Belmond Cadogan Hotel

The Cadogan is classic and traditional in decor, with flourishes of sensuality to echo its dramatic inhabitants and hushed liaisons. Guests interested in history can stay in the signature suites: the Oscar Wilde suite where the playwright awaited his arrest in 1895, or the Edward VII suite where the king met repeatedly with British actress Lillie Langtry. Beyond the rooms with two-toned velvet headboards and damask-quilted walls, there is more of a scene at the Cadogan. The Cadogan Bar is a cozy spot to grab a stool for a cocktail and the drawing room is available for afternoon tea. The scene here is a sophisticated one, with excellent opportunities to eat and drink in a prestigious Knightsbridge address.

Knightsbridge is primarily an affluent shopping and residential area populated by well-heeled locals, businessmen, and visitors drawn to incredible shopping. The Cadogan is only a 10-minute walk from the Knightsbridge tube station, and even closer to the Sloane Square shopping district and Saatchi Art Gallery. While the hotel is surrounded by appealing restaurant options, the hotel restaurant, Langtry's, is also a popular local choice. Expansive Hyde Park is also only a short stroll away.

• 8-minute walk to Knightsbridge shopping district including designer shops and Harrod’s
• 8-minute walk to Sloane Square shopping district and Saatchi Art Gallery
• 10-minute walk to Hyde Park
• 12-minute walk to the Victoria and Albert Museum
• 15-minute walk to the Natural History Museum
• 15-minute walk to the Science Museum
• 14-minute tube ride to Piccadilly Circus and the theatre district
• 17-minute tube ride to Covent Garden
• 20-minute bus ride to Notting Hill Gate and Portobello Market
• 20-minute tube ride to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, London Eye, and scenic walks along the Thames
• 22-minute tube ride to Trafalgar Square, National Portrait Gallery, London ICA, Tate Modern, and the Southbank

There are 54 total rooms and three signature suites in the Cadogan. Classic decor is respectful of the Edwardian townhouse's history and rooms display hints of sensuality including silk curtains, damask-quilted walls, and crushed velvet headboards. Touches of technology are also present, including big flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. Bathrooms are luxe and some have separate soaking tubs and stall showers. With a variety of room types, each is worth investigating for potential guests to find the right match.

• Deluxe double rooms have a king bed and marble bathroom.
• Executive Deluxe rooms have free Wi-Fi and morning newspaper.
• Deluxe Junior suites have a king size bed, two bathrooms, and lounge area.
• One Bedroom suites have a separate living room.
• The Lillie Langtry signature suite is romantic, feminine, and delicate.
• The Oscar Wilde Suite is where the playwright was arrested; a replica of his famous velvet blazer is in the wardrobe.
• The Edward VII suite is spacious with a black leather headboard and red velvet furnishings.

The historic Cadogan Hotel has features beyond its rooms that make this an appealing pick. The fitness room with cardio machines and free weights may be small, but is handy. The Cadogan Bar is a cozy place for cocktails, while the drawing room is ideal for afternoon tea. Adam Handling Chelsea is a highlight here, serving classic British cuisine with an imaginative touch.

• Small fitness center
• Cadogan Bar
• Drawing room for afternoon tea
• Restaurant serves classic dishes with flair
• View full list of amenities