The Langham, London

One of London’s original luxury hotels, the Langham opened in 1865, and was, at the time, the most opulent hotel in Europe. By the end of the Second World War it had closed, and was owned for a time by the BBC — but now that it’s back under the banner of the (now Hong Kong–based) Langham Hospitality Group, it’s been restored to its former glory, and is again a major player on the London luxury-hotel scene.

Tradition is very much the name of the game here, though it’s not a strict reproduction of the original — the interiors have been subtly updated, but remain true to the Victorian spirit of the place. This means it’s a fair bit less glossy and jewel-encrusted than some of London’s more ostentatious hotels, and feels much more connected to the city’s historical character. Needless to say, this is a good thing. And with a location just to the north of Oxford Circus, it places the whole of the West End, the traditional heart of London, right at your feet. Also right at your feet: Chez Roux, one of London’s most highly regarded restaurants, as well as the glamorous Artesian bar and the grand Palm Court, where the tradition of afternoon tea — a tradition that was born in this very room — is alive and well.