The Langham Hotel in London is as close to perfect as you can get. A 5-star property that could easily be given 6 stars, my experience there – from the facilities to the staff – was nothing short of exquisite. And I don’t use such words frivolously.
Located on the West End close to the shopping of Oxford Street, The Langham’s doorman charmed me immediately upon my arrival and marked my bags so that they didn’t need to follow me into the lobby.
When you enter, your senses are greeted with white marble and fresh flowers. Inside, women in pink suits were available to offer assistance. I was personally escorted to my 334-square foot Grand Executive Room in the Regent Wing because it can be difficult to find.
I did have to pay attention so that I could make my way back there on my own, as this area of the hotel was a bit out of the way. But it was worth the small amount of extra walking. (In case you think I was given special treatment as a travel writer, I don’t think so. I always observe the way staff members treat other guests, and it appeared everyone received special attention at The Langham. I suspect the management is quite exacting about how guests are treated.)
The Regent Wing rooms were done in traditional taupe décor, but the bold violet color of the velvet chairs and bed headboard lent a touch of flash. This shade was repeated in the seating of Artesian, the hotel’s cocktail bar. I loved the damask bedding more than any hotel I have ever experienced; it felt wonderful against my skin.
Besides a couch and coffee table at the foot of the bed, which faced the television, the minibar contained a drawer with glassware and china for tea and coffee. A selection of teas was included, along with a Nespresso machine. One of the nice details was a pink and gold box that contained stationery and a pink and gold writing pen.
The bath contained fresh orchids and was designed with green marble on the countertop, floor, and detail on the tub. There was a separate shower and a bathroom scale. Unlike many luxury hotels in London, an iron and ironing board were included in the room, as well as a particularly large safe. I always appreciate a safe that’s big enough to hold my ample laptop and camera equipment.
Also, WiFi was free, and there were complimentary bottles of water provided. Of course, the room also had a fine robe, slippers, and hair dryer. Another unusual feature that came in handy was a panel of electrical and data outlets that included both a U.S. and a European plug besides UK outlets.
The Langham has 380 rooms and suites, as well as conference facilities and a Grand Ballroom that holds 375. There is a Chuan Spa and a fitness center with equipment, salt sauna, steam rooms, and swimming pool.
More even than the amenities, I was impressed by the staff – each of whom addressed me by name whenever I called with a request – and also by the breakfast. The Langham has the elegant The Palm Court on the property, where breakfast, afternoon high tea, and lunch are served. It’s the first place in the UK where high tea was served in 1865. In fact, The Langham has been famous for its high tea since then and frequently wins “Best Afternoon Tea” awards.
Everything was prepared and presented with great attention to detail and quality. A small buffet included cold meats, fruits, breads, and pastries, but you could also order a full English breakfast. Even the breads and fruits were especially fine, and the service was impeccable.
Chex Roux is available for dinner, and there are two beautiful bars, as well as private dining available and a cookery school.
The Langham has quite a history and claims to be London’s first “Grand Hotel.” The building endured bomb damage during World War II and is the first hotel in London to install air conditioning. Some people even say the property is haunted, although I didn’t see any evidence of that during my stay. One of the purported ghosts is a German prince who, in a lovesick state, hurled himself off the balcony of his room.
There was a famous meeting there in 1889 between Oscar Wilde, Arthur Conan Doyle, and editor Joseph Marshall Stoddart. Doyle mentioned the hotel in some of his Sherlock Holmes stories, and the property has been used in films, including the James Bond movie “Golden Eye.”
Some of The Langham’s other distinguished guests over the years have included Mark Twain, Napoleon III, Antonin Dvorak, Arturo Toscanini, Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle, Noel Coward, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, and Princess Diana.
It’s one thing to feel privileged to stay in a hotel with such a history, but it’s another to have it live up to its reputation 100%. If this property is any indication of the quality of Langham Hotels elsewhere in the world, I hope to experience another one before long.
The author of this story received complimentary accommodations at The Langham, but as always, we are dedicated to providing unbiased opinions of our experiences. Our allegiance is to you, our readers.
Melanie Votaw is the Publisher and Executive Travel Writer of LuxuryWeb Magazine. She has visited more than 50 countries on 6 continents and written for such magazines as Executive Travel, Just Luxe, Business Insider, South China Morning Post, Travel Mindset, and more. She is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, New York Travel Writers Association, and International Travel Writers Alliance. Melanie's photography has won awards, and she has also written 43 nonfiction books as either the author or ghostwriter.
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