A gathering place for the elite, the first luxury hotel in European history—The Langham, London

Written/Compiled and Reported by MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin　

Located on London’s well-known boutique hub—Regent Street, The Langham Hotel has set numerous records since 1865, including being the first luxury hotel in European hotel history, the first with air conditioning, and the first with hot and cold running water in guest bathrooms. Over the years, it has been favored by political and business elites, including writers Mark Twain, Arthur Conan Doyle, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and in 2010, it was ranked the No. 1 best hotel in London by the Michelin Guide.

Part of the Langham Hotels Group, The Langham, London is not only close to famous shopping destinations such as Regent Street and Oxford Street, but also just a stone’s throw from Regent’s Park, a 16th-century royal hunting forest of King Henry VIII of England and now the second-largest park in central London. Nearby famous attractions such as University College London, the British Museum, London Zoo, and the Sherlock Holmes Museum at Baker Street are also not to be missed.

Inheriting the traditions and century-old culture of the Victorian era, as soon as you step into the lavishly restored grand lobby of The Langham, London—refurbished at a cost of £80 million—you can feel the profound historical ambiance spanning over 140 years. After the renovation, the hotel offers 380 luxurious rooms and suites, 15 banquet halls, and the Palm Court restaurant, which is hailed as the birthplace of the traditional English afternoon tea.

The Palm Court, continuing its century-old tradition, is located in the heart of the hotel. Since its opening in 1865, it has become a world-famous culinary landmark, attracting countless food enthusiasts from around the globe. In addition to serving light meals during the day, its legendary classic afternoon tea encapsulates a century of British tradition on a three-tiered stand featuring fruit tarts and scones, paired with aromatic English tea, offering guests a taste of over a hundred years of history. Moreover, every evening, the Palm Court serves a selection of champagnes, allowing guests to unwind and enjoy a delightful night with a glass in hand.

In terms of room design, the elegant and magnificent style incorporates pink tones in many areas, providing guests with a soft, comfortable, and dreamlike living space that feels like a relaxing home away from home. Additionally, dark-toned wooden bed frames paired with colorful carpets or furniture add a touch of vibrancy to the fresh and refined space. Some room types even feature Penhaligon’s toiletries in the bathrooms, elevating the refined and elegant British style to the utmost in the most private of spaces.