The answer is yes - always. We were pleased to be invited to a sneak preview of the lovely new Belmond Cadogan Hotel tucked away in Sloane Street Chelsea. Belmond always know how to entertain well. It's one of the reasons we use so many of their stunning hotels on our Expeditions. Now I generally have a gripe about hotel chains that try to be "individual". They never seem to quite get it right. Well. Kudo's to Belmond here.
For a start the evening was fun. A Collection of their hotels were represented in various rooms, following a map of the world and guests enjoyed tastes and smells of different parts of the world. Parma Ham from Italy, Tea's from India, Wines from France and more. This made it interesting. While aimed at the travel trade, it was a great opportunity to meet the Sales Teams from the various hotels.
So now to the hotel. It had that lovely "new car" feel and smell. It's a small property with just under 60 rooms giving it that intimate feel that is lacking from some of the larger hotels in the City. It really felt as if you were staying at a wealthy friends townhouse.
British Chef Adam Handling makes a big statement here. Rumour has it his Mum knitted the tea cosys in the mini-bar. Once again, attention to detail. We love the fact that the books throughout the hotel were sourced from a tiny shop around the corner. And the slippers. If you like the slippers, find Stuart and thank him personally. We'll certainly be slipping those into our luggage when we have the opportunity to stay over.
We only had the pleasure of seeing a 1 bedroom suite but wow. The special touches stood out immediately and the room had been staged for our visit which brought it to life - a glass of bubbles on the bath and an open book.
Downstairs the bar is certainly going to become one of those secret but "it" spots in Chelsea. The barmen were already adept and producing outstanding cocktails.
So the long and short. Loved it and the team who will be running it. Intimate. Elegant. Welcoming yet Homely.
Reservations will be available shortly through Colonial Traveller.
