Just when the cold weather and London underground delays were testing my resolve and love for this city, I finally arrived at The Langham Hotel. Whilst being given a personal tour by the lovely Minjoo Leutwiler-Lee, the Executive Housekeeper of the hotel, I was once again reminded of why London is the most incredible city in the world.
Built between 1863 and 1865, The Langham once completed was the largest hotel in London with construction so groundbreaking (with the first use of hydraulic lift systems in England) that the Prince of Wales attended the hotel’s grand opening. No surprise that an inspired Arthur Conan Doyle set certain Sherlock Holmes adventures in and around the hotel. Also, the hotel is quite the celebrity having starred alongside Pierce Brosnan’s 007, doubling as the St. Petersburg Grand hotel in ‘Goldeneye’.
The Langham achieves an enviable balance of being extraordinarily beautiful and stylish yet unbelievably comfortable.
From the helpful hands of the porters to the ridiculously friendly receptionists - I say ‘ridiculously’ because I just didn’t think such service still existed - the staff are incredibly welcoming. Having met several members of the management team, I began to understand that this is something that comes form the very ethos of the hotel.
Navigating through various rooms used for events, it’s clear to see that the hotel has been meticulously cared for and that the current management feel very strongly about preserving its natural style. Seeing Minjoo light up showing me the breathtaking chandeliers in the ballroom confirmed this and it is completely understandable when you see just how stunning this hotel is.
So I leave The Langham, ready to love my London yet again thanks to this almost 150 year-old hotel.
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