The Langham, London, a five-star hotel with a rich history, is a landmark in the heart of the English capital. Located in the Marylebone district, the hotel’s elegant façade graces Langham Place and boasts a prime view of Portland Place, leading towards the serene Regent’s Park.
From Grandeur to Renewal: A Timeline of the Langham
This iconic hotel, built between 1863 and 1865, was a marvel of its time. John Giles designed the structure, and the Lucas Brothers brought it to life at a cost of £300,000 – a colossal sum equivalent to £36,230,425 in today’s money. At the time of its inauguration, The Langham was the largest and most modern hotel in London, showcasing cutting-edge features like 100 water closets, 36 bathrooms, and England’s first hydraulic lifts. The hotel’s official opening on June 10, 1865, was graced by the presence of the Prince of Wales himself.
The Langham’s journey wasn’t without its trials. After the original company faced economic hardship and was liquidated, new management took over the hotel for less than half its construction cost. Despite these early challenges, the hotel quickly flourished.
In 1867, James Sanderson, a former Union Army officer, became the general manager and ushered in a new era, attracting a prominent American clientele. Famous figures like Mark Twain and Hetty Green, a renowned financier, frequented the hotel. The Langham also became a popular destination for European royalty and artists, including Napoleon III, Oscar Wilde, and renowned musicians like Dvorák, Toscanini, and Sibelius. The hotel even embraced the dawn of modern technology by installing electric light in its entrance and courtyard as early as 1879. Adding to its literary fame, Arthur Conan Doyle incorporated the Langham into two of his Sherlock Holmes stories: “A Scandal in Bohemia” and “The Sign of Four”.
A Century of History: From Royalty to the BBC
The Langham continued to be a favorite among the elite throughout the 20th century. Diana, Princess of Wales, and prominent political figures like Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle were among the hotel’s esteemed guests. Other notable personalities who graced the Langham’s halls included Noël Coward, Wallis Simpson, Don Bradman, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, and pop icon Ayumi Hamasaki.
The Great Depression brought economic hardship, and the Langham was affected. The owners attempted to sell the property to the BBC, but instead, Broadcasting House was constructed across Portland Place. During World War II, the hotel was used by the British Army, but sadly, it suffered bomb damage and was forced to close temporarily. After the war, the BBC occupied the hotel as a secondary facility to Broadcasting House and ultimately acquired it outright in 1965.
During its time under BBC ownership, the Langham’s grandeur was repurposed. The elegant Palm Court was transformed into a reference library, and the restaurant became a staff bar and refreshment room. In 1980, the BBC made an unsuccessful bid to demolish the historic building and replace it with a modern office complex designed by Norman Foster. However, in 1986, the BBC sold the property to the Ladbroke Group for £26 million. The Ladbroke Group, later acquiring the non-US Hilton hotels, embarked on a massive £100 million refurbishment project and reopened the hotel as the Langham Hilton in 1991.
A Renaissance of Luxury: Redefining the Langham
In 1995, Great Eagle Holdings, a Hong Kong-based company, purchased The Langham. The new owners further extended and renovated the hotel between 1998 and 2000, and a more comprehensive restoration took place between 2004 and 2009. This restoration project, costing an estimated £80 million, meticulously restored the hotel to its former glory. Great Eagle subsequently established Langham Hotels International, a subsidiary, and expanded its portfolio by using the prestigious “Langham” brand for various hotels.
Today, The Langham stands as a five-star hotel, offering 380 luxurious rooms, a meticulously restored Palm Court, a business center, and 15 elegant function rooms, including the grand Grand Ballroom. The Palm Court, a symbol of the hotel’s heritage, continues to delight guests with its traditional afternoon tea service, a tradition that dates back to 1865.
A Modern Twist on Tradition: Contemporary Culinary Experiences
The Langham is not just a place to stay, it’s also a destination for discerning palates. Mimosa, the new hotel restaurant, is set to open in 2024, replacing the popular The Landau. Right next door, the Wigmore, a British tavern by the renowned Michel Roux Jr., offers a different culinary experience. The Good Front Room, a popular long-term residency by Dom Taylor, the winner of the Five Star Kitchen TV show, adds another layer of culinary excitement. Artesian, the hotel’s cocktail bar, and a private dining room round out the dining options, making The Langham a haven for culinary enthusiasts.
In 2019, the hotel further expanded its culinary offerings with Sauce by The Langham, a dedicated cookery school. The Langham, with its rich history and forward-looking culinary vision, truly offers an unparalleled experience.
A Cinematic Presence: The Langham in the World of Film
The Langham’s timeless elegance has also captivated the world of film. The hotel made a memorable appearance in the James Bond film “GoldenEye” (1995), with its entryway serving as the exterior of Saint Petersburg’s Grand Hotel Europe. The Langham’s exterior also featured in “Wonderland” (1999), a film directed by Michael Winterbottom. It was also featured in the Olsen twins’ made-for-TV movie “Winning London” (2001) and the animated film “Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties” (2006). The Langham’s restaurant was the primary setting for “Burnt” (2015), a culinary drama starring Bradley Cooper.
A Timeless Legacy: The Langham’s Lasting Appeal
From its grand opening in 1865, The Langham has witnessed history unfold and has played host to some of the most notable figures of the 20th and 21st centuries. Today, the hotel continues to be a beacon of luxury and sophistication, a timeless destination that blends heritage with contemporary flair. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious stay, a unique dining experience, or simply a glimpse into history, The Langham offers an unforgettable experience.
