The Langham, London – Europe's first Grand Hotel to be reborn in 2009...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.

To crown this magnificent achievement, The Langham, London is proud to announce that in 2009 it will be re-born, unveiling a sweeping and substantial programme of restoration and refurbishment, at a cost of £80 million.

The painstaking work on this iconic and listed London landmark building includes 382 luxurious guestrooms designed to evoke a warm residential feel, all 15 functions rooms (including the historic Grand Ballroom lovingly restored to hold up to 375
guests), the lobby, public areas and the dazzling Palm Court, famed as the place where the tradition of afternoon tea was born over 140 years ago. The transformation of these areas will be completed and opened to the public in March 2009.

The Langham, London remains fully operational throughout this period of restoration, with a reduced number of suites and rooms and a temporary entrance and lobby on Regent Street. Already opened in 2007 were the sophisticated and elegant, David Collins - designed restaurant, The Landau and bar, Artesian, 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.

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. As he has said:
"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."

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.

This major development will fully reinforce the hotel's position as one of the most important properties in the world as well as one of the most luxurious, innovative and iconic hotels in London.

For a short visual introduction to the historical path and development of The Langham, London since opening in 1865 through to 2009, please visit www.beautyawakens2009.com