Working in the travel industry in London, there were a few hotels whose timeless appeal was unquestionable. The Langham – a grand, Grade II heritage-listed palace in the heart of London’s historic West End – was one of them. Known as Europe’s first “grand hotel,” The Langham London opened its doors in 1865 – the first hotel in Europe with hot running water, and the first British hotel to offer afternoon tea (the between-meals indulgence that screams “luxury hotel”). 160 years on, the brand is still pretty untouchable – with heritage-listed high-end hotels now dotted around the globe. At the opulent Sydney outpost, those original Langham hallmarks (heritage features, a beloved afternoon tea and, yes, hot running water) have been elevated to 2025 standards, with the sense of old-school, above-and-beyond hospitality still alive and strong. A stay here is like a sleepover at your wealthy auntie’s lavish mansion, with a team of expert hosts on hand to attend to your every whim.
Why stay at The Langham Sydney?
The Langham is the hotel you’d book for someone looking for a traditional hotel experience. Spa day followed by afternoon tea? Sorted. Champagne in your room, served on a private balcony overlooking a historic terraced street? Done. And though it’s an excellent spot for an indulgent vacay (I noticed a lot of mum-and-daughter pairings; it ticks all of the ‘girly getaway’ boxes), the close proximity to the city and mansion-away-from-home feel make it a popular choice for (cashed-up) business travellers too.
What are the rooms like at The Langham Sydney?
Spread across three floors, the 96 rooms range from king-sized bedrooms to a two-bedroom suite, but all rooms are incredibly spacious, especially by Sydney standards. The vastness, as well as the careful, heritage-style interior aesthetic, makes these rooms feel more suited to a vast country estate than a city hotel – in the very best way.
Brass-rimmed mirrored coffee tables wait beneath huge sash windows, and heavy wooden shelves hold a careful curation of art books and sculptural vases. Inside a shiny cream cabinet between the windows, I found a tea box in the brand’s signature baby pink, and a minibar stocked with everything from Taittinger to pre-mixed cocktails and probiotic wholefood snack bars.
Marble-trimmed bathrooms – with deep bathtubs big enough for two and excellent raindance showers – are stocked with all of your essentials, plus super fluffy robes and gorgeous Diptyque toiletries.
Which are the best restaurants at The Langham Sydney?
To the left of the lobby on the ground floor of the hotel, you’ll find Kitchens on Kent – the hotel’s main dining room, which serves an elevated buffet breakfast (complete with eggs cooked to order, cold-pressed juice, handmade dumplings and cute pots of shakshuka – as well as all of the breakfast staples).
After breakfast, head to Observatory Bar, named after the nearby Sydney Observatory and open daily from 11am to 11pm. As an ode to its namesake, the bar offers a selection of celestial-inspired cocktails, each served with a generous selection of bar snacks in the very-Langham timeless setting. Though “the stars” sound delicious, I decided not to stray from my old faithful and ordered a Gin Martini, which was served tableside with spectacular theatrics. I also ordered the prawn toast – a miraculously delicious rectangle of umami goodness encased in a crispy, sesame seed-studded shell and crowned with a halo of house-made aioli. If you order one dish, make it this one.
What is the service like at The Langham Sydney?
At The Langham, you’re duty-bound to lean into the role of VIP. With a very respectful (if sometimes excessively effusive) sense of hospitality, staff will attend to your every need – even following you onto the street to open the door to your Uber. If you love being treated like a princess, you’ll love it here. For the duration of my stay, I was very happy to oblige.
Is there a gym or pool at The Langham Sydney?
The lower basement of the hotel is home to a very functional hotel gym with a solid range of equipment, and The Day Spa by Chuan – one of Sydney’s very best spas. Through the spa lobby, you’ll find the swimming pool, and I’m yet to discover a more beautiful indoor swimming pool in the country. Between sandstone pillars, the 20-metre-long, 28-degree pool cuts a turquoise rectangle into the vast subterranean room. On the far side, a huge mural of Bondi Beach fills the walls, dotted with 19th-century beachgoers frolicking in the waves. The charcoal ceiling is punctuated by tiny lights that twinkle like stars, and I have to confess to bumping into the side of the pool as I sculled on my back, looking up at the faux night sky.
What’s the area like around The Langham Sydney?
A breezy 10-minute walk from the CBD, Millers Point is one of Sydney’s most historic residential areas, and there’s a timeless charm to the area that feels perfectly suited to the hotel. Just across the road, you’ll find an outpost of South Dowling Sandwiches (purveyor of some of Sydney’s best sambos), and a good proportion of the city’s best bars and restaurants are within easy walking distance.
Address: 89-113 Kent St, Millers Point NSW 2000
Price per night: From $318 per night
Closest transport link: Wynyard Station is an eight minute walk from the hotel, but I’d suggest leaning into the luxe experience and booking a limousine or one of the hotel’s signature princess-pink London taxis.
Book now: Over here.
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