"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe?The Cadogan has the feel of the Downton era but looks like the city home of a much more up-to-date kind of aristocrat—one who dabbles in modern art or works part-time as a furniture buyer, say. The interiors manage to ooze heritage without needing oil paintings of hounds or floral pelmets. What's the backstory?This is the second British hotel by the brand behind the Orient Express, and although traces of those trains can be found in the doorman’s redcoats and the receptionist’s bow tie, this is not the sort of place that requires a gown for dinner. The building, a row of five interconnected townhouses, was home to a hotel in the 19th century: Oscar Wilde was arrested in room 118 and Lillie Langtry lived next door. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?The 54 rooms are subtly luxurious, with golden caramel tones and lashings of velvet, marble, and polished wood. The techy touches are slick and purposeful: one-touch lighting and Bang and Olufsen speakers. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi, and how is the quality?Free and fast. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?Putting a whippersnapper chef at the helm of the restaurant sort of sums Belmond's overall approach: It aims to be a modern classic rather than a surviving relic. Adam Handling is as interested in attracting locals as he is pleasing guests, and does so with inventive dishes such as celeriac with truffle, egg yolk and apple. An interesting afternoon tea includes salt cod croquettes and apple-lemongrass pudding. What type of travelers will you find here?You won’t find glitzy "Sloanes" or tweed-wearing caricatures here. The crowd is more subtle than that; say, couples who have come in from the country for a gallery and a show, or international travelers who don’t care about the bright lights of Oxford Circus. What about the neighborhood? Does the hotel fit in, make itself part of the scene?The hotel sits seamlessly alongside Chelsea's chic boutiques and mansions. Busy Sloane Square is on the doorstep, but the immediate area feels peaceful and residential. Any other hotel features worth noting?Hotel guests are granted access to leafy Cadogan Place Gardens, a private haven with tennis courts and perfect picnicking lawns. Bottom line: Worth it? Why?Belmond is devastating in its tastefulness—come to experience a splendor like no other in town." - Laura Goulden
