In short… The Langham London, installed on the northern end of Regent Street, has been offering luxurious accommodations since 1865, having hosted such luminaries as King Edward VII, Oscar Wilde and Princess Diana. While The Langham has stayed true to its roots, a complete renovation in 2009 modernized this West End classic.
The surroundings… Within walking distance of Oxford Circus and the retail canyon of Regent Street, The Langham London sits in the nexus of Marylebone, Fitzrovia, Soho and Mayfair, offering countless options for shopping, dining and sightseeing.
The backstory… Considered Europe’s first Grand Hotel, it pioneered such 19th-century marvels as running hot water and elevators, or “rising rooms.” Its illustrious past includes royal guests, a stint as the BBC broadcasting hub during the second World War, and even a James Bond cameo. The hotel wears this impressive past with typical British reserve, revealing itself quietly in a vitrine just outside the lobby.
The vibe… The hotel offers a sophisticated oasis from the clamor of Regent Street outside. A stately lobby awaits arriving guests, along with an exceptionally attentive and thoughtful staff. This particular visit to London was for business and The Langham was a perfect setting for meeting clients and getting work done.
The rooms… There are a total of 380 rooms, from singles to a grand, six-room suite. My executive suite was tastefully appointed in soft tones, with plenty of room and an exceptionally comfortable bed. I appreciated such thoughtful touches as a wall switch for a discreet bathroom night light and an indulgent shower that’s a proud testament to British plumbing. While the room has plenty of modern touches, the ceiling height and tall windows are a reminder of its 19th-century heritage.
For guests staying in the executive suites or above, there’s The Langham Club, providing concierge service, buffet breakfast, afternoon tea and pre-dinner cocktail service. This light-filled club room is a very pleasant and elegant option for meetings or making plans over breakfast.
The food & drink… The Langham offers several dining options: afternoon Tea in the Palm Court; Sale e Pepe for Italian fare; the Artisanal Bar, named after a 310-foot well discovered underneath; and The Wigmore, an updated pub with a modernized, elevated take on traditional dishes (burgers, toasties, Eton mess etc.), and offers lighter fare as well. This is a popular spot, located in the Regent’s Wing, a former bank that is the newest addition to The Langham. On the night I was there, the 2026 World Cup was just beginning and the pub was packed and suitably boisterous.
The wellness… The hotel provides a full service spa, complete with steam, sauna, workout/weight room and a lap pool located in what was once an enormous bank vault. They also offer a variety of cooking classes in a professional-grade kitchen that looks like a very nice way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Is it kid friendly? I did see several families staying at the Langham with well-behaved, if jet-lagged, children in tow. Having been the father of rather rambunctious kids, I’m not sure I would have chosen The Langham back in those days; however, the staff goes out of their way to see that birthdays are remembered and I even hear that teepees are sometimes provided for in-room adventures.
Parting words… All told, The Langham London easily measures up to its Grand Hotel status, balancing Victorian elegance with modern comforts and terrific service. A great option for business travelers, solo travelers, those traveling with a partner, or the entire family.
Date of stay… July 11, 2026
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