Review: The Langham Sydney, a beacon of classic sophistication
One of Sydney’s most iconic hotels is also the most pet friendly, and the high tea is a high point of the experience.
By Sid Raja , July 8 2022
Country
Australia
City
Sydney
Hotel
The Langham, Sydney
Notes
The Good
- Large rooms are a rarity for a CBD hotel.
- High tea is a mastered delight.
- Pink taxi service a must-do for every guest.
The Bad
- No self-parking, with expensive valet service.
- Maze-like local roads can see you easily lost.
X-Factor
- Pampered Pets is a true treat for man's best friend.
Introduction
The Langham, Sydney is one of the crown jewels among the city’s elite hotels, tempting travellers with some of the largest rooms in town, a lavish underground spa, and dreamy indoor pool. It also has front-row views of Sydney Harbour to complete the glittering ensemble.
Behind the stately Georgian façade lies one of the city’s most upscale and intimate properties. You may be surprised to learn it’s pet-friendly too, welcoming guests on both two and four legs with a smile and service that goes far beyond what you might expect.
An impressive chandelier greets guests inside the front doors.
With this unwavering commitment to service, just as attentive to pets as humans, Executive Traveller recently ventured inside with our furry friend to pup-test what The Langham Sydney has to offer.
Location & Impressions
Tucked away amidst the quaint and cobbled streets of The Rocks, just outside the central business district, five star The Langham Sydney caters equally to business and leisure travellers.
From its front door, it’s an easy walk to the city centre, Barangaroo, Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House, and around 30 minutes from Sydney Airport (depending on whether the traffic gods are smiling on you). Limousine transfers can be booked with the hotel prior to arrival.
Guests looking to really embrace ‘The Langham life’ can pre-book an airport transfer in the hotel's stylish pink taxi. Modelled after a classic London cab, the highly recognisable vehicle can pick you up or drop you off at Sydney Airport for a flat $175 each way, based on a one-hour rental (even taking the scenic route back to the hotel if time permits). The taxi can also be booked for city tours or one-way transfers either by the hour, or in a four or eight-hour block. If you want to make a day of it, special picnic packages which include a gourmet hamper full of delicious sandwiches and snacks can also be arranged. Those arriving in their own vehicle can make use of the hotel’s valet service, which is priced at $88 per 24-hour period and subject to availability. It’s a bit steep compared to some other inner-city hotels, but it is convenient. Alternatively, there are three Wilson car parks nearby, all under 10-minutes walk. Entering from Kent Street, large glass doors open to reveal a double-height foyer, adorned with an exquisite chandelier and Calacatta marble floors which lead into the reception area, restaurant and lobby bar. Immediately on arrival, we were greeted by The Langham’s signature jasmine scent, which made us feel like we'd entered another world. And you couldn't ask for a more stunning one to explore. Think a beautiful art deco-inspired design, with stylish mirrors and vibrant Parisian seating, backdropped by a classic palette of teal, gold, amber and cream. Home to one of the country’s most impressive art collections, the public areas of the hotel are brought to life with inspiring local art, an ode to iconic Australian artists including Brett Whiteley, Sidney Nolan, and Andrew Browne. Check-in is a seamless process and we are quickly on our way to our room on the first floor, where the main door - a leftover relic from the building’s original life as the former Observatory Hotel - provides a palpable snapshot of history. At 49 square metres, the hotel boasts some of the largest rooms in the city. With blissful beds, plush carpets and a gorgeous marble bathroom, our standard Deluxe City Double Room is spacious and stylish, with calming pastel hues creating a relaxed and peaceful vibe. The refined interiors - more traditional than at the newly-opened Langham Gold Coast - are enhanced by a large window which opens to our view of the tranquil residential street. Elegant French shutters and blackout curtains provide an extra touch of privacy from the houses across the street. Room amenities are what you would expect from a hotel of this calibre including 24h room service, individually controlled air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, cable TV, and an extensive à la carte pillow menu - perfect for a night of deep, restful sleep. The neutral tones extend to the bathroom, where marbled surfaces prevail. Double vanities, a deep soaking tub and a separate rain shower culminate in an excellent selection of toiletries courtesy of the hotel’s award-winning Chuan Spa. It may come as a surprise to some that not only is The Langham one of Sydney’s finest hotels inviting four-legged guests, but it’s also one of the best pet-friendly hotels you’re likely to find in NSW. Your furry companions can indulge in the hotel’s tailored Pampered Pets Staycation package designed to make them feel, dare we say, like royalty. Guests opting for the package will find their rooms kitted out with everything a pet desires, including a plush pink velvet pet bed, a ‘Pawsome’ gift bag full of treats and toys, and two stylish food and water bowls to cater to their pup’s cravings. There’s also a dedicated in-room dining menu available for your pet. But you don't have to stop the puppy pampering there. The hotel offers a variety of package add-ons to keep the fun going. These include an in-room photo shoot, puppy afternoon tea all the way up to a customised Pampered Pets birthday party or three-hour pet-sitting or walking service. Also, don’t worry if you’re not the biggest fan of pets. The highly tailored package, with its attentive service, means you’ll barely notice them around the hotel during your stay. While there’s no executive lounge on-site, rooms at The Langham Sydney feature multiple working areas - including a dedicated desk. Alternatively, if two people need space, set up on the large dining table as two people can comfortably work if desired. A media hub with A/V and USB ports is also available if needed to project your laptop to the in-room television. Speaking of the television, the inbuilt Chromecast feature offers a quick and easy way to connect and stream your favourite services, ensuring you won’t need to miss an episode during your stay when it’s time to knock off for the day. For a change of scenery, there is also a sitting area in the lobby that can be used as a quiet spot for emails. On the dining front, the hotel boasts several enviable options. On the ground floor, Kitchens on Kent is The Langham Sydney’s flagship restaurant. Featuring à la carte dining and an interactive buffet, it offers seasonal local produce as well as a variety of international flavours, with exotic creations prepared before your eyes. For guests looking for a more intimate dining setting, the hotel also offers several private spaces that can be turned into your own personal dining oasis. These include The High Top, The Tucker Library and The Harbour Room - each able to be booked for special occasions. As pets cannot be left unaccompanied in the room, we opted for the in-room breakfast and dinner service. Breakfast was a generous affair - the hotel provided full restaurant-style offerings - with fresh fruit, homemade toast and eggs your way. Boasting a reputation for the most elegant afternoon tea in Sydney with lineage dating back more than 150 years, The Langham’s renowned afternoon tea is an experience which will leave flavours from each bite dancing on your taste buds. The daily service, available from 11:00am-5:00pm (subject to table availability) is elevated with Wedgwood teaware and features a variety of divine cakes, pastries, sandwiches and bites which can be taken in the restaurant or in your room if so desired. Later in the day, a natural gravitation for a post-dinner drink is the ground floor’s Observatory Bar, where elegant and luxurious surrounds of plush upholstery and brushed velvet backdrop a thoughtfully curated selection of wine and classic cocktails. The signature Green Ant Martini is a must-try. In need of some pampering? The Langham, Sydney has you covered. Open daily from 6am-7pm, The Day Spa by Chuan is an underground sanctuary with a broad range of relaxing amenities including a beauty centre, sauna and a selection of pampering treatments and healing massages to soothe away your stress. On the same floor, you’ll find what is arguably Sydney’s most visually-stunning indoor swimming pool. It’s easy to get lost in space while gazing into the starry night sky painted on the ceiling, with the ambience, space and sensory-driven experience adding to the aura of a relaxing dip or even some dreamy laps. Alternatively, sweat it out in the fully-equipped gym, which, despite its small size, is decked out with the latest quality Technogym equipment, weights, and relevant mats and balls for stretching. The hotel also offers a full-size tennis court across the road where you can enjoy a match with your own private butler. Combining convenience, luxury and the brand’s signature style, The Langham Sydney delivers a seamless experience on all fronts. Service and attention to detail are exceptional, and it really is one of those classic hotel’s everyone needs to check into at least once. While the maze-like roads in and around The Rocks can add a few extra minutes to your drive when venturing out, so you need to plan your timing accordingly, the location is excellent for both work and play. Just be forewarned your pampered pooch may return home with a taste for finer cuisine. The author stayed as a guest of The Langham, Sydney.
The Langham's pink taxi is an instantly recognisable hallmark.
Complete your Sydney picnic with a ride in the hotel's pink taxi.
The Langham's reception is a grand place to mark your arrival.
The lobby lounge is a great spot to unwind and take in the opulence.Room
Our room on the first floor was warm and spacious.
Room amenities included a large dining table and a marble television unit.
Elegant marble was the dominant feature of the bathroom.Pampered Pets Staycation
Our furry friend Harry made himself right at home very quickly.
But when it was time for a walk, he was ready to explore.Work
Table for two? Two laptops can easily be set up here if you're needing to clear some emails.
Eat
Kitchens on Kent is a fine dining experience in a buffet style setting.
Breakfast in-room was as extravagant as any hotel restaurant.
The Langham prides itself on its afternoon tea and it's easy to see why.
Observatory Bar lends its name from the hotel's former name.
Relax
The Day Spa by Chuan will weave out all your aches, pains and stresses.
Just imagine yourself floating away here.
Borrow some racquets and tennis balls and hit it up on the hotel's adjacent tennis court.Verdict
Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles
16 Oct 2017
Total posts 157
I love the Langham in Melbourne and this one in Sydney looks great too. Are the windows on the rooms facing the street double-glazed?
07 Jan 2011
Total posts 53
Our room was facing the street, but during our mid-week stay we didn't hear any significant traffic noise.
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 999
Langham Sydney is always a good option and yes you never here the traffic noise outside, Langham Melbourne is also another good pick.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 May 2019
Total posts 38
Stayed there in Jan 22. Simply a fabulous experience. A gem with great service, rooms, food and views. Pure class.
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