The Cadogan Hotel, situated between Chelsea and Knightsbridge, is a five-star hotel which opened in 1887 and is famed as the place where Oscar Wilde was arrested. He had been a frequent visitor in his glory days, enjoying a cigar at the bar, or drinks with friends. It was where he headed after his trial, although his friends tried to persuade him to catch a train and boat to France. His arrest has been marked by poet Sir John Betjeman in his excellent poem, The Arrest of Oscar Wilde at the Cadogan Hotel, in which the bad grammar of the policemen is contrasted with the luxury and elegance of the hotel. He was arrested in Room 118, which is now the Royal Suite and a stay there will only set you back about £7000 per night. While I’d love to stay in the room where poor Oscar’s downfall began, that price is way too steep for my budget.
Actress Lillie Langtry was a regular, meeting the Prince of Wales there for intimate suppers (and possibly much more). She even lived there (in Room 106) for seven years.
The hotel remains loyal to its literary influences, with its lift displaying 600 bronze-cast books. It has a beautifully bound copy of Frankenstein by Chelsea resident Mary Shelley, and each suite has a carefully curated selection of books.
Have you ever stayed in this hotel? Tell me your experience by leaving a comment here.
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