The Langham Hotels & Resorts

More than 150 years ago, a single hotel on London's Regent Street defined what luxury hospitality could be, and gave the world afternoon tea in the process. Here is the story behind the original grand hotel, the rituals that still set it apart, and how to unlock exclusive perks on your next stay.

The History of The Langham

The Langham, London opened on June 10, 1865, as Europe's first purpose-built grand hotel, setting a standard for luxury that still echoes through the industry more than 150 years later. Commissioned by developer James Langham and designed by architect John Giles, it was a marvel of Victorian engineering: London's largest and most modern hotel, with 600 rooms and the first hydraulic lifts, electric lighting, in-room plumbing, and even its own artesian wells. The Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII, presided over the opening. Across its storied history the hotel hosted Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (who wove it into his Sherlock Holmes stories), the composer Antonín Dvo?ák, Napoleon III, and Diana, Princess of Wales. After decades as a BBC broadcasting facility, it underwent an £80 million restoration and reopened in 1991, reviving its Victorian grandeur with contemporary luxury. Its iconic Palm Court, the birthplace of afternoon tea, has served continuously since 1865, making it the world's longest-running afternoon-tea venue.

What Makes The Langham Unique

The Langham holds a singular place in luxury hospitality as the original grand hotel, the property that literally invented the purpose-built luxury hotel, and that heritage lends it an authenticity newer chains simply cannot manufacture. The signature Langham Pink has become an instantly recognizable brand identifier, linking the global portfolio back to its London origins. Every property features a Chuan Spa, the brand's wellness concept rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, while the afternoon-tea program born at Palm Court is reinterpreted locally at each hotel. Many properties double as living galleries of curated art, and the "1865" loyalty program honors the founding year with tiered benefits. Throughout, service blends British-inspired formality with genuine warmth: immaculately trained, but never stiff.

Your Exclusive Perks Through WhataHotel

Booking The Langham through WhataHotel grants you access to Couture by Langham benefits at no additional cost, with rates matching the best flexible rates available directly through Langham. You'll receive complimentary daily breakfast for two at each property's signature venue (including Palm Court at The Langham London), a $100 USD property credit per stay (applicable toward dining, Chuan Spa treatments, or other eligible services), an upgrade to the next available room category on arrival, early check-in and late checkout based on availability, and a personalized welcome amenity. Everything is included with our $10.95 booking fee, and you'll also earn 1865 loyalty program benefits on your stay.

Palm Court and the Afternoon Tea Tradition

Palm Court at The Langham, London is the birthplace of afternoon tea, serving it continuously since the hotel opened in 1865. When The Langham debuted, it popularized afternoon tea as a formal social occasion, complete with fine china, tiered cake stands, finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and elegant pastries in a palm-filled court. Born in the Victorian era to bridge the long gap between lunch and a late dinner, it became one of Britain's most beloved rituals and spread worldwide. Today's meticulously restored Palm Court serves what many consider London's finest afternoon tea, with Wedgwood china, live harp music, and a seasonally evolving menu. Every Langham property offers its own interpretation, and your Couture by Langham credit can be applied toward this quintessential experience.

The Chuan Spa Experience

Chuan Spa is The Langham's signature wellness brand, uniquely rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The name "Chuan" means "flowing water" in Mandarin, reflecting the idea of energy moving freely through the body. Each visit begins with a consultation to determine your elemental balance across TCM's five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water), with treatments tailored accordingly. Signature offerings include the meridian-balancing Chuan Harmony treatment, herbal compress therapies, jade-stone treatments, and cupping, alongside contemporary modalities. Facilities often include vitality pools, crystal steam rooms, experience showers, and relaxation lounges, with standout retreats at The Langham London, Melbourne, and Hong Kong. Your $100 Couture by Langham credit can be applied toward Chuan Spa treatments.

How Room Upgrades Work

Room upgrades through Couture by Langham are applied on arrival based on availability at check-in, with Couture guests receiving priority for the next category above their booked room type. Because many Langham properties occupy heritage buildings with genuinely distinctive room categories, an upgrade can meaningfully transform the stay. Early check-in and late checkout follow the same priority, and pairing Couture benefits with 1865 loyalty elite status can open additional opportunities at participating properties.

Booking Terms and Loyalty Details

Langham bookings through WhataHotel are made at the best available flexible rate and include a $10.95 booking fee. Most properties have no minimum stay, though some may require longer stays during peak periods. You'll earn 1865 loyalty program benefits, with all perks applying according to your membership tier. Cancellation and modification policies follow each hotel's standard flexible-rate terms. The $100 property credit is issued once per stay and can be applied toward dining (including afternoon tea), Chuan Spa treatments, or other eligible services. For the best room selection and to ensure every Couture perk is applied, we recommend booking as early as possible, particularly at heritage properties like The Langham London.