The Renovated Belmond Cadogan Hotel in London Is Steeped In Oscar Wilde History

After a four-year, $48 million renovation, the Belmond Cadogan has reopened its doors. The Queen Anne–style building, which was constructed in 1887, is set in London’s posh Chelsea neighborhood. Over the course of its fashionable history, the hotel has hosted a cadre of notable figures, from Oscar Wilde, who was arrested in his pied à terre in the hotel, to Lillie Langtry, an actress, socialite, and mistress of the future King Edward VII.

The hotel was reimagined with the help of Blair Associates Architecture, who collaborated with interior design firm GA Group on the lobby and guest rooms and with Russell Sage Studios on the restaurant, Adam Handling Chelsea, and bar spaces. The team preserved the period details throughout the property and used them for inspiration. “The hotel's residential entrance at 21 Pont Street, previously the front door to Lillie Langtry's townhouse, features the original floral mosaic floor design and 130 year-old wooden paneling,” says Klaus Kabelitz, general manager at Belmond Cadogan. “The designers were so taken with Lillie's floral motif that it was copied throughout the bar and dining room in Adam Handling Chelsea.”

The area’s literary history also played a role in the redesign. Private libraries in each of the guest rooms were curated by nearby bookseller John Sandoe Books, and a sculptural bronze formed from 600 books is located in the lift lobby and meant to look like the library at an opulent residence.

Contemporary art and design elements, such as sculptural lighting, bring the hotel into the 21st century and give a nod to its cultured location . “Adorning our walls are 430 pieces of original artwork, by mainly British artists,” says Kabelitz. “One striking piece is in the lobby, above the hand-carved reception desk. An original piece by Simon Casson, the piece depicts the history of Cadogan Estate and is certainly a talking point for guests when checking in."

While some hotel renovations try to add more rooms, the Cadogan stayed small. The hotel has just five floors and 54 rooms, 22 of which are suites. (Oscar Wilde’s room 118 is now part of the Royal Suite.) We wanted to ensure that the Belmond Cadogan would be both a true retreat for today’s luxury traveler and ‘home away from home’ for locals—which meant introducing a highly desirable destination restaurant and bar,” says Hugh Seaborn, CEO of Cadogan Estates. The hotel’s new restaurant, Adam Handling Chelsea, is the latest from the award-winning Scottish chef known for Frog and Eve Bar.

Guests have access to the private 93-acre Cadogan Estate Gardens, which was the London Botanic Garden in the 18th century. The gardens are now home to tennis courts, sculptures, and 300-year-old mulberry trees.