London is seeing a raft of new openings this autumn and the latest to join the list is boutique property The Chelsea Townhouse.
Located at 26 Cadogan Gardens, the hotel is the third London property under the Iconic Luxury Hotels collection and a stone’s throw from its sister hotel, 11 Cadogan Gardens, and The Apartments at 20 Cadogan Gardens. As such, the properties will be jointly known as ‘The Cadogan Gardens Collection’, with Ian Richardson remaining the general manager across all three locations.
Formerly the Draycott Hotel, the property has undergone an extensive transformation and now features 36 rooms across three Victorian red-brick townhouses, along with exclusive access to the private Cadogan Gardens.
Architects Gary Kellett was appointed to oversee the restoration and add modern touches while also preserving its heritage and original touches such as sweeping staircases, marble fireplaces and crown mouldings. Additionally, the hotel features ‘Objects of Curiosity’ – trinkets and treasures from around the world – along with restored furniture from the original hotel.
It is designed to feel like a private, residential home, with ‘Townhouse Hosts’ able to cater to guests’ needs, and there is no restaurant as such but instead a relaxed ‘dining salon’ on the ground floor. This all-day space can be used for coffees, early evening suppers and aperitifs, and is home to a buffet breakfast spread featuring homemade granola, artisan yoghurts, seasonal berries and stewed compotes, freshly baked pastries and homemade jams.
Additionally, the townhouse offers an “all-day, eat anywhere” menu for lunch and supper, with dishes including club sandwiches and lobster rolls, and a cellar with a “a diverse selection of international wines”.
Further areas include The Library and a meeting room with direct access to the Gardens which is capable of hosting up to 12 guests. Guests can also use the facilities at 11 Cadogan Gardens, including a gym and the all-day restaurant Hans Bar & Grill on Pavilion Road.
The hotel’s bedrooms range from cosy rooms for solo travellers to spacious suites, with views over either Cadogan Gardens or the neighbourhood’s red-brick townhouses. Amenities include a minibar with complimentary, locally sourced products including a welcome ‘Chelsea Bun’ on arrival, Ruark radios, GHD hair dryers and Harrison Spinks beds.
Four apartment-style suites are equipped with a kitchenette which can be pre-stocked with ingredients from the nearby Pavilion Road, and there are also a number of garden suites with direct access onto Cadogan Gardens.
Iconic Luxury Hotels was founded in 2016 and also comprises The Mayfair Townhouse in London, which we reviewed in 2021, along with country properties such as Chewton Glen in the New Forest, Cliveden House in Berkshire and The Lygon Arms in the Cotswolds. 11 Cadogan Gardens joined the luxury hotel and restaurant collection Relais and Chateaux, with The Chelsea Townhouse also a member.
Andrew Stembridge, executive director of Iconic Luxury Hotels, commented:
“At Iconic Luxury Hotels, our hotels embody the spirit of the iconic address and neighbourhood they are located in. The Chelsea Townhouse is no different – it is the spirit of residential Chelsea, tucked behind one of the most exclusive shopping districts, Sloane Street.
“Guests will feel as if they are in a private townhouse of a very elegant friend, nestled away from the bustle of the city amongst lush gardens and towering treetops. In a time when larger internationally owned hotels are sweeping the city, we’re excited to bring to life a truly independent property with an authentic story to tell.”
The property is located just off Pavilion Road and a five-minute walk from the King’s Road and Sloane Street, along with attractions such as The Saatchi Gallery and Cadogan Hall. Cadogan is also in the process of transforming the 1km Sloane Street in partnership with Kensington and Chelsea Council to create a “stunning green boulevard from Knightsbridge to Sloane Square” with promises of wider pavements, a planting scheme, street furniture and enhanced lighting. The project, which costs £46 million, is set to take two years to complete.
The Cadogan Estate has a number of existing properties in the area, including the Belmond Cadogan Hotel and the recently opened One Sloane hotel.
