Fodor's Expert Review The Langham

One of London’s oldest grand hotels, the Langham is less stuffy than some of its contemporaries following sustained refurbishment that has blessed it with a buzzy, forward-thinking ambiance. A moment from Oxford Circus and Regent’s Park, the breathtaking Victorian building is well-located for the first-class shopping, restaurants and galleries of the neighborhood. A glitzy hotel with a reputation for service, the Langham is part luxury hotel, part grand attraction thanks to the bars and restaurants that lure both guests and non-guests alike.

room

While the marble pillars, swanky bar and fine dining are all important in a luxury hotel, the rooms are where the magic happens. And while the understated elegance of the Langham’s rooms could hardly be described as magical, the unmistakable luxury of the fabrics, the huge beds and the bespoke furniture lends them a look of refined city chic.

If you’re Jay Z and Beyonce, or just have a vast abundance of disposable income to draw on, we’d recommend booking the Sterling Suite, a 450-square meter apartment with six bedrooms ideal for dream family occasions.

bathroom

Even standard Superior Rooms come with sizable bathrooms decked in marble with most available with baths and walk-in showers.

lobby

Between the marble pillars, cozy nooks and open fires, what stands out in the lobby of the Langham is the sheer number of people always buzzing around. Connected to the Palm Court, the grand hall entrance is something like an ambassador’s reception made up of guests, staff and visitors arriving for the classic Langham afternoon tea.

pool

Part of the spa and fitness area the 16-meter pool is an oasis of serenity in an area of London exemplified by its rat-race hustle and bustle. Beautifully styled, the pool is one of the hotel’s standout features.

spa

We can reveal that the spa at the Langham is exceptional, which means you should need no further persuading to book a treatment. Along with a range of massage therapies and eclectic treatments, there are steam rooms and saunas.

gym

Training in the 24-hour gym is akin to working out in a stylish vault thanks to the heavy iron riveting in the dark green walls, a look which helps the space to a dose of personality often absent in hotel gyms.

dining

If you want a superstar chef to helm the restaurant at your luxury five-star hotel then we can’t think of many better than Michele Roux. Part of a cooking dynasty, the chef’s Roux at the Landau is all about big flavors and great technique over gimmicky gastronomy. Beneath a high domed ceiling the grand dining room is more gallery than restaurant, with intimate banquets sat below classic wood panelled walls colored in silvery tones.

The afternoon tea is a forte of the Langham and its Palm Court bar is the ideal space in which to consume its dainty cucumber sandwiches with the crusts removed. Children get a soft toy with their tea and cake.

drinking

Named best bar in the world four times in a row, the Artesian at the Langham has some chops when it comes to its cocktails. Famous for the playful and experimental approach, the plush bar is a deserving place to celebrate an occasion. On a more contemporary note, the Wigmore transports a "regular pub" concept into the hotel, albeit an extremely handsome pub frequented by a beautiful and refined clientele.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The popularity of the award-winning Artesian means that booking is essential.