A stay at The Langham, Melbourne delivers the right mix of service, style and convenience – and a touch of pink.
In Melbourne recently for an industry work event, I check into The Langham, Melbourne at its convenient location at Southbank, overlooking the Yarra River.
Check in and beyond
I arrive early in the day at around 11am, pulling up by taxi to the undercover portico where staff greet me on arrival and carry my bags from the car. I am instructed to enquire with the bell desk if my room is ready – and thankfully, it is.
Guests then have an option to take either an elevator or escalator up to the Lobby level for check in. I take the elevator which gives me additional time to take in the hotel’s impressive chandelier – custom made using Waterford Crystal and one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. Here in the lobby, Langham’s signature scent of ginger flower permeates the space.
The first thing I notice is the pink, London-style phone booth, adorned with faux flowers and with a pink telephone inside – a nod to both the brand’s British heritage and signature, Langham pink branding. A bunch of pink roses sits on a desk beside reception.
Check in is quick and seamless. Two keys are cut for me and staff point out the QR code on the key envelope from which I can communicate with Langham staff during my stay.
The rooms
In the 388-room The Langham, Melbourne, I’m staying in an Executive River Room on level 22. Inside, it’s light and airy and I’m drawn straight to the window which overlooks the Yarra River and the Evan Walker Bridge footbridge. This room category allows access to The Langham Club, located on level 24.
My room’s decor is classic and understated with harmonious, neutral tones. There’s a desk for working, a king-sized bed, twin-seat sofa, and a large LED TV screen that is playing as I enter with a personalised welcome note, and a looping video that outlines more detail about the hotel and nearby attractions.
The phone is easy to use, with clear labels to contact Langham service, the spa, or in-room dining. I struggle a little more with the lighting, but eventually figure it out, mostly relying on the master switch.
There’s a Nespresso machine for coffee and a mini-bar is stocked with such brands as Twinings tea, Chandon sparkling wine, Beefeater London gin and Absolut vodka. There’s even ‘socially responsible’ amenities including a condom and lubricant.
The bathroom is fitted with more marble, traditional-style, polished chrome tapware, and a large bath tub. There’s lots of mirrors which adds to a feeling of spaciousness. I appreciate the LED-illuminated make-up/shaving mirror that tilts downwards for my petite height. There’s ample towel racks and safety hand rails too, plus a phone next to the lavatory.
The amenities are by Chuan Spa, with a fragrance exclusively created by Laura Tonatto. For sustainability reasons, I would have preferred to see these in larger, pump-pack vessels rather than 50ml plastic tubes. However, it’a a big tick for the leather console containing bathroom essentials such as combs, dental kit, razor etc all packaged in cardboard. During my stay I also notice on ground level a plaque that outlines that The Langham, Melbourne has been platinum certified by EarthCheck Company Standard for the past 11 years.
My love affair of the Langham signature scent can continue in my room too – thanks to the ginger flower hand soap by La Bottega. And the white bathroom towels have to be some of the thickest, fluffiest and largest I’ve seen in a hotel.
Food and drink
With access to the Langham Club, I head up to evening drinks and hors-d’oeuvres hosted between 5:30pm and 8pm. I sip on a glass of Clover Hill sparkling wine from Tasmania and dine on cheese, savoury bites and dumplings while taking a window seat that overlooks the Yarra River.
From my room, I can scan the QR code for in room dining services. I am only in need of a light snack so I order the truffle fries. The simple snack order comes delivered, on a white-clothed silver tray, within 30 minutes with a glass jar of tomato sauce, and also aioli.
Breakfast is taken at Melba Restaurant on Podium level, between 6:30am and 11am on weekends. I’m shown to my table and my coffee order is taken immediately, while I’m then free to roam the buffet area. The design has been well considered, spread spaciously over a large area so that even on a busy Sunday morning, people aren’t on top of one another.
There’s a huge selection to choose from presenting considerable variety: freshly cut fruit and vegetables; six juices and iced water; an egg station making omelettes, eggs-to-order, pancakes and waffles; granola, bircher muesli and fresh yoghurts scooped from a chilled bowl and accompaniments such as chai and sunflower seeds; charcuterie, cheese and artisan crackers such as beetroot or charcoal; chicken or vegetable gyoza, congee and miso soup; pastries, breads and hot foods – and there’s even a chocolate fountain and sweets. There is also a special low gluten station set up.
The renowned Langham afternoon tea tradition is hosted in the adjoining Podium Level daily between 2-4pm.
On level 25 is the hotel’s premium fine dining restaurant, Alto.
The extras
Langham Club guests can check in and out on the Club on level 24 from 12pm onwards. Printing is available for Club guests, plus complimentary pressing of three pieces of laundry on your day of arrival; and shoe shine daily.
I dial The Langham Service with three items for pressing, including an evening dress I’m wearing to Karryon’s Glam Club the following evening; and pieces I need to wear that night. They are all returned, wrinkle-free, within half an hour.
Other facilities
The pink dog water bowls at the entrance are a giveaway that pets are welcome for ‘pampered pet staycations’.
Guests can also make use of the pink bikes to explore Melbourne on two wheels.
Wellness
On level nine, guests will find Chuan Spa, a fitness studio (open 24 hours), and both a womens’ and mens’ steam room and sauna.
I’m here during a busy work weekend, but I make time to take a dip in the 15-metre pool that sits beneath a glass atrium, and take a soak in the hot spa as I overlook the large courtyard that offers fabulous views of Melbourne landmarks such as Federation Square.
The verdict
The hotel enjoys a prime location on the Yarra River and just footsteps to key districts. Within minutes, I walk over the Evan Walker bridge and through the Flinders Street station underpass to be in the CBD and browsing shops and the city’s classic laneways.
There’s also a great vibe in Southbank itself with the various eateries along the promenade. I’m in town for an event at Crown Melbourne which is very close by, just a 10-minute walk away.
Stay here if you want classic, traditional hospitality in a premium luxury hotel.
The details
Address: 1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank Melbourne
Check in: 3pm
Check-out: 12pm
Starting room rate: Starting from $395 per night, room only.
For more information, visit langhamhotels.com/melbourne
The writer stayed as a guest of the hotel.
