Langham London reborn in April after major transformation

Following a two year restoration, The Langham London will be reborn, after an £80 million refurbishment, restoring the hotel to its elite status of London’s luxury hotels.
 
The hotel will re-emerge with 382 larger luxurious rooms (reduced from 425, as some of the smaller rooms have been combined to create spacious Grand Rooms), updated Palm Court Restaurant, a restored Grand Ballroom, new state-of-the-art meeting rooms, and Europe’s first Chuan Spa (set to open early 2010). The transformation of these areas will be completed and be presented to the public for a soft-opening in April 2009.The Langham London remains fully operational throughout this period of restoration, with a reduced number of rooms and suites and a temporary entrance and lobby located on Regent Street. 
 
The first phase of the multi-million pound refurbishment was completed in 2007 which resulted in the opening of Artesian, the chic and glamorous bar and a stylish restaurant, The Landau, both designed by David Collins Studio. Both great successes lauded not only for their design but chef Andrew Turner’s now famous grazing menus and the award winning wine and cocktail lists at the bar and restaurant.
 
Originally opened by the Prince of Wales (later, King Edward VII), in 1865, The Langham, London was not only the capital’s first purpose built Grand Hotel, but also the first in Europe. When it opened, it had the accolade of being one of the largest public buildings in London, 7 floors, containing 600 rooms, and the first ever hydraulic lifts. Situated at a commanding position on Portland Place, at the top of Regent Street, The Langham has been at the forefront of sophisticated and glamorous hospitality for over a century.
 
The dramatic rebirth of the hotel is being overseen by Managing Director, Duncan Palmer who has worked at the highest level of hospitality in the UK and internationally.
 
“I have the most wonderful opportunity to work with the owners and management team I have appointed, together with the experienced staff, to re-establish this iconic hotel as one of the most popular, luxurious, independent and service-orientated hotels in London – an exciting challenge,” said Mr. Palmer.
 
The Langham London is the flagship property of Langham Hotels International which operates the luxury Langham Hotels brand and other hospitality brands all over the world including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Melbourne, Boston and Pasadena.