First hotel in London to feature hydraulic lift (1865)
One of Europe’s first grand luxury hotels
Awarded Two Michelin Keys (2024, 2025)
Opened in 1865 as Europe’s first grand luxury hotel, The Langham, London, remains a cornerstone of British luxury. This historic West End landmark famously debuted the world’s first hydraulic hotel lift and introduced the tradition of afternoon tea in its elegant Palm Court. The hotel blends Victorian Italianate majesty with modern sophistication, earning Two Michelin Keys for its exceptional service and character. Guests can enjoy world-class dining at The Wigmore, inventive cocktails at the award-winning Artesian, or refine their skills at Sauce cookery school. With the holistic Chuan Spa and a commitment to Net Zero sustainability, The Langham offers a refined sanctuary just steps from Regent Street, continuing its legacy of hosting royalty, literary icons, and global travelers.
1C Portland Place, Regent Street, Marylebone, London, United Kingdom
As London’s social life centered on elegant dinners and gatherings, The Langham, London became a familiar meeting spot. Victorian elites filled its rooms, with the Prince of Wales counted among its early patrons. Figures such as Louis Napoléon III also stayed here, and even Charles Dickens wrote about the hotel’s notably expensive yet memorable meals.
By the late 1800s, it became known in stories, too. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle often stayed and used the hotel in his Sherlock Holmes tales. During World War II, part of the building was damaged and temporarily used as a first-aid post.
After the war, the BBC used some of the buildings for offices and radio shows. Later, the hotel was updated with new suites, a club lounge, the Palm Court, Chuan Spa, and its Artesian Bar was named the World’s Best Bar. Today, it still draws visitors with its mix of history, comfort, and charm.
The Langham, London, was designed by John Giles and completed in 1865 in the Victorian Italianate style. You can spot that influence in the building’s even proportions, tall arched windows, and detailed stone exterior. The Portland stone frontage gives it a strong, almost stately look, yet it blends easily with the Marylebone neighborhood around it.
Inside, it feels grand but still welcoming. Marble floors, wide staircases, and ornate ceilings hint at its long history, while recent updates keep it functional and accessible, including wheelchair-friendly routes. In the lobby and Palm Court, custom chandeliers and pendant lights made from hand-blown Murano glass add a warm glow. Rich marble and polished wood bring depth and texture to the space.
There are small touches you might miss at first. Bronze and glass gates, along with decorative metal panels near reception, quietly nod to the hotel’s past. It all comes together in a way that respects the original building while still feeling fresh for today.
Charles Dickens once wrote in his London guide about The Langham, noting its meals were expensive yet unforgettable.
Palm Court is best known as the birthplace of afternoon tea, first served here when the hotel opened in 1865. Today, the tea service includes a selection of finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of pastries created by Executive Pastry Chef Andrew Gravett that blend Victorian influence with a modern touch.
Beyond afternoon tea, Palm Court also offers a relaxed all-day dining experience. The menu brings together familiar classics and contemporary plates, paired with Champagne and a well-curated drinks list. In the evenings, live music fills the room, creating a vibrant atmosphere, whether you settle in for dinner or simply stop by for a drink.
Opening hours:
Breakfast: 7 am - 11 am
Afternoon Tea: 12:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Lounge Menu: 12:30 pm - 11 pm
Evening Set Menu: 5 pm - 11 pm
Live Music: 1 pm - 7 pm
Dress code: Smart casual
The Wigmore at The Langham sits inside what used to be a grand banking hall. Today, it works as a lively British pub with a polished edge. The menu focuses on hearty comfort food reworked by Michel Roux, so you can expect proper pub classics done with care. Think generous plates, good wines on tap, cask ales, craft beers, and even their own house Saison.
Sundays are a big deal here, especially for the traditional roast. It is also a popular spot for sports viewing, with guests gathering to watch major matches in a buzzing atmosphere. Seating is indoors, but during warmer months, The Hatch opens on Regent Street from Monday to Friday in the early evening. The outdoor terrace, with umbrellas and planters, makes it easy to grab a drink and enjoy the sunshine.
Opening hours: 12 pm - 11 pm (Monday to Saturday); 12 pm to 7 pm (Sunday)
The Hatch: 5:30 pm - 8 pm (Monday to Friday) [weather dependent]
Dress code: Smart casual
Artesian at The Langham is known for its bold cocktail culture and sleek indoor setting. Named after the 360-foot-deep well beneath the hotel, the bar has long pushed creative boundaries. As a four-time winner of The World’s 50 Best Bars award, it has earned global recognition for its inventive approach. It is a popular choice for after-work drinks, celebrations, or a relaxed late-night cocktail, with light all-day dining available.
The latest Ultimo menu features 16 cocktails, each built around one spotlight ingredient. The drinks are paired with elevated bar bites by Chef Chet Sharma of Bibi, who brings modern Indian flavors into small plates that match the creativity of the cocktails.
Opening hours: 4 pm - 12 am (Sunday to Wednesday); 4 pm - 1 am, (Thursday to Saturday)
Dress code: Smart casual
Sale e Pepe Mare brings a seafood-focused take on classic Italian dining. Building on the long-standing reputation of Sale e Pepe, which has been part of London’s dining scene for over 50 years, this new chapter draws inspiration from the Italian Riviera. The menu reflects the relaxed spirit of coastal Italy, from the Amalfi Coast to Puglia, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients.
Guests can expect fine crudo, carefully made pasta, and the well-known Milanese, which is ideal for sharing. The focus is on Italian and seafood dishes served in an indoor setting that feels polished but still comfortable.
Opening hours: 7 am - 1 am (Monday to Saturday); 7 am - 12 am (Sunday)
Dress code: Smart casual
Albert Edward, Prince of Wales – attended the hotel’s grand opening in 1865.
Louis Napoléon III – Emperor of the French, stayed at the hotel during his exile in London in the 19th century.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – Creator of Sherlock Holmes, a frequent guest who featured the hotel in his stories.
Diana, Princess of Wales – visited the hotel during the 1990s.
The Langham offers a range of wedding spaces, whether you are planning something large or more intimate. The Grand Ballroom is the standout, with space for up to 375 guests, high ceilings, and statement chandeliers. For a more intimate feel, there is also a garden setting and several private dining rooms that work well for smaller gatherings. In total, the hotel offers 20 wedding venues and up to seven breakout rooms.
Couples can also book the carriage rooms or even arrange full venue hire if they want more privacy. The spaces are flexible, so layouts can be adjusted depending on the style of celebration. Menus are created in collaboration with Michel Roux Jr., bringing a refined dining experience to the day. A dedicated Wedding Specialist guides couples through the planning process, helping with details big and small. The hotel also supports sustainable wedding options for those who want to plan with that in mind.
Sauce by The Langham is the hotel’s cookery school, which offers short Building Block classes for beginners and longer Masterclasses for those who want to go deeper. Guests can learn pasta making, bread baking, or even join a cocktail-making session. Families have options too. Children can take part in baking classes designed to introduce them to simple kitchen skills. They usually leave with cookies, muffins, or small cakes they have made themselves. Younger guests are also welcomed with dedicated check-in touches and small amenities such as a Theodore teddy bear.
The location also shapes the overall experience. Step out towards Regent Street and Oxford Street for some of London’s best-known retail stretches, wander through the open greenery of Hyde Park, or continue on to Buckingham Palace for a glimpse of royal heritage. Cultural stops such as The British Museum and National Gallery are within easy reach, while St. James's Park offers another scenic pause in the heart of the city. Venture a little further to Earl's Court to explore a different neighborhood atmosphere. Together, these spots make it easy to blend shopping, culture, and green spaces into your stay.
For gatherings beyond weddings, the hotel hosts both private and corporate events, with spaces designed to suit a wide range of occasions. From large-scale industry conferences to smaller business presentations or private luncheons, the venues can be configured to match the tone and size of your event. The carriage rooms and outdoor terrace are also available for exclusive hire.
An experienced events team is on hand to assist with planning and logistics, while in partnership with Encore, the hotel provides up-to-date technology and digital solutions to support fully connected events. For those looking to plan responsibly, the Connect Conferences initiative focuses on practical sustainability measures, helping organisers reduce environmental impact while delivering a well-run event.
Chuan Spa is located within the hotel and offers a quiet setting away from the main public areas. It holds a 5 Bubble rating from The Good Spa Guide and has been recognized in recent years for sustainability and boutique spa categories. Treatments follow the Five Elements theory from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Guests complete a short questionnaire before their appointment, which helps therapists suggest treatments and products aligned with one of the five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, or Earth. The idea is to tailor the experience based on individual needs rather than offering the same approach to everyone.
Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a gym with cardio machines and free weights, and access to Peloton workouts. Personal training and health club memberships are available. The Sleep Matters by Chuan program focuses on rest, offering spa treatments and in-room bath rituals based on the Five Elements assessment.
The Langham is committed to lowering its environmental impact and supporting the community. As part of Langham Hospitality Group’s Net Zero plan, the hotel is working toward clear 2030 targets on its journey to reaching Net Zero by 2045. Key efforts focus on improving energy and water efficiency, responsible sourcing, and ongoing staff training around environmental practices. Guests can also take part through the Guests of the Earth programme, which encourages simple steps like reusing towels and linens. Alongside environmental action, the hotel supports local charities and runs volunteering initiatives, combining responsible operations with meaningful community involvement.
Iconic London landmark with its striking clock tower, symbolizing the city and forming part of the Houses of Parliament. (10-minute drive)
Bustling district famous for street performers, boutique shops, market stalls, and a vibrant mix of dining and entertainment. (10-minute drive)
Lively city square known for its neon signs, historic architecture, and as a central hub connecting key London streets. (7-minute drive)
London City Airport (LCY) is the nearest airport to the property, approximately 40 minutes away by car.
Marylebone Railway Station is the closest railway station, about a 9-minute drive away from The Langham hotel.