The Langham - London

Sleeper has had plenty of reasons to return to The Langham in recent years. The hotel, one of London’s classic luxury grande dames, has undergone a gradual top-to-toe transformation which began with the unveiling of the Infinity Suite, designed by RPW Design, in 2005. Two years later, we returned to sample Artesian, the hotel’s chic, glamourous new bar space, designed by David Collins Studio. In late 2007, another David Collins design was revealed, this time for The Langham’s dramatically restructured restaurant space. Collins’ vision for The Landau echoed the contemporary Oriental feel of Artesian in its silk Chinoiserie screens, gilded timbers and bespoke brass chandeliers.

Sleeper recently returned to The Langham once again, to experience the finished result of a painstaking programme of restoration and refurbishment, which has taken five years and £80 million to Richmond International was responsible for transforming the remaining interiors of the building including the entrance lobby, a new reception, the restored Palm Court, all 380 guestrooms and suites, as well as the extensive conference and banqueting facilities in Langham House including a listed Grand Ballroom, and various function

“In keeping with Richmond’s philosophy of making every project individual and specific to its location and structure, the interiors at The Langham re-capture the original personality and status of what was one of the first grand hotels in Europe,” says Jane Wickings, Associate at Richmond International.

Built in 1865, the original designs for The Langham were an eclectic mix, combining the styles of the grand country house, the sophisticated town house and the classic English gentleman’s club. The decor was influenced by an eclectic mix of ancient Empires and civilisations – Italian Renaissance plaster relief ceilings and intricate mosaic flooring; Moorish murals inspired by designs in Constantinople and Spain; and over 15,000 yards of Persian tapestry carpet.

“Our aim has been to re-create this sense of Englishness and sophistication, reflecting the architecture, proportions and interiors of London’s grand houses in the late 19th century,” explains Wickings. “We have used contemporary finishes and design details that sit comfortably alongside the more classic elements to ensure that the hotel will regain its individual character.”

For those familiar with The Langham of old, the scale of the transformation is tangible as soon as you walk in. Most importantly, the recent design interventions have recreated that sense of arrival that marks out the truly great luxury hotels.

Reorientation of the reception, which now includes a new lounge area, has allowed the original bay windows to reveal the views down Portland Place with its heritage architecture.

White marble pillars, streaked with purple, lift the eye up towards specially commissioned, hand-blown Murano glass chandeliers by Andromeda. Although structural alterations have been subtle, the use of light and materials makes the space feel much larger than it did before.

According to Richmond, reinstatement of the Palm Court as the heart of the hotel was a key part of the design concept. Previously this space was under-used, being deployed primarily as a pre-dinner drinks reception area for functions in the Grand Ballroom. Now it is no longer a thoroughfare, but a destination in its own right. The hotel’s marketing team has also made much of the Palm Court’s status as the “spiritual home of the afternoon tea tradition.”

Judging by the afternoon of Sleeper’s visit,  the full page ads in the Sunday papers have paid off. Recession or not, the Palm Court was buzzing with guests taking tea, including a £40-a-head ‘Bijoux’ option offering sandwiches of smoked salmon with oscietra caviar, roast Angus beef rossini with foie gras or truffled Perigourdine cheese. Cakes and pastries are inspired by leading jewellery houses and named accordingly:Cartier, Asprey and Baccarat.

Such delights on the plate are reflected by the elegant backdrop of Richmond’s design, which sees contemporary materials and feature finishes mixed with the classic sparkle of cut mirrors and crystal.

“All aspects of the design combine modern elements and traditional methods and crafts, with many items, from the furnishings, carpets and fabrics to the light fittings, accessories and artwork, bespoke and unique to The Langham,” explain Richmond. “Reflecting the Asian and Eastern influences on English Society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a hint of the Orient is evident in today’s design, mainly in the form of specially-commissioned artwork by leading contemporary artists from Hong Kong, China and the UK but also as decorative elements in the new guestrooms.”

Five new bedroom schemes have been introduced, which although defined by different styles and colours, remain within the overall design concept of an English residence, combining contemporary and traditional elements. Touches such as paisley throws, and decorative accessories from the Far East and Europe, hint at the eclectic mix of styles that would traditionally have been found in heritage domestic interiors.

The colour palettes for the guestrooms are based on precious stones with therapeutic properties such as jade, topaz, amethyst and ruby, which have been mixed with greys, ochre and soft whites.

It has been a long and arduous process, with all refurbishment being carried out whilst the hotel remained open, but The Langham has been restored to its rightful place as one of London’s finest luxury hotels.

The Langham London
1c Portland Place, Regent Street,
London,  W1B  1JA, UK
Tel: (44) 20 7636 1000
Web: www.london.langhamhotels.co.uk/en

Rooms  380 guestrooms & suites
Dining  Artesian Restaurant
Drinking  The Landau Bar, Palm Court
Leisure  15 function rooms of various sizes
Facilities  Health & Fitness Club, Swimming Pool