales, Queen Victoria’s son, a fair few thanks go to Lillie for erupting Chelsea’s social scene. She was the ultimate host. This nineteenth-century socialite kickstarted the hotel’s reputation as the stomping ground for, not just established aristocrats and royals, but for daring artists, designers, and trendsetters. One of the many was writer, Oscar Wilde. Wilde didn’t just pass through for a party, he named it his pied-à-terre of London. Hence how it was here that he was arrested in 1895 for homosexuality, a crime at the time.

An extract from John Betjeman’s poem, ‘The Arrest of Oscar Wilde at the Cadogan Hotel’:

As the door of the bedroom swung open

And TWO PLAIN CLOTHES POLICEMEN came in:

“Mr. Woilde, we ‘ave come for tew take yew

Where felons and criminals dwell:

We must ask yew tew leave with us quoietly

For this is the Cadogan Hotel.”

Even after the hotel’s reopening in February 2019, its history and stories remain alive, deeply set within the design. Over the course of three years, it was stripped and refurbished by Blair Associates Architecture, G. A Design and Russell Sage Studio. And, if you want to know for how much, then time those years by 16 and you’ll get close to the millions spent on it. But as Wilde says, ‘Nowadays people know the price of everything, and the value of nothing’. So, look not at the number, but at the luxury boutique hotel itself. Even just by the location, you’ll see its value.

Knightsbridge to your left, Chelsea to your right, and Belgravia just in front of you. This sacred combination of Harrods, Sloane Square and Hyde Park is the Holy Trinity of London luxury. And The Cadogan is at its heart.

The Cadogan oozes style from the moment you walk in. It welcomes you with its Italian marble mosaic floor, its dramatic artwork and, if you look carefully, its decorative collection of old-school-boy belongings. A simple top hat, trunk and tennis racquet filling many a guest with fond memories. But your eyes won’t rest here for long. The framed fireplace, grand oak staircase, and floor-to-ceiling arched Georgian windows all deserve attention too.

So, sit in one of the foyer armchairs for the afternoon. And you’ll see every face in awe as they enter – desperately trying to soak it all in. The only thing that can pull guests away from their stares is an address by name from one of the hotel staff. Because that’s the thing about The Cadogan; boutique in its nature and boutique in its service. Every guest is treated with the utmost priority. A personal level that would be hard to find anywhere else in London.

The rooms follow with an equal sense of elevation. An open-plan set-up creates an expansive atmosphere. Sink into the bed and stretch out on the sofa. Or, to further feel the immense space, spread a book over the desk. Because each room has its own little library that’s been curated by John Sandoe Books, just off the King’s Road.

On a hot summer’s day, the room’s inner coving keeps you cool by emitting air condition. And when nearing night, the lights can dim to welcome the evening. It’s hard not to relax into this whilst munching on complimentary macaroons. And when you stop and look for just a moment, it’s clear that everything is a sophisticated design feature. From oak panelling in the bedroom to marble panelling in the bathroom, The Cadogan is a connoisseur of understated luxury.

For those who want ultimate luxury, the Royal Suite won’t fail to impress. This exact spot of Oscar Wilde’s arrest has furnishings as dramatic as its history. It’s a flat in itself with an elegant bedroom, all-marble bathroom, living room, dining room, private balcony, bar area, library and walk-in wardrobe. This is made possible by traversing the entire frontage of the hotel. It covers, not one, not two, but three sides of the hotel as it straddles along Sloane Street, Pont Street and Pavilion Street. And the Royal Suite isn’t quiet about it either. Its curved walls, enjoyed by the living room sofa and by the oval bath, accentuate the expanse. To ensure complete ease in the all-important process of getting ready, there’s a side entrance for the butler, so preparation for a private dinner can commence without hassle.

At The Cadogan, hassle doesn’t exist. Everything feels calm and controlled. There aren’t even housekeeping trolleys blocking the corridor and creating an eyesore. Instead, linen is kept in large oak cabinets to maintain a homely feel.

The feeling of home emanates through everyone’s use of the staircase, straight ahead of the front door. Why take the lifts – although the 600 bronze-cast books are worth a peek – when you can join your party with a grand entrance? Bevelled mirrors in alcoves all along the corridors allow that last glance to check every hair is in place. And with stylish brass strips edging the stairs, the most delicate of high heels are complimenting, and comforting, when gracefully descending to the lounge.

Leave the lounge in the day and the cabinet doors behind the bar are open, cream coloured and exposing an appropriate array of bespoke afternoon tea crockery. Return in the evening and the cabinet doors behind the bar have been closed, midnight blue in colour and lined with shelves of spirits. These double-sided doors transform the lounge from casual to cool. The change in atmosphere is also lovingly helped by the ‘light-up’ bar top, the sound of the piano, and a seat in one of the exquisite and engulfing yellow armchairs. And of course, a drink. Enjoy one here, and another one at the cocktail bar, before making your way to the restaurant.

The wealth of The Cadogan, both now and in its day as Lillie Langtry’s house, is epitomised by the restaurant – previously Lillie’s dining room. A keen artistic eye will spot the Prince of Wales’s feather details on the cornices and walls, paying tribute to the late owner’s scandalous connection to royalty. The double-room design of the restaurant allows just the sort of privacy that boutique hotel guests are looking for. But if this doesn’t suffice, if guests wish for both privacy and performance, then the exclusive Chef’s Table is the one.

The restaurant, namely, Adam Handling Chelsea, is coveted by all hoteliers of London. Indulgence is to have this British fine dining shaped through a modern and expert eye seated within a boutique hotel.

Take a detour back from the restaurant to the hotel foyer and you may be lucky enough to find The Cadogan’s secret door onto Pont Street. For high-profile guests, this works as an inconspicuous entrance. Enter and wander down this corridor and you’ll be greeted with more history of the hotel. Lillie Langtry’s original tiled flooring, original stained glass windows, and original wooden panelling. These combine to create a sort of time capsule, helped along by the poignantly placed Penguin Clothbound Classics edition of ‘The Portrait of Dorian Gray’. Seeing Oscar Wilde’s book will make you think ‘if only he could have escaped down this corridor and out the door’.

Out the door and round the corner is the Cadogan Place Gardens, accessed only by key. But luckily, this isn’t Notting Hill. Unlike Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, guests have exclusive access to the gardens. And knowing how the gardens have sparked the hotel’s design inspirations makes them even more special. Look at the flowers on the staircase runners. Rest your eyes on the x-rays of botanicals hanging along the corridors. Or clock the natural elements in many of the other mighty 430 original pieces of artwork around the hotel. All of this, as well as the views from your room, lure you to experience the gardens’ beauty first-hand.

Afternoon Tea by Adam Handling is definitely the most extravagant manner in which to experience the gardens. The Cadogan staff will let you lead the way to find your perfect spot in the sun. A blanket, a bottle of bubbles, and a basket full of treats soon await. Find savoury treats like finger sandwiches and pâté, sweet treats like scones, marble cake, and Tarte Tatin. Not to mention a carefully crafted doggy afternoon tea menu so you can enjoy with your pup by your side. Afternoon tea in the glamourous lounge or watching the world go by at The Cadogan’s Pavement Café or on the Terrace gives an entirely different, yet equally captivating, experience.

Experiencing the hotel’s spa will certainly send guests into relaxation. Treatments are performed with aromatic essential oils and soothing raw ingredients. Next to the spa is the gym with everything you could want from cardio and resistance machines to free weights and workout equipment. Both are tucked away underground making for the most private of retreats.

Staying at The Cadogan is having your cake and eating it. As both a retreat and social hub, this boutique hotel offers luxury with personal, five-star service and style to go with it.