A high-end hotel that offers the perfect marriage of the past and present.
Few hotels command the stature of The Langham London, a property that has enchanted guests since 1865 while engraining itself into the fabric of the UK capital. Famous faces from Diana, Princess of Wales, to Winston Churchill have all spent time at the landmark address conveniently nestled between Portland Place and Regent Street in London's buzzing West End.
At the time of construction, The Langham was the largest hotel in London and featured the first hydraulic lifts in England. One hundred and fifty years later, it stands as a testament to timeless luxury and elegance. From the moment visitors step through its revolving doors, they're ushered into a world of sophistication and impeccable service – and that's just the lobby.
Floral blooms, marble columns, statement chandlers and purple wingback chairs envelop guests in the lap of luxury, providing just a peek at the property, which blends Victorian grandeur with modern amenities.
London Living
The hotel's 380 sophisticated rooms and suites offer a quintessentially British stay where modern conveniences and exclusive amenities will enhance any stay. Our Junior Suite on the eighth floor offered impressive skyline views that stretch from Big Ben to The Shard. Clocking in at a generous-for-London 50 square meters, the suite has both living and sleeping areas with parquet flooring, a desk, plenty of storage space and bookcases filled with trinkets.
Embracing an open design, the suite is ingeniously and stylishly utilised to ensure practicality and elegance. Thoughtful nuances, a soft and neutral colour scheme, and subtle embellishments combine seamlessly to create an ambience that envelops guests in the embrace of London's warmth. Carpets traced with floral depictions and wooden panelling add a classic feel to the suite, anchored around one of the most comfortable beds we've ever had the pleasure of sleeping in.
The en-suite bathroom is a testament to efficient design, featuring a compact layout adorned with a walk-in rainfall shower and an abundance of marble. Yet, it is within the minutiae that the true spirit of The Langham's sophisticated approach to living shines. Each room and suite boasts an array of remarkable inclusions, ranging from a Nespresso machine and a sleek flatscreen television to bespoke bathroom amenities.
Guests staying in suites are granted access to The Langham Club, where exclusive perks like breakfast, afternoon tea and free-flowing Champagne await.
Destination Dining
One of The Langham's standout features is its culinary offerings. The hotel boasts diverse dining options, overseen by MICHELIN lauded chef, Michel Roux Jr. Tuck into afternoon tea in the elegant Palm Court or sip on avant-garde cocktail creations at Artesian where unexpected ingredients such as seaweed, soil and insects are used to startling effect.
Having devoured Five Star Kitchen on Netflix, we were disappointed that winning chef Dominic Taylor's Good Front Room was not open during our stay. The modern Caribbean restaurant is open from Wednesday to Saturday, and our visit happened to fall on a Monday and Tuesday. That left us with the British tavern experience at The Wigmore, where re-imagined classic pub fare is executed with finesse and complemented by craft beers and a good wine list.
If your schedule only allows for one meal, ensure it's afternoon tea. The Langham is the birthplace of this cherished British tradition and has been serving up scones and sandwiches since 1865. The afternoon tea highlights fresh and heritage produce from the UK while showcasing a modern twist on classic favourites. Expect Ploughman's cheese scones, re-imagined custard cream biscuits, and a 99 flake re-designed as fancy finger food. Complemented by JING teas or Gusbourne sparkling wine, The Langham afternoon tea is London luxury at its finest.
Rest and refinement
When it comes to wellness, the underground Chuan Spa is a lavish and tranquil space for massages and facials inspired by the five elements. Signature treatments include the 24 Kt Golden Opulence By Amra, an exclusive for The Langham that involves crushed gold for exfoliation, followed by gold body oils and gold hot stones.
The Langham London's fitness studio features state-of-the-art equipment, cardiovascular machines, free weights and is open 24/7. However, the 16-meter subterranean swimming pool in a converted bank vault effortlessly sets The Langham apart from its London counterparts.
At The Langham London, understated elegance and considerate details construct an environment that ensures every guest feels at ease, as if nestled within their own London sanctuary.
GO: Visit www.langhamhotels.comfor more information.