The Langham, London opened on 10 June 1865 as Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel,’ inaugurated by the Prince of Wales (The Langham, London official site). This review traces its history, amenities, guest feedback, and what staying here actually costs, giving you a fact-based look at one of London’s most storied addresses.
Last checked: 2026-09-05
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Name: Palace Hotel Lang Lang · Location: Lang Lang, Victoria, Australia · Highlights: Free WiFi, huge parking, dine-in & takeaway · Price note: Currently offered at a seriously reduced price
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-05.
Sources reviewed: official property website, hotel group corporate site, Wikipedia, The Caterer, BBC News, Condé Nast Traveller, Head for Points, Booking.com, and Luxury Web Magazine.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification were conducted.
Snapshot of The Langham, London
- Opened 10 June 1865 as Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’ (The Langham London)
- Largest hotel in London at opening, with 100 water closets, 36 bathrooms, and the first hydraulic lifts in England (Wikipedia)
- Closed as a hotel during WWII, then used by the BBC until sale in 1986 (The Caterer)
- Address: 1C Portland Place, London W1B 1JA, United Kingdom (Condé Nast Traveller)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | The Langham, London |
| Location | London, United Kingdom |
| Established | 10 June 1865 |
| Status at opening | Largest and most modern hotel in London |
| Current owner | Langham Hospitality Group (Great Eagle Group) |
| Notable past life | BBC office space (1965–1986) |
| Reopened as hotel | 1991 as The Langham Hilton |
| Guest review score (Booking.com) | ~9.2/10 (800+ reviews) |
| Entry-level room rate | £390–£500 per night |
| Signature experience | Afternoon tea at Palm Court |
The history of The Langham, London
When the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) opened The Langham in 1865, he called it “everything a man, woman or child could desire under one roof.” (Langham Hospitality Group, Wikipedia) The hotel boasted hot and cold running water in every room and early air‑conditioning, engineering feats virtually unheard of in Victorian London.
During World War II, the building ceased trading as a hotel and served as a first‑aid post and military station. It then became office space for the BBC from 1965 until 1986, when the broadcaster sold it to the Ladbroke Group.
After a £100 million refurbishment, it reopened in 1991 as The Langham Hilton. In 2004, Langham Hotels International (part of Hong Kong’s Great Eagle Group) acquired the property and renamed it The Langham, London, undertaking further restorations through 2009. (The Caterer) For its 150th anniversary in 2015, the hotel invested £7.5 million to refurbish bedrooms in the Regent Wing and introduce the Sterling Suite and the Langham Club Lounge.
Upon opening The Langham, the then Prince of Wales hailed the hotel as having “everything a man, woman or child could desire under one roof”.
Prince of Wales (later Edward VII), quoted on Wikipedia
Where is The Langham, London located?
The hotel sits at 1C Portland Place, at the top of Regent Street near Oxford Circus. Its position combines central access to the West End with a quieter atmosphere than some hotels directly on Piccadilly or Leicester Square. (Condé Nast Traveller) Marylebone, the shopping of Oxford Street, and Regent’s Park are all within a short walk.
The original location was deliberately chosen away from mainline railway stations—a risky move at the time—but the hotel still became the largest and most modern in London. (Wikipedia)
What amenities does The Langham, London offer?
Guests consistently praise the hotel’s spacious rooms (many restored during the 2015 works), free WiFi, and the Langham Club Lounge with dedicated concierge service. (Head for Points) Palm Court remains the venue for the hotel’s celebrated afternoon tea—a tradition The Langham claims to have pioneered in the UK. (BBC News)
Other facilities include a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and several dining options, among them a Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant that reflects the brand’s strong Asian‑Pacific culinary focus. (Langham Hospitality Group)
How do guest reviews rate The Langham, London?
Booking.com aggregates give the hotel an overall score of 9.2/10 from more than 800 reviews, with service and comfort singled out as top strengths. (Booking.com)
Multiple reviewers note the helpfulness of the staff and the quality of the breakfast. The Condé Nast Traveller review calls it a “classic London hotel with an impressive homegrown pedigree.” (Condé Nast Traveller) One travel blogger described the hotel as “a London icon with immense history.” (God Save The Points)
The most consistent critique is the price: entry-level rooms typically start around £390–£500 per night, with junior suites from approximately £1,000. (Head for Points) Still, several reviewers say the historical atmosphere and service justify the cost for special occasions.
With more than 150 years of history, this classic London hotel has an impressive homegrown pedigree.
Condé Nast Traveller reviewer
TL;DR Service and history are the hotel’s strongest assets; the high price tag is the main trade‑off.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rich Victorian heritage and royal opening | High room rates (£390–£1,000+ / night) |
| Central but quieter location near Regent Street | No on‑site pool (fitness centre only) |
| Guest review score of 9.2 on Booking.com | Afternoon tea claim contested by some historians |
| Pioneering hydraulic lifts and early a/c (historical interest) | Mid‑20th‑century BBC use altered original interiors |
Pricing at The Langham, London
Based on recent editorial reviews, standard rooms run from £390 to £500 per night. Junior suites start at around £1,000 per night. Rates vary significantly by season and advance booking. (Head for Points) The Brand’s website offers direct booking with best‑rate guarantees. A stay here places you in the upper tier of London luxury accommodation.
The Langham brand connection
The Langham, London is the flagship of Langham Hotels & Resorts, a portfolio owned by Langham Hospitality Group (part of Hong Kong’s Great Eagle Group). The group traces its brand history directly to this 1865 property. Across its global portfolio—including New York, Chicago, Shanghai, Sydney, and Hong Kong—the brand emphasises European elegance and often incorporates contemporary art collections and Michelin‑starred Chinese restaurants. (Langham Hospitality Group)
Our separate review of The Ritz London Guide offers a direct comparison with another historic London luxury hotel.
Our recommendation
The Langham, London is best suited for history enthusiasts who want to stay in a Victorian grand hotel with genuine pedigree, and for budget‑conscious travellers willing to pay a premium for central but peaceful accommodation. Weekend day‑trippers from other parts of the UK will appreciate the direct train access to London and the hotel’s proximity to Oxford Circus for shopping. If you are celebrating an anniversary or simply want to experience a piece of London history, this hotel delivers a memorable stay—provided the price fits your budget.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Langham, London the oldest grand hotel in Europe?
The Langham opened in 1865 as Europe’s first purpose‑built ‘Grand Hotel.’ Other historic hotels (like the Ritz or the Savoy) opened later. However, the hotel did not operate continuously; it closed during WWII and only resumed full hotel business in 1991. (The Caterer)
What is the afternoon tea at The Langham like?
Palm Court serves a classic afternoon tea that the hotel says it pioneered in the UK. The service includes finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and a selection of teas. The experience is widely praised by guests on Booking.com (score 9.2). (BBC News)
Is The Langham, London currently owned by Langham Hospitality Group?
Yes. The hotel was acquired by Langham Hotels International (a subsidiary of the Hong Kong‑based Great Eagle Group) in 2004 and renamed The Langham, London. It serves as the flagship property of The Langham Hotels and Resorts brand. (Langham Hospitality Group)
Does The Langham, London have a Michelin‑starred restaurant?
Yes. The hotel houses a Chinese restaurant that has held Michelin stars. This aligns with the brand’s strategy of integrating top‑tier Chinese culinary programs. (Langham Hospitality Group)
What is the phone number of The Langham, London?
The official number is available on the property’s website at langhamhotels.com. We recommend contacting them directly for current rates and availability.
Does The Langham, London have free WiFi?
Guest reviews on multiple platforms confirm that free WiFi is included in the room rate. The hotel’s website also lists it as an amenity. (Booking.com)
What is the history of The Langham during World War II?
During WWII the building stopped functioning as a hotel and became a first‑aid post and military command centre. It did not reopen as a hotel until 1991 after extensive refurbishment. (The Caterer)