Step into the grand halls of The Langham, London, a five-star hotel that has witnessed history unfold for over a century. Nestled in the prestigious Marylebone district, this architectural gem graces Langham Place, its imposing facade facing Portland Place, with Regent’s Park as its backdrop.
A Monument to Victorian Grandeur
The Langham was born in 1865, a testament to the architectural prowess of John Giles and the construction expertise of the Lucas Brothers. The staggering cost of £300,000, equivalent to a whopping £36,230,425 in today’s money, underscored the hotel’s status as a symbol of Victorian extravagance. This opulent structure boasted one hundred toilets, thirty-six bathrooms, and the pioneering feat of England’s first hydraulic lifts, solidifying its position as the city’s most modern and grand hotel. The opening ceremony, graced by the Prince of Wales himself, marked the beginning of an illustrious era for this architectural icon.
A Rendezvous for Royalty and Luminaries
Following a temporary economic downturn, The Langham was purchased by new management for a mere fraction of its construction cost, rapidly becoming a celebrated destination. In 1867, the hotel welcomed James Sanderson, a former Union Army officer, as its general manager. His leadership propelled The Langham to newfound heights, attracting a diverse clientele, including renowned American author Mark Twain and the astute financier Hetty Green.
The Langham became a haven for luminaries from diverse spheres: Napoleon III, Oscar Wilde, the composer Antonín Dvořák, the conductor Arturo Toscanini, and the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius were just a few of the notable figures who graced its halls. This distinguished legacy continued throughout the 20th century, as The Langham welcomed Diana, Princess of Wales, and world leaders such as Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle. Noël Coward, Wallis Simpson, the legendary cricketer Don Bradman, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, and the pop star Ayumi Hamasaki added to the hotel’s rich tapestry of guests.
Facing Adversity with Resilience
The hotel’s resilience was tested during the Great Depression, and while its owners attempted to sell it to the BBC, the broadcasting company opted to build Broadcasting House across Portland Place instead. The Second World War brought further challenges, with The Langham being utilized by the British Army before suffering bomb damage and closing its doors.
The BBC, however, saw the hotel’s potential and occupied it as auxiliary accommodation to Broadcasting House, eventually purchasing it in 1965. This chapter saw The Langham’s transformation into a place of intrigue, as it became home to Guy Burgess, one of the infamous Cambridge Five spy ring, who was caught attempting to break into his room with a fire extinguisher, an incident recorded in a BBC memo.
A Reimagined Icon of Luxury
The Palm Court became a library, and the hotel restaurant was transformed into a staff bar and refreshment room. In 1980, the BBC’s attempt to demolish the building to make way for a Norman Foster-designed office development was met with resistance and ultimately failed. The BBC’s ownership concluded in 1986 when the Ladbroke Group acquired the property, re-opening it as the Langham Hilton in 1991 after a £100 million refurbishment.
The Langham Hilton was sold to the Hong Kong-based Great Eagle Holdings in 1995, ushering in a period of extensive renovations. The hotel underwent several restorations, including a £80 million refurbishment between 2004 and 2009, restoring the hotel to its original grandeur. Great Eagle further expanded the Langham brand, creating Langham Hotels International.
A Modern Legacy of Elegance
Today, The Langham is a five-star hotel with 380 rooms, its iconic Palm Court still serving afternoon tea since 1865. The hotel also features a business center, 15 function rooms including the Grand Ballroom, and a host of culinary experiences. The new Mimosa restaurant, opening in 2024, replaces The Landau, while the adjacent Wigmore tavern offers a taste of British cuisine curated by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr.
The Langham continues to be a magnet for the discerning traveler, hosting The Good Front Room, a residency by Dom Taylor, who won the Five Star Kitchen TV show. Its Artesian cocktail bar and private dining room offer further indulgences. The hotel even boasts a cookery school, Sauce by The Langham, which opened in 2019.
A Living Piece of History
The Langham has been immortalized on the silver screen, appearing in films like James Bond’s “GoldenEye,” Michael Winterbottom’s “Wonderland,” and “Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties.” The hotel’s restaurant also served as the primary setting for the culinary drama film “Burnt,” starring Bradley Cooper.
More than just a hotel, The Langham is a living testament to London’s history and a timeless symbol of luxury and elegance. Its enduring legacy is woven into the fabric of the city, attracting visitors from around the world who seek an authentic glimpse into London’s rich past and present.
