The Langham, London, is more than just a luxury hotel; it’s a timeless landmark with a rich history intertwined with the fabric of London’s social and cultural landscape. Located in the prestigious Marylebone district, this five-star gem stands tall, facing the picturesque Regent’s Park.
From Grand Opening to a Symbol of Victorian Grandeur
The Langham’s story begins in the mid-19th century, a time of remarkable growth and innovation. Designed by the renowned architect John Giles and built by Lucas Brothers, the hotel opened its doors in 1865, costing a staggering £300,000. That sum translates to a whopping £36,230,425 in today’s currency. At the time of its grand opening, the Langham was the largest and most modern hotel in London, boasting 100 water closets, 36 bathrooms, and England’s first hydraulic lifts – a testament to its cutting-edge design and commitment to comfort. The Prince of Wales himself graced the opening ceremony, adding a touch of royal splendor to the occasion. Despite experiencing a brief period of financial hardship, the Langham quickly rebounded, becoming a beacon of success and sophistication.
A Gathering Place for the Elite and the Famous
As the years passed, the Langham became a popular destination for nobility, celebrities, and influential figures from across the globe. The hotel’s reputation for impeccable service and luxurious accommodations drew in a diverse clientele, including American royalty, like the Union Army officer James Sanderson, who became the hotel’s general manager in 1867. He attracted a significant number of American guests, such as the celebrated author Mark Twain and the influential financier Hetty Green. The Langham’s allure extended beyond American shores, captivating international luminaries such as Napoleon III, Oscar Wilde, Antonín Dvorák, Arturo Toscanini, and Jean Sibelius. These prestigious guests embraced the hotel’s elegance and its unique atmosphere. In 1879, the Langham took another bold step forward, becoming one of the first hotels in London to embrace the new technology of electric lighting, further enhancing its reputation for innovation and modernity. This era also saw the hotel play host to fictional characters, as Arthur Conan Doyle chose the Langham as a setting for his famed Sherlock Holmes stories, “A Scandal in Bohemia” and “The Sign of Four”.
A Legacy of Distinction and Resilience
Throughout the 20th century, the Langham maintained its reputation as a preferred destination for the elite and the influential. It welcomed members of the royal family, including Diana, Princess of Wales, and prominent politicians like Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle, who enjoyed the hotel’s understated elegance and its discreet service. The Langham also hosted a dazzling array of personalities from the world of entertainment and the arts, including Noël Coward, Wallis Simpson, Don Bradman, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, and the Japanese pop star Ayumi Hamasaki, further cementing its status as a meeting place for the world’s most notable figures.
The Langham, however, was not immune to the trials and tribulations that marked the 20th century. It weathered the Great Depression and the devastation of World War II, during which it served as a temporary base for the British Army. Following the war, the BBC, which had chosen to build Broadcasting House across Portland Place, occupied the Langham, before ultimately purchasing it in 1965. This period in the hotel’s history saw it become associated with the world of broadcasting, with Guy Burgess, one of the infamous Cambridge Five spies, making the Langham his home during his time working for the BBC.
A Modern Rebirth and a Return to Glory
During its time under BBC ownership, the Langham saw its iconic spaces transformed into staff facilities, with the Palm Court becoming a library and the restaurant serving as a staff bar. In 1980, the BBC submitted a controversial plan to demolish the hotel, but the proposal was met with public opposition and ultimately rejected. The Langham’s fate took a new turn in 1986 when the BBC sold the property to the Ladbroke Group, which in turn, embarked on a multi-million pound refurbishment, returning the Langham to its former glory. It was reopened as the Langham Hilton in 1991, marking a significant turning point in the hotel’s history. In 1995, the Langham was acquired by Great Eagle Holdings, a Hong Kong-based company, which embarked on an ambitious program of restoration and expansion, ensuring the Langham’s enduring legacy for the 21st century.
A Modern Icon with a Classic Soul
Today, The Langham, London, stands proudly as a five-star hotel with 380 rooms, offering a range of amenities designed to meet the needs of the modern traveler, including a business center, 15 function rooms, and the iconic Palm Court, where guests can indulge in the traditional English pastime of afternoon tea, a tradition that has been enjoyed at the Langham since 1865. The Langham’s culinary scene is as vibrant as its history, boasting a new restaurant, Mimosa, set to open in 2024, alongside the Wigmore, a British tavern by the renowned chef Michel Roux Jr. The Langham also welcomes The Good Front Room, a long-term residency by Dom Taylor, the winner of the Five Star Kitchen TV show, showcasing his culinary talent. The hotel’s stylish Artesian cocktail bar offers a sophisticated haven for guests seeking a unique and intimate setting, while a private dining room provides an exclusive space for special occasions. In 2019, the Langham further expanded its culinary offerings with the launch of Sauce by The Langham, a cookery school, offering guests the opportunity to delve into the art of fine dining.
A Hotel Woven into the Tapestry of Time
The Langham’s legacy extends beyond its physical presence, reaching into the world of literature, film, and television. In 1889, the Langham played host to a pivotal meeting between Oscar Wilde, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Joseph Marshall Stoddart, which led to the publication of two literary masterpieces: “The Sign of Four” by Arthur Conan Doyle and “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde, solidifying the Langham’s place in literary history. The hotel’s cinematic allure has also captured the imaginations of filmmakers, with the Langham’s exterior serving as a backdrop for the James Bond film “GoldenEye”, while its interior featured in Michael Winterbottom’s “Wonderland”. The Langham has also appeared in numerous television shows and movies, cementing its place as a popular filming location for both contemporary and classic productions.
The Langham, London, remains a symbol of elegance, sophistication, and enduring tradition, seamlessly blending its rich history with the demands of the modern world. From its grand opening as the largest and most modern hotel in London to its current status as a five-star gem, the Langham continues to enchant and inspire, a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence. The Langham’s timeless allure is a testament to its enduring legacy, ensuring that its story will continue to unfold for generations to come.
