FROM the moment I arrive at The Langham, London – Europe’s original grand hotel – I feel immersed in a world where heritage and modern luxury collide with seamless elegance. Celebrating its 160th anniversary, the hotel has recently unveiled a thoughtful evolution of its legacy.
The Langham, London
I am shown to the newly refurbished Portland Suite, and it is, quite simply, breathtaking. This two-bedroom signature suite has been entirely reimagined by Richmond International and handcrafted by Ben Whistler.
Every detail – embossed leathers, Murano glass chandeliers, precious wood veneers – speaks of exquisite craftsmanship and bespoke design. The bathroom is wrapped entirely in floor-to-ceiling black and white marble. The dramatic veining of the marble-sharp sweeping lines in inky black against brilliant white create a bold, cinematic contrast.
Portland Suite terrace
Portland Suite master bedroom
I unwind with an early afternoon espresso on the suite’s terrace, perched atop the hotel’s porte cochère, watching the world go by on Portland Place. Afterwards I make my way to the atmospheric Chuan Spa, where I surrender to the expert hands of Kumi as he guides me through the exquisite ‘Chuan Yu’ facial – a 75-minute ritual of energy balancing and lymphatic massage that detoxifies and revitalises.
The signature Gua Sha technique breathes new life into my skin, expertly sculpting and de-puffing my face, erasing every trace of water retention along my jawline. The immediate transformation is profound and I’m already dreaming of my next visit.
Portland Suite bathroom
As evening falls I head over to Artesian, The Langham’s award-winning cocktail bar, where a newly launched menu has been creating quite the stir. In need of a gentle revival after a blissfully serene afternoon, I opt for the ‘Parsnip’, a playful reimagining of the classic Espresso Martini. A smooth blend of Grey Goose vodka and brandy, elevated by an unexpected savoury note of parsnip, it’s bold, balanced, and delightfully unconventional.
160th Anniversary Afternoon Tea
The Langham isn’t just preserving history, it’s rewriting it. As their CEO Bob van den Oord aptly put it, “we’re building great memories for our customers and giving back to the communities that support us.”. After such a memorable stay, I couldn’t agree more.
by Rachel Spencer
The Langham London is located at 1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA.
Book via https://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/london/