Finding the perfect luxury hotel in London can be a challenge, especially when you’ve had the pleasure of staying at some of the city’s most renowned establishments, like The Mayfair, The Connaught, and Claridge’s. As our London life began to gravitate more towards the Chelsea area, it made sense to seek out a place that would reflect this new focus. We decided to try the Cadogan Hotel, which was relatively new at the time, as a our potential base when in London.
The Cadogan is part of the prestigious Belmond group, known for owning iconic properties like Le Manoir in Oxfordshire and the Orient Express, so we had high expectations. I am delighted to report such expectations were exceeded. As we return from our third stay, I felt it was time to share the experience.
Arrival and First Impressions
Walking into the Cadogan Hotel’s reception is like stepping into a beautifully bright living room, instantly making us feel at home. Depending on the season, the atmosphere shift – during winter, the crackling fire in the corner provides a warm and cosy welcome, while in summer, the open doors allow sunlight to flood the room. The reception area is refreshingly intimate, with two small desks to check in which was a real contrast to the the traditional vast slab of wood that is in most luxury hotels.
The seating area opposite the reception desks, complete with a comfortable sofa and two chairs, enhances this homely feel. Here, you can find a selection of papers and magazines to peruse, and the charming sweet trolley which is simply dangerous.
The doorman’s attention to detail is impeccable. He asks for your name as you arrive, which is promptly communicated to the reception desk. This means that by the time you’re ready to check in, there’s no waiting around or the usual “tap tap tap, frown, can you repeat your surname please?” that winds me up in some of the larger hotels. The process is seamless, setting the tone for the rest of your stay.
Accommodation
During our stays at the Cadogan, we’ve had the pleasure of experiencing both the Junior Suites and the Superior Rooms, each offering its own unique charm while maintaining a consistent standard of luxury. One of the features I particularly appreciated was the small vestibule that greets you as you enter the room. This clever design places the main bedroom away from the hallway, enhancing the sense of peace and quiet, making it a true retreat from the bustle of London.
The décor across all rooms is a soothing blend of muted palettes—soft whites, greys, and greens dominate, creating a calming environment. Unique artwork on the walls adds just the right amount of colour, giving each room a touch of individuality and a sense of understated elegance.
The bathrooms are equally impressive, continuing the theme of muted tones with subtle green accents provided by the Bamford amenities, including luxurious shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner. Thick, fluffy white towels add to the sense of indulgence. Both room types feature a large walk-in shower with a monsoon shower head, with strong water pressure. In the larger Junior Suite bathroom, there’s a full-sized bath as well, with additional natural light and some greenery that give the space almost country cottage feel.
The Junior Suite, as expected, offers more space, with a dedicated walk-in wardrobe and dressing area which is always welcome. Both room types include a seating area with a chair, sofa, and a small table, providing a comfortable spot to relax. The Superior Rooms, while more snug, still offer ample room to store two large cases and are perfectly suited for a long weekend in London.
The beds in both types of rooms are simply divine—large, plush, and incredibly comfortable, with what I like to call “plumptious” duvets and pillows that ensure a perfect night’s sleep. The sleep concierge service is a delightful feature, offering a menu of pillow types, including a memory foam option that you can request either when you book or upon arrival, ensuring that your sleep is tailored to your preferences.
Despite its classic feel, the Cadogan is equipped with modern technology. The rooms feature a fair-sized flat-screen TV with streaming access, big but not dominating the room I didn’t come to a luxury hotel to watch TV. The free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel is reliable, and the room lighting comes with a few different mood settings rather than a simple on-off function. While I can’t say I’ve completely mastered the lighting controls even after my stays, it’s a charming touch.
Air conditioning is available, but I often prefer to open the windows, which is a welcome option due to the quieter location of the hotel. Opening the window, for example, at The Mayfair on Stratton Street or the Cavendish on Jermyn Street would keep you awake with the sound ot supercars and taxi cabs passing the nightclubs below. Most rooms offer a view of the sky, either overlooking Sloane Street or the quieter Pavilion Road at the back. The ability to enjoy fresh air and a view adds another layer of comfort to the stay.
Daily cleaning and an additional turndown service in the evening keep the rooms immaculate. The evening service also leaves a little Bamford gift by the bed—usually a small sleep spray, scrub, or lip balm. Needless to say, I now have a wash bag full of these little luxuries!
Dining at the Cadogan Hotel
There are three maining dining options at the Cadogan. If you counted the sweet trolley and in room treat that would be five, but it’s mainly breakfast dinner and afternoon tea.
One of our biggest frustrations with luxury hotels is when they have a wonderful bar that you can hardly get into because it’s opened to the wider public—I’m thinking of places like The Connaught or The Berkeley—or when the bar is more nightclub than lounge, as is the case with The MayFair Hotel. There’s nothing wrong with those vibes, but it’s just not what we’re looking for. The bar at the Cadogan, however, epitomises relaxed luxury. It’s a cosy space, with several booth-type tables facing the bar and a selection of raised seats and tables towards the edge of the room.
The bar menu features an excellent range of cocktails, plenty of wine options, and some bar snacks. While we’ve only sampled the nuts, it’s a great place to start or end the evening.
On weekends, there’s live music—a guitarist during our visit—which adds to the ambience without making it too noisy to chat. It’s a refreshing change from some of the busier, more hectic luxury hotel bars in London.
In the summer, the hotel also features a pop-up Chateau D’Esclans terrace where you can sip on Rosé and enjoy a carefully curated menu. This seasonal offering is another example of how the Cadogan creates a relaxing yet sophisticated environment for its guests.
Just off the bar is the LaLee restaurant, a true highlight of the Cadogan’s dining offerings. The restaurant’s name pays homage to a famous former guest, Lillie Langtry, a celebrated actress and socialite who was known for her elegance and charm. The connection to Lillie Langtry adds a touch of historical glamour to the dining experience.
Breakfast at LaLee is a particular joy—beautifully presented and wonderfully relaxed, far from the buffet chaos you might find elsewhere. The menu offers a range of options from fresh fruit and pastries to cooked favourites like a full English breakfast, pancakes, and smashed avocado on toast. I absolutely love having breakfast here. While it’s certainly pricier than grabbing a bite on nearby King’s Road, the serene and elegant setting makes it well worth it.
Dinner at LaLee is equally impressive, underscored by exceptional service and a relaxed atmosphere. Dishes like Saddle of Lamb, John Dory, and homemade gnocchi are all beautifully presented, each accompanied by a carefully selected wine. The quality of the food, combined with the ambiance, makes dining at LaLee a truly memorable experience.
There’s also a beautifully light and airy space for afternoon tea, located just off the reception area. While I’ve yet to try it myself, the setting looks absolutely perfect for a leisurely afternoon indulgence.
During our summer visit, we were greeted with a Wimbledon-themed mousse in the shape of a tennis ball, complete with chocolate-dipped strawberries—a perfect, whimsical touch that immediately set the tone for the rest of our stay.
Facilities and Services
While the Cadogan Hotel is a smaller, boutique-style hotel, it still offers a selection of facilities and services that cater to its guests’ needs.It is not big enough to offer a gym, spa or business centre (two of which I wouldn’t use anyway) but there is a dedicated treatment room located downstairs. It only offers facials by the renowned “super facialist” Teresa Tarmey. While I didn’t personally indulge in one of these treatments, I’ve heard that their higher than average price [for a facial] is justified.
As a seasoned London visitor, I didn’t have much need for the concierge services, but I did notice that the concierge staff were always present, friendly, and approachable. I have no doubt that they would be excellent at helping guests with any requests, from restaurant reservations to organising transport.
Across the whole hotel, the service is consistently excellent. The atmosphere is calm and relaxed, with a personable approach that makes each guest feel valued. I particularly appreciate the fact that the staff recognise us during our stays, taking the time to say hello and offer a warm “welcome back.” This level of attention really adds to the feeling of being well looked after. On one occasion, when I needed to extend my stay due to illness, the team was incredibly accommodating, handling everything with ease and warmth.
Location & Accessibility
The Cadogan Hotel sits at an almost perfect cross roads, on Sloane Street, placing it right in the heart of one of London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. I like walking so the hotel’s central position is ideal. It’s just a ten-minute stroll to Harrods, and about 15 minutes in the other direction to Victoria Station. Sloane Square is five minutes walk down Sloane Street (ideal for dining at Colbert, Parisian café vibe which is a current favourite of ours), whilst Harvey Nichols is about the same distance ‘up’ the street. The Kings Road, and those cows, is about 10 minutes walk.
Even though Sloane Street is currently a massive construction site (as of summer 2024), getting around is still relatively straightforward, especially by taxi. The proximity to two tube stations—Sloane Square on the Circle Line and Knightsbridge on the Piccadilly Line—makes it easy to explore other parts of London as well. For a leisurely Sunday stroll, Hyde Park is within easy reach, offering a peaceful retreat around the Serpentine.
In terms of accessibility, the Cadogan is well-equipped to accommodate all guests. The main entrance is on the ground floor, with lift access to all other parts of the hotel. There is a small step up into the reception area, but the ever-present staff are always on hand to assist. Additionally, access via the bar is step-free from the street, providing an alternative route for those who need it.
Overall Experience
My stays at the Cadogan Hotel have consistently exceeded my expectations, making it my favourite luxury hotel in London. From the tranquil and elegantly designed rooms to the impeccable service and unbeatable location, the Cadogan has truly become my home away from home in the city. The attention to detail and personalised touches—from the warm “welcome back” from the staff to the thoughtful amenities—make every visit special.
Despite its small size and the lack of extensive facilities the Cadogan excels in creating a calm, luxurious atmosphere where guests can feel genuinely well-cared-for. Whether it’s the convenience of its central location, the charm of its historical significance, or the simple pleasure of a perfectly made cocktail in the bar, the Cadogan delivers on every front. Without hesitation, I would give this hotel five out of five stars and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a refined and personal luxury hotel in London.
Cadogan History meets Belmond Pedigree
The Cadogan name carries with it a rich historical significance, referencing the Cadogan family, one of the oldest landowning families in London. The family has left an indelible mark on the city, owning large swathes of land, including Cadogan Square and the nearby Cadogan Hall where I saw David Gilmour perform Atom Heart Mother, but that’s another story.
Since it’s inception in the late Seventies, the Belmond brand has grown to run some of the world’s most iconic luxury destinations including Hotel Cipriani in Venice and the Orient Express. Whilst they don’t have much in the UK – just the Cadogan Hotel and Le Manoir, they have plenty of hotels in Europe to drool over.
Overall, the location of the Cadogan Hotel is superb, offering guests easy access to some of London’s most desirable areas, from luxury shopping and dining to cultural landmarks and peaceful parks.
Practical Information
Booking Tips: We’ve always booked directly with the hotel. I am not sure if there is a price benefit booking with a third party but their website is easy enough to use. The sleep concierge service is a must-try—be sure to choose your preferred pillow type in advance for the ultimate comfort.
Price Range: The Cadogan is positioned within the higher end of the luxury market, with room rates reflecting the level of service and comfort provided. Summer prices seem to be higher than winter but that may be as the hotel has become more established and popular. We also stayed during the Wimbledon final weekend, which I am sure added to the price! While it’s certainly an investment, the experience justifies the cost, especially for those seeking a truly personalised and tranquil retreat in London.
Accessibility: The hotel is well-equipped for guests with mobility needs, offering lift access to all floors and alternative step-free entry points. However, it’s always a good idea to notify the hotel in advance if you have specific accessibility requirements.
You can read my Google Local Guide review of the Cadogan here.
