The Langham, Sydney – Review

The original Langham opened in London in 1865 and was quickly regarded as Europe’s first Grand Hotel, revolutionising the luxury experience. Now the iconic hotel has sister properties around the world, including The Langham, Sydney, epitomising the brand’s reputation for legendary hospitality. A room with a coveted Western Harbour view may be one to request, but all offer a serene hideaway that can even combat jet lag for international guests.

On arrival at Sydney Airport after a flight from London with just a one-hour transfer window in Hong Kong, you can imagine I felt fairly exhausted. What a relief to know then that my chosen five-star luxury hotel, The Langham Sydney, was only six miles – or a 20-minute taxi drive – in a central but quiet location equidistant to the historic Rocks, Walsh Bay and Barangaroo. 

I soon came to realise that the warm and friendly staff here always welcome you like a long-lost friend – even if you’ve never been a former guest. Check-in was quick and painless and I was shown to my first-floor room, a scene of spacious calm and serenity. The glass door to the Juliette balcony looked out onto a leafy residential street with colourful rainbow lorikeets chirping in the trees just outside my window. 

Giving a nod to the hotel’s British heritage and signature shade, the quirky welcome biscuits were of The Langham Pink Taxi (a rose-coloured London cab). Often parked at the front door, it’s available to hire by guests and non-guests for weddings and airport transfers as well as picnics or beach days at Instagram-worthy locations.

Look & Feel

A helpful member of staff will open the beautiful glass doors as you approach with a cheerful greeting. Step into the stylish and airy polished marble entranceway of The Langham adorned by a large, eye-catching chandelier and minstrel’s gallery and you immediately feel relaxed.  

A baby grand piano stands elegantly at the top of a short flight of stairs, while stunning floral displays and striking artwork curated by Sotheby’s Australia including paintings by artists such as Sir Sidney Nolan and Albert Tucker, add to the air of sophistication. 

The lift to the upstairs rooms is just behind the piano below the open oval ceiling, providing a glimpse of who is arriving from the first floor. Comfy sofas and coffee table books in the reception area provide ideal spots to wait for friends or make plans for the day, perhaps with the help of the informative concierge.

Location

In this Millers Point neighbourhood with magical views of the harbour, you’re within a 15-minute walk of iconic landmarks such as Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, The Rocks markets, Botanic Gardens, Circular Quay, art galleries, museums, boutiques, restaurants and bars. There is little need for a taxi or hire car when you can hop on a nearby ferry from the famous harbour to well-loved destinations like Manly Beach or Taronga Zoo. 

Suites & Rooms

Whether you are travelling solo, a couple seeking a romantic Sydney retreat or extended family on a get-together (pets are welcome, too, for a fee), The Langham has it all. The 98 boutique rooms and suites offer something special for even the most discerning guests who may well want to check into the ultra-luxe Observatory Suite with its breath-taking panorama of Observatory Hill and the Sydney skyline or The Residence with its two bedrooms, two bathrooms and modern kitchenette.

My Deluxe Room

The renowned Langham Blissful Bed is as heavenly as it claims. Hand on heart, I have never slept before in such a comfortable bed with its soft-as-satin sheets, super-king mattress and sink-into pillows. Every time I snuggled down under the ‘doona’ (as duvets are called here), I was out like a light and miraculously didn’t wake up till morning, all jet lag dissipated.

There is a seated area for reading or watching the flat-screen TV with satellite channels, as well as a desk to work, complimentary mineral water, coffee maker, an iPod dock, minibar and free Wi-Fi. The en suite marble bathroom is also impressively spacious with double basins, separate walk-in rainfall shower and deep bath tub with Chuan Spa toiletries, as well as soft bathrobes and slippers which you can also wear to the spa.

Buffet Breakfast

Breakfast is leisurely at The Langham, meaning you have from 6.30am – 10.30am to start the day your way. I turned down the chance to have Chef Signature dishes brought to my table, preferring the more exciting interactive open kitchen stations of the extensive buffet. The choice of hot and cold breakfast items is designed to meet any dietary requirement with an international twist on local ingredients. Favourites for me were the seasonal fruit medley, fresh smoothies, the omelette station and Asian dishes such as delicate dim sum, along with an obligatory cappuccino, of course!

Afternoon Tea

Sister hotel The Langham in London first served afternoon tea to hotel guests in 1865, a tradition which has now continued and travelled around the world. Bookings are essential for this must-do indulgence of signature warm scones, delicate finger sandwiches, British-inspired sweet and savoury treats and your choice of speciality tea, plus an optional glass of Champagne. Available daily from 12pm – 2.30pm in the Palm Court.

Observatory Bar

The Observatory Bar pays homage to the Sydney Observatory opposite the hotel, a historical star-gazing site that offers some of the best harbour views as well as of constellations and the Milky Way. An extensive wine list includes Krug Vintage Champagne for $1200 a pop if you want to celebrate a special occasion in style, while I highly recommend the Signature Pink Rose Cocktail which is topped by a petal and served with a flourish in a delicate puff of ‘smoke’. There is a tasty and affordable bar menu too for sharing platters of local oysters to handmade Burrata.

Spa & Wellness

The serene 20-metre indoor heated swimming pool has summer-inspired beach murals as well as a star-dappled night sky ceiling. It’s perfect for a refreshing dip, more active laps or some quiet relaxation in the Jacuzzi or on the poolside loungers.

Rooted in the holistic principles of traditional Chinese medicine, The Day Spa by Chuan provides an underground sanctuary for your choice of massage, facial, IV therapy or Sleep Cycle to improve your night’s rest. 

For a more revitalising workout, there is a well-equipped fitness studio as well as a champion-sized tennis court conveniently located across the road below the sandstone escarpment that forms part of Observatory Hill. 

Final Thoughts

I wanted to take this bed home with me it was so comfortable and I loved the relaxed feel of the very spacious rooms with elegant, tasteful décor. The location was ideal, so close to Sydney’s famous harbour which can be seen from some of the rooms. Breakfast, too, had such a vast selection and wasn’t rushed while the staff were very friendly and helpful. It’s special without being unaffordable and although dogs are welcome, unfortunately, I had to leave mine behind in the UK for the duration of my holiday!