11 Cadogan Gardens

A home away from home in the heart of Chelsea is the aim of these red-brick Victorian townhouses, which have been converted into a luxurious hotel of dazzling individuality. A warren of corridors and staircases leads to a sprawl of bedrooms, sitting rooms and private retreats. There are gilt-framed portraits around the black-painted staircase, a wall of art in the drawing room with its smart armchairs and purple sofas, a sultry cocktail bar, leather armchairs in the library, and a plant-filled conservatory. The ‘buzzy and busy’ Hans’ Bar and Grill has flavourful dishes such as grilled king prawns, beetroot burgers and sirloin steak. Breakfast dishes include French toast with berry compôte and slow-cooked mushrooms with poached egg and sourdough. Bedrooms have a modern elegance, with soft shades, button-back armchairs and jewel-bright splashes in headboards and cushions. Top-end suites are dramatic with sumptuous fabrics and marble bathrooms. All have coffee machines, and views over Cadogan Gardens or rooftops. Staff are ‘a real highlight’ with their ‘very polite’ but ‘super-friendly’ manner. A member of Relais & Châteaux.