The Langham, London has been the go-to luxury spot for VIPs, royalty, and business people alike since 1865. We checked in to see if 'Europe's first Grand Hotel' has still got it
We stayed
In a One Bedroom Suite. The location is a big winner here – just off Regent Street in Marylebone – meaning early morning meetings in central are palatable. A lobby clad in marble with high ceilings and dramatic chandeliers hints at what's to come upstairs.
While our suite isn’t the top category available, it still measures in at 58sq m with a bedroom, lounge, and two bathrooms. We like that the smaller of the two is found next to the lounge, so that guests don’t have to pass through the bedroom. A bottle of chilled champagne on arrival and a full-sized desk, mean that work and play and both catered for.
The sleek interiors feature a muted colour scheme of greys and whites, but there are still pops of colour to be seen – fresh flowers, fruit bowls, framed artwork, and coffee table books.
We ate
In
Roux at The Landau. This fine-dining restaurant is overseen by Michel Roux Jr (that of MasterChef and Michelin fame). Booths in the main space offer an air of privacy for smaller dinners, while the Postillion private dining room can seat groups of up to 18.
Ingredients are seasonal and so dishes change regularly, but on our visit it’s the diver caught Orkney scallops served on the half shell with fino sherry, beurre blanc and Oscietra caviar that wins us over. Other highlights include lobster with tortellini in a brandied bisque, and a well-pouffed pistachio soufflé.
We liked
The Langham Club Lounge. Those that lay their head in an Executive Room, Junior Suite, or One Bedroom Suite, will also benefit from access to the two-floor club. It’s particularly well-suited to those that are travelling for business, with the opportunity to have three items of clothing pressed at check-in (goodbye suitcase crinkles) and two hours free use of the boardroom and media room.Hot breakfast is served here (think poached eggs and smoked streaky bacon) as well as champagne and canapés before dinner.
We heard
The Roux at The Landau is currently closed, but will be reopening in mid-February with a more informal dining atmosphere. Don’t fret though, Michel Roux Jr will still be looking after the menu. In the meantime, guests can enjoy afternoon tea in Palm Court, cocktails and tapas-style bites in Artesian, and modern pub classics in The Wigmore. The latter, a sophisticated tavern, was added in 2017 and judging by what Monsieur Roux did here in a more casual environment, it all seems very promising for The Roux at the Landau too.
Prices for a One Bedroom Suite at
The Langham, London start at £950 per night.
1C Portland Pl, Marylebone, London W1B 1JA, 020 7323 2340.
Photos Paul Judd