The Langham, London, a luxurious 5-star hotel, stands proudly in the heart of Marylebone, its elegant facade facing Portland Place towards the serene Regent’s Park. This iconic building is not merely a place to stay; it is a living testament to history, a grand dame that has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the whispers of secrets, and the evolution of London itself.
A Century of Grandeur:
The Langham’s story began in the mid-19th century, when John Giles envisioned a hotel that would redefine luxury. Built between 1863 and 1865 at a colossal cost of £300,000 (equivalent to a staggering £36,230,425 today!), it became the largest and most modern hotel in London. The hotel boasted features that were considered cutting-edge for the time – a hundred water closets, thirty-six bathrooms, and the very first hydraulic lifts in all of England! The grand opening on June 10, 1865, was a spectacle, graced by the presence of the Prince of Wales.
Despite a shaky start with the original company going bankrupt during an economic downturn, the hotel quickly found its footing under new management and rose to become a roaring success. Its allure was irresistible, attracting a diverse clientele, from royalty and political figures to renowned artists and writers.
A Place of History and Glamour:
The Langham became a magnet for the crème de la crème of society. James Sanderson, a former Union Army officer, was appointed general manager in 1867, and the hotel quickly gained a reputation for its American clientele, including literary giants like Mark Twain and the influential financier Hetty Green. The hotel was also a favorite haunt for Napoleon III, the flamboyant Oscar Wilde, and celebrated musical figures like Dvorák, Toscanini, and Sibelius.
The Langham witnessed the march of progress, embracing innovation as it unfolded. Electric lights illuminated the entrance and courtyard in 1879, a testament to the hotel’s willingness to embrace the future. Arthur Conan Doyle, the master storyteller, even set two of his most famous Sherlock Holmes adventures – “A Scandal in Bohemia” and “The Sign of Four” – partially in the Langham, further cementing its place in literary history.
Through the 20th Century:
The Langham continued to be a preferred destination for the elite throughout the 20th century. Diana, Princess of Wales, graced its halls with her presence, and political heavyweights like Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle sought its luxurious accommodations. The hotel also welcomed Noël Coward, the enigmatic Wallis Simpson, cricket legend Don Bradman, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, and Japanese pop star Ayumi Hamasaki.
The hotel weathered the storms of history, facing challenges like the Great Depression and World War II. During the war, it served as temporary lodging for the British Army, but its grandeur was not immune to the destructive power of bombs, forcing it to close its doors temporarily. After the war, the hotel was occupied by the BBC and eventually purchased by the corporation in 1965.
A Transformation and a New Era:
The BBC‘s tenure brought a change in the hotel’s character, with the once opulent Palm Court transformed into a reference library and the restaurant into a staff bar and refreshment room. In 1980, the BBC proposed a radical makeover, seeking permission to demolish the building and replace it with a new office development designed by the renowned architect Norman Foster. Thankfully, the plan was never realized, preserving this architectural gem.
In 1986, the BBC sold the property to the Ladbroke Group, who embarked on a massive £100 million refurbishment. The Langham reopened in 1991 as the Langham Hilton, returning it to its former glory and ushering in a new era for the hotel.
A Legacy of Luxury and Refinement:
In 1995, Great Eagle Holdings acquired the hotel, embarking on a series of extensions and renovations. The Langham was restored to its original splendor between 2004 and 2009, at a cost of £80 million. Great Eagle further expanded the Langham brand, creating a subsidiary, Langham Hotels International, and establishing a chain of luxurious hotels around the world.
Today, The Langham, London, continues to be a beacon of luxury and refinement. With its 380 rooms, a restored Palm Court serving afternoon tea since 1865, a modern business center, and 15 function rooms including the grand ballroom, the hotel seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary amenities.
A Hotel for All Seasons:
The Langham offers a captivating array of dining experiences, from the new Mimosa restaurant (opening in 2024) to the traditional British tavern Wigmore, helmed by Michel Roux Jr.. The Good Front Room, a popular residency by Dom Taylor, winner of the Five Star Kitchen TV show, brings a touch of creativity to the hotel. The elegant Artesian, a cocktail bar, and a private dining room offer intimate settings for special occasions.
In 2019, the hotel opened Sauce by The Langham, a culinary school that aims to share the secrets of its culinary expertise.
A Legacy in Literature and Film:
The Langham’s legacy extends beyond its elegant rooms and exquisite dining. It has captured the imaginations of writers and filmmakers alike. In 2010, a green plaque was unveiled, commemorating a meeting between Oscar Wilde, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Joseph Marshall Stoddart in 1889. This meeting, where the two writers were commissioned to contribute to Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine, led to the publication of “The Sign of Four” by Conan Doyle and “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Wilde.
The Langham’s grandeur has graced the silver screen as well, appearing in films like “GoldenEye”, “Wonderland”, and “Burnt”. The hotel’s Palm Court is also featured in the reality TV show “Five Star Chef”, further solidifying its place in popular culture.
The Langham, London, is more than just a hotel; it’s a timeless icon, a living museum of history, elegance, and innovation. It is a place where the past and present converge, and where every guest can experience a touch of magic in the heart of London.
