The Langham, London, is a legendary five-star hotel nestled in the heart of Marylebone, overlooking the serene Regent’s Park. It’s a beacon of elegance and history, a testament to London’s enduring allure.
From Victorian Grandeur to Modern Luxury
Born from the vision of architect John Giles, the Langham was constructed between 1863 and 1865. At a cost of £300,000, it was a remarkable feat of engineering, standing as the largest and most modern hotel in London at the time. Its innovative features included a hundred water closets, thirty-six bathrooms, and the first hydraulic lifts in England. The grandeur of the Langham was further accentuated by its opening ceremony in 1865, presided over by the Prince of Wales.
Despite facing financial challenges, the Langham quickly transformed into a flourishing enterprise. The hotel attracted a prestigious clientele, including American dignitaries such as Mark Twain and the financier Hetty Green, as well as European royalty like Napoleon III. Literary luminaries like Oscar Wilde and renowned composers like Dvorák, Toscanini, and Sibelius graced the hotel’s halls, adding to its growing cultural cachet. The hotel even made its way into the pages of literature when Arthur Conan Doyle set parts of his iconic Sherlock Holmes stories, “A Scandal in Bohemia” and “The Sign of Four,” at the Langham.
A Century of Elegance: From Royal Favors to World War II
The Langham’s reputation for world-class service and luxurious accommodations continued to flourish throughout the 20th century. It became a favored haven for royalty, including Diana, Princess of Wales, and prominent politicians such as Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle. A veritable who’s who of the 20th century walked its corridors, including Noël Coward, Wallis Simpson, Don Bradman, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, and Ayumi Hamasaki, solidifying its status as a cultural melting pot.
However, the Langham was not immune to the challenges of the 20th century. The Great Depression and the World War II bombings took their toll, forcing the hotel to close its doors. The BBC occupied the Langham for a time after the war, adding another chapter to its fascinating history.
Reinvention and Rejuvenation: A New Chapter for The Langham
In the late 1980s, the Langham was sold to the Ladbroke Group, leading to a £100 million refurbishment project that restored the hotel to its former glory. The Langham Hilton, as it was then known, reopened in 1991, once again becoming a beacon of luxury in London.
In 1995, the Langham was acquired by the Hong Kong-based Great Eagle Holdings, who continued the legacy of excellence. The hotel underwent further extensive renovations, meticulously restoring its original splendor. The hotel was rebranded, dropping the Hilton name and returning to its original moniker, “The Langham.”
A Modern Icon: A Legacy of Luxury and Innovation
The Langham, today, is a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity. Its 380 exquisitely appointed rooms, the iconic Palm Court serving afternoon tea since 1865, the bustling business center, and 15 impressive function rooms, including the Grand Ballroom, are testament to its enduring legacy.
The hotel’s commitment to culinary excellence is evident in its array of dining options: The Langham’s restaurant, Mimosa, a British tavern next door, the renowned cocktail bar Artesian, a private dining room, and a popular long-term residency from Dom Taylor, “The Good Front Room”. In 2019, the hotel further solidified its culinary reputation by opening “Sauce by The Langham,” a dedicated cookery school.
A Landmark in Literature and Film
The Langham’s enduring presence has captured the imagination of artists, writers, and filmmakers. The iconic meeting of literary giants Oscar Wilde, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Joseph Marshall Stoddart at the hotel in 1889 is memorialized with a green plaque in its honor.
The Langham has also appeared in several films, including the James Bond film “GoldenEye” and Michael Winterbottom’s “Wonderland,” adding to its glamorous aura. More recently, the hotel has been featured in “Burnt,” a culinary drama starring Bradley Cooper, further solidifying its place in the world of cinema.
The Langham, London, is more than just a luxury hotel; it is a living testament to London’s rich history and its enduring appeal. It is a place where history meets contemporary luxury, offering guests a unique experience that blends the charm of the past with the sophistication of the present.
