Built in 1887, the boutique Cadogan Hotel, off Sloane Square in Knightsbridge, is shrouded in a colourful – often discreet, sometimes dramatic – past. It was here that the future King Edward VII had intimate liaisons with star-actress-of-the-day Lillie Langtry and it's also the scene of Oscar Wilde’s notorious arrest in 1895.
Whilst your imagination may well run riot, you will mercifully find a far more gentile ambience nowadays as you drift in off Sloane Street after a hard day’s shopping on the King’s Road, or in Harrod's or Harvey Nics, or maybe a romantic afternoon sauntering around Hyde Park. Glide past the suave and dapper receptionists to freshen up in one of The Cadogan’s 65 rooms and suites, relax in the hotel gardens, tone up in the gym or sip a G&T or flute of champagne in the modern-art brimming ambient bar.
Alternativey eat a great value tongue tingling traditional-English with a twist meal in the elegant, palatial yet informal, Langtry’s Restaurant with its soft velvet round medallion armchairs and Carrera-marble Louis XIV fireplace, followed by hushed coffee or cognac in the atmospheric Agatha Christie-esque wood-panelled drawing room - also a great haunt for afternoon tea.
If you are lucky enough to secure the much-coveted Oscar Wilde Suite, room 118, you can readily kick back and envisage the great gay icon entertaining friends such as Whistler or Lillie Langtry amidst the decadent design, sky-blue and rich-chocolate walls, silk curtains and velvet headboard – occasionally gazing from the three large corner windows overlooking fashionable Cadogan Place. The arrest that took place here - on charges of sodomy, following Wilde’s failed attempt to clear his queer besmirched name - and was immortalised by John Betjeman in his poem, 'The Arrest of Oscar Wilde at the Cadogan Hotel'.
Alternatively, if you are feeling really regal, you might try the King Edward VII Suite – scene of the future king’s amorous dalliances – with its black leather cream-stitched headboard, and period feel in the dark paisley bedspread and pink and black drapery.
Green Carnation Package
This fantastic 2-day/1-night offer, all for just £399 per couple, includes:
- Luxurious Executive Double Room, where a book of Oscar Wilde’s famous quotes and an ice-chilled bottle of Pink Perrier Jouet - his drink of choice – awaits.
- 3-course dinner with unlimited wine at the elegant Langtry's Restaurant.
- Full English breakfast - or breakfast in bed.
- Late checkout, until 4pm.
The Cadogan Hotel is also licensed to hold civil partnership ceremonies.
For further details of the Cadogan Hotel (75 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9SG, 020 7235 7141) and its Green Carnation Package visit www.cadogan.com. For more information on Langtry's Restaurant (21 Pont Street, London SW1X 9SG, 020 7201 6619), including details of its offers and sample menus check out www.langtrysrestaurant.com.