The Langham Hotels and Resorts is founded on 150 years of history, dating back from 1865 when The Langham, London opened as Europe’s first 'Grand Hotel'. The hotel was named after Sir James Langham, whose mansion was on the original site in the centre of London. Amongst those at the hotel’s opening ceremony were European royalty and Victorian aristocracy. The Langham has always been at the forefront of innovative hospitality, with an interior marked by the finest European craftsmanship. Our hotels were also the first to have installed hydraulic lifts in the world, as well as hot and cold running water in all guest rooms. The Langham continues to flourish today, delivering our legendary excellence in key cities all over the world.