Step into a world of elegance and indulgence at The Langham, a historic London hotel that exudes timeless charm and contemporary sophistication.
Imagine being greeted by smiling bellhops clad in rich red Italian merino wool jackets and black bowler hats as you ascend the grand staircase of this famed West End landmark. The Langham, with its storied past and legendary service, promises an unforgettable experience.
A Legacy of Royalty and Literary Legends
The Langham, opened in 1865 by the Prince of Wales, has long been a favorite among royalty and esteemed figures. From Diana, Princess of Wales, to Louis Napoléon III, who spent his exile from France within its walls, this hotel has witnessed history unfold.
Charles Dickens proclaimed The Langham home to the most expensive hotel meal in London, and its grand ballroom was the place to be for lavish dinner parties. Even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle found inspiration within its halls, setting several of his Sherlock Holmes novels in this captivating setting.
A Symphony of Historical Echoes and Modern Refinement
The Langham has seen its share of triumphs and tribulations. During World War II, it served as a first-aid post and military headquarters, but much of the West Wing was tragically destroyed in air raids. However, The Langham rose from the ashes, with the BBC acquiring the property and using it to broadcast “Grand Hotel,” a popular radio show featuring classical music from the Palm Court Orchestra.
Today, The Langham stands as a beacon of modern luxury in London, seamlessly blending its rich heritage with contemporary elegance.
A Palace of Opulence: Unveiling the Grand Lobby
As you step through the towering glass revolving doors, a grand vision unfolds. A white marble staircase invites you upwards, its golden railings guarded by mauve marble pillars. Cherry blossom trees and hydrangeas, arranged in huge blown glass vases, add a touch of natural beauty to the opulent lobby.
Marble-swirled walkways lead you past grape velvet armchairs and chrome caged lanterns, illuminating huge mahogany mirrors. A mid-century mahogany concierge desk, adorned with silver lamps and long plum curtains, stands ready to assist you, while a marble-cubed doorway leads you to the reception area.
A Sanctuary of Luxury: The Portland Suite
Stepping into The Langham’s reception is like entering a world of refined beauty. Lush cream walls, vine carpets, and champagne silk upholstered chairs create a luxurious atmosphere. Japanese oil paintings, brushed gold tables, and cast iron sculptures add artistic accents, while a vintage bronze mural sets the stage for the sweeping burnt orange reception desk adorned with golden curls. Porters push golden luggage trolleys under a sweeping olive beaded blown glass chandelier, completing this captivating tableau.
Your journey continues upward, in a cream leather elevator, to your two-bedroom Portland Suite. This lavish sanctuary welcomes you with pearl walls, herringbone floors, and long Japanese prints. Golden busts, jacquard curtains, and a bronze antique dining table encircled by shimmering champagne chairs create an air of timeless elegance. A grand Palermo chandelier illuminates this opulent space.
A Haven of Tranquility: The Cozy Lounge
The lounge is a haven of comfort and sophistication. Curious artwork and brass shelves adorn the walls, while potted terrariums, giant chess pieces, Nordic vases, and a vintage armillary globe add intriguing details.
Sink into a plush cream leather sofa and indulge in silver platters of fresh fruit, under a two-tiered smoke glass chandelier. The snakeskin bar cabinet beckons with Tuscany martini glasses, corrugated champagne flutes, and vintage leather mixology utensils. A sweeping terrace awaits, with its black iron parapet and regency brass lights, offering breathtaking views of Portland Place and the historic BBC Broadcasting House.
An Ode to Royalty: The Master Bedroom
A luxurious master bedroom awaits, with high ceilings and ivory damask carpets. Mirror-paneled walls, cherry blossom tapestries, and shimmering espresso curtains create a sense of grandeur. Golden medusa-like lamps cast a warm glow over the mammoth king-sized bed, adorned with hand-engraved pillows bearing your initials. Marble cake bedside tables complete this opulent space.
Sliding doors lead to a walk-in closet, featuring herringbone oak floors, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and glossed teak wardrobes enclosing hand-engraved initialed robes. The bathroom, a sanctuary of relaxation, is wrapped in mink grey marble and boasts a vintage chrome mirror, a frosted glass walk-in shower, and a beaded crystal chandelier hanging from a glowing pink recessed ceiling.
A Taste of Tradition: Palm Court and Afternoon Tea
Venture downstairs to Palm Court, a renowned destination for afternoon tea in London. Twining green vines, black onyx marble floors, and long tiered crystal lanterns create a magical atmosphere. Raindrop-textured walls and a Jurassic marble alcove bar complete the elegant setting. Waiters gracefully swing past with bone china teacups and silver cake tiers, offering an enchanting glimpse into a bygone era.
Settle into plush pink velvet cushions on champagne Chesterfield wraparound sofas and indulge in Ploughman’s cheese scones, smoked chicken and spiced apricot finger sandwiches, and raisin scones from Palm Court bakery, served with Cornish clotted cream and chef’s seasonal preserves.
Sip a glass of Taittinger Brut Reserve and sample Palm Court’s stupendous tea menu, from Indian Assam to White Peony from China and Genmaicha from Japan, while a pianist plays Greensleeves in the background.
A Journey of Tranquility: The Chuan Body + Soul Spa
In the cellars, you’ll discover The Langham’s Chuan Body + Soul Spa, a haven of tranquility and rejuvenation. Stately white and apple-lined granite floors lead you to this serene space, featuring woven taupe walls, Italian Murano crystal lamps, and a woven leather reception desk. A glass alcove displays brass shelves stacked with Chinese tea lights, silver mosaic elephants, Tsubo ceramics, and little essential oil pots.
Glide along narrow halls illuminated by glass caged lanterns and slip into a snug treatment room with caramel walls, antique bronze mirrors, little bonsai trees, Chinese tea lights, and crystal singing bowls.
Indulge in a gua sha facial, Chinese cupping therapy, or a 60-minute Chuan Harmony massage, inspired by the philosophies of Chinese doctors. These treatments aim to stimulate your meridian lines, balance your chi, and encourage lymphatic drainage. The massage begins with a gong breathing ritual, inviting you to inhale the aromas of frankincense (a grounding earth element), before using acupressure to induce a state of intense relaxation with a deep scalp massage.
Retire to a cozy lounge with curved olive sofas, mustard zigzag stitched rugs, salt-glazed stone pots, ceramic sea urchin vases, rippled black coffee tables, and a candlelit oak cabinet filled with white orchids and mandala pottery. Sip chamomile orange blossom tea and nibble ginger biscuits as you soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
Winding stone steps, guarded by giant bamboo sticks, lead down to a deep cerulean pool, surrounded by taupe rattan armchairs, granite-layered walls, ivory mosaic showers, and a colossal bonsai tree motif.
A Celebration of Flavors: The Wigmore
Upstairs at The Langham’s British tavern, The Wigmore, you’ll find a bustling haven of culinary delights. Rich olive velvet curtains unveil a space housed in a former banking hall, featuring octagonal oak floors, an art deco corrugated orb chandelier, a limestone marble bar with brass steel pipes, and olive marble tables bordered by camel leather stools.
Settle into The Wigmore’s cozy dining area, adorned with Turkish rugs, toad green armchairs, mustard ceramic lamps, and mocha velvet benches. Indulge in buttered crumpets with steamed cock crab and masala spiced scotch eggs coated in crispy vermicelli. Feast on slow cooked beef brisket pie with Padron peppers or a succulent cheeseburger with grilled ox tongue and crispy shallots, complete with plum and almond frangipane tart with smooth crème fraiche.
Sip a glass of Blanc de Blancs or sample The Wigmore Saison ale and tickling cocktails, from Black Opium Martinis with vanilla vodka and Disaronno to Earl Grey Negroni.
A Night of Enchantment: Artesian, The Langham’s Award-Winning Cocktail Bar
As the full moon rises, venture to Artesian, The Langham’s award-winning cocktail bar. This chic and sexy space, inspired by Victorian cabinets of curiosity, features eggshell walls, mauve pillars, crocodile skin chairs, chessboard tables, oriental temple wall lamps, and grape leather stools.
Mixologists at the pagoda bar create sour lychee martinis, smokey micheladas, and grapefruit Palomas, transporting you to a world of sophisticated cocktails and enchanting ambiance.
The Langham, a timeless masterpiece of luxury and history, invites you to experience a world of elegance, indulgence, and unparalleled service. From its grand lobby to its award-winning cocktail bar, The Langham promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of London’s luxury.
