As one of only two Relais & Chateaux hotels in London (the other, The Chelsea Townhouse, is just a one-minute walk around the corner), 11 Cadogan Gardens provides a luxury home-from-home experience for city dwellers and visitors who seek a quiet place to relax.
The hotel is also a member of the prestigious Iconic Luxury Hotels group and is the first of its London properties to open its doors to pampered pooches. Tucked within the capital’s upscale Chelsea neighbourhood, 11 Cadogan Gardens seamlessly blends into its surroundings with Victorian-era architecture and a traditional red brick façade.
The Vibe
The four townhouses in the heart of residential Chelsea were commissioned by Lord Chelsea – or Charles Cadogan – and were later merged together to create the unique layout that now houses 56 rooms and suites along with six private apartments. Embracing the one-of-a-kind blueprint created by the original structure, walking around the property feels like navigating a Victorian maze where you’ll find something in every hidden corner, from a well-stocked library to a surprise bar. There’s even a modernised antique Bennie lift to take you to the upper floors.
The Rooms
Reflecting the offbeat combination of quirkiness and elegance that the neighbourhood is so well known for, no two rooms in this boutique hotel are alike – with anything from dreamy canopy beds and claw-footed bathtubs to an apartment fully kitted out with a Bosch kitchen, each space invites guests to lower their shoulders and feel right at home. Our Junior Suite featured a refined mix of neutral and jewelled tones alongside a four-poster bed and a marble bathroom with a bathtub and walk-in shower. An open-plan lounge and work desk sits beside bay windows, the perfect spot for a cup of coffee care of the in-room Nespresso machine. Whilst there are no mini fridges in the rooms, one was delivered to us upon request.
The Food + Drink
Relaxed, all-day fare is on the menu at Hans’ Bar & Grill. The restaurant has spacious seating indoors, but when the weather is right, it’s the al fresco tables you’ll want to nab, to take in the sights and sounds of Pavilion Road. Start with spicy gochujang cauliflower wings followed by one of the succulent meat options, charred perfectly on the grill – the hearty pork chop with herby butter was a winner. To drink, the Gin Paloma with pink grapefruit is a refreshing choice.
The Little Extras
Ina’s dog Sven enjoying 11 Cadogan garden’s hospitality
Very Important Pooches will have a wagging good time with all the luxury creature comforts on hand at 11 Cadogan Gardens. In partnership with local business Pet Pavilion, all dogs are welcomed with their own comfy bed, food and water bowls. Grooming and dog walking services can also be arranged by the concierge. In addition to our furry friend, there was a little human who joined us for our stay. She felt right at home with her own cot and the most adorable little tepee set up with a mini library of books to enjoy.
The To-Do List
There’s no doubt about it, Chelsea is one of the most dog-friendly neighbourhoods in the capital. The borough has even put together a dog-friendly map highlighting the local establishments that welcome four-legged friends. Whether you’re cooling down with a sorbet from next-door neighbours Ice Cream Union, walking through the boutiques around Sloane Square, popping into department store Peter Jones, or taking some time to unwind at the exclusive Cadogan Gardens – hotel guests are given access throughout their stay – your faithful companion need not leave your side.
All image credit: 11 Cadogan Gardens
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