Earlier this week I stayed at The Langham Hotel in Melbourne. I chose The Langham for two reasons, one it was convenient for the function I was attending and two because I love the hotel’s location on Southbank. It was a quick overnight trip to Melbourne for me this time for a party for Bupa Australia (HWWT won a Bupa Blog Award a couple of years ago which has led to an ongoing relationship).
Hotels come in different styles – there’s the kind where everything’s basic and you literally use it to sleep and then there are hotels like The Langham where staying at the hotel is an experience in itself. The hotel becomes a destination within a destination. I’ve commented several times that I’m a 5-star loving gal which meant that I immediately felt right at home at The Langham.
On arrival, a friendly Langham Hotel doorman opened the door of my taxi and welcomed me. As I walked through the beautifully etched glass doors into the hotel I was stopped in my tracks. I couldn’t help but take a moment to admire the opulence that was before me. A large waterfall running between the two escalators leading me to reception certainly had a wow factor.
Arriving at the top of the escalator my eyes were wide with wonderment at the dazzling opulence and beauty. Huge vases filled with stunning flowers, a chandelier dripping with crystals above and gorgeous statement pieces everywhere. It took me back to standing in the foyer of The Plaza Hotel in New York.
Instead of looking cool, like this was my everyday life, I stood there like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, slowly spinning around to take it all in. I’ve stayed in a lot of hotels over many years and it’s thrilling to find one that makes me feel excited. With only one night in Melbourne and a function to attend, I was keen to see as much of the hotel as I could so I could share all the details with you.
It was time to get down to business, check-in to my room, grab my camera and see it all.
ACCESSIBILITY AT THE LANGHAM HOTEL
Although I was staying in a Langham Club Room I took the opportunity to inspect two of the Grand Special Access rooms.
I’m pleased to say that the access is great in these rooms.
The rooms are located near the lifts so there isn’t far to walk or wheel.
It was hard to take photos that adequately show the space in the rooms. There is a small foyer area after entering the room and then the bathroom and bedroom are each through a doorway. Although not overly large there is good wheelchair access and room to transfer from a wheelchair to the bed in the bedroom. I love the fact that the hotel has room sizes listed on their website which should make it easier for guests to decide if there is sufficient space in the room for their needs. There is space under the bed which may suit people who use a hoist.
BATHROOM ACCESS
The bathrooms are spacious and well equipped to suit a wheelchair user or someone with mobility restrictions.
There’s a roll-in shower, flip-down shower seat and grab rails throughout.
The wash basin is wheelchair accessible however the taps are not lever taps.
The twin bedded rooms have the same facilities as mentioned above. The only difference is that there is only room to transfer from a wheelchair from one side of the bed.
FACILITIES
The hotel is wonderfully accessible throughout. Lift access is available to all levels of the hotel and the location in Southbank allows quick access to the rest of the city.
There is an individual wheelchair lift to allow access to the hotel pool and the sun deck is also wheelchair accessible.
If only I had more time at the hotel I think this spa and I would have become firm friends. Just look at the view!
HIGH TEA
Even if you are not staying in the hotel, you can enjoy the ambience while indulging in a an Afternoon Tea with Wedgewood or another of the hotel’s high tea menus.
I can thoroughly recommend the Afternoon Tea with Wedgewood. The scones were light and fluffy, I enjoyed the mix of savoury sandwiches and I overdosed on the small but deceptively filling dessert selection. I have had many a high tea in my time and one thing that often leaves me shaking my head is the fact that the tea is not good. Thankfully The Langham understands the art of good tea making. My Assam tea was brewed to perfection.
The back of the high tea menu has many tea facts which kept me entertained as I was dining alone. Do you know the correct way to add milk to tea? Well, The Langham advises, “Tea is poured first in the Victorian era; this was a test of the quality of the hostess bone china. Expensive china would not crack under the heat of tea. It also allows milk to be added at the perfect quantity to suit the drinker’s taste.” I’m thinking if you have cheap china and don’t want your secret exposed, you might want to do it the other way around!
THE LANGHAM CLUB ROOM
For my stay I was in a club suite. The room was divine. I made sure I had plenty of time in the room to simply enjoy the features and the view. The room I was stayed in looked out over the Yarra River to Flinders Street Station and up as far as Federation Square.
See the bed? It was the most comfortable bed I think I’ve ever slept on. While I was sticky beaking around the hotel I found out that the beds are exclusive to the hotel. It’s called Langham Blissful Bed by Sealy built with comfort layers and a pillow top. Best bed ever! Being sleep deprived 99% of the time I appreciate a good bed when I’ve got the opportunity to sleep through the night.
Staying in a Club Room has additional advantages with access to the Club Lounge where breakfast is served (and included in your room rate), afternoon tea is served (different to the one pictured above) and canapes and drinks are served in the evening.
The one time I travelled with carry-on only luggage I found out that the concierge service that is included with the room allowed for me to have three items of clothing pressed on my arrival and I could leave shoes to be shined. Sadly I travelled with one pair of shoes only!
THE LITTLE TOUCHES
Staying at The Langham I enjoyed the little touches which ensures guests feel indulged.
Fresh flowers, a selection of condiments in little jars, a hint of lime in my ice water and the food came hot when I ordered room service.
The towels were deliciously plush and enormous and the range of toiletries was dazzling.
By the time I finished in the bathroom I was shiny from head to toe. I used the body scrub, the body wash and the body milk. My usually neglected Mummy skin didn’t know what had hit it. I’d have taken advantage of the day spa facilities if time permitted.
To say I loved The Langham Hotel would be an understatement. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, mother-daughter time or somewhere special for a high tea, I don’t think The Langham will disappoint.
As I walked out of The Langham Hotel I threw a coin in the fountain and made a wish. Can you guess what it was?
For more information about The Langham Hotel check their website here.
A media rate was provided for my stay at the hotel but my effusive review comes from a wonderful stay.
Hello there Julie, I so enjoyed reading this as it reminded me of a stay there a few years ago. I had won a $500 voucher for any kind of travel and I splashed out on a night at the Langham with a girlfriend. It was SO luxurious. I could have stayed all day round that pool.
Expensive, yes, but worth it too. Treats are totally uplifting and it sounds like you made the most of your time. I bet you went home totally refreshed .
It’s great to see more places accommodating for accessible needs, it’s essential that rooms and bathrooms are intelligently designed to meet all the demands of modern care.
I agree with Mia, more places should be accommodating to accessible needs, it’s essential for places to create a safe environment, helping to prevent any injuries.
It’s great to see more and more commercial establishments are installing accessible facilities, including the likes of hand rails, walk in baths and assisted living facilities.
Thank you for this review. I see that a person using a wheelchair can get into the pool and spa room but can they get into the actual pool or spa? Is there a hoist available? It doesn’t look like there is a ramp or water wheel chair. Thank you. Jodie
Hi Jodie
I wrote that review many years ago now and if it was available I would have included it BUT they may have changed things since then. It would be worth asking.
Good luck
Crown has a pool hoist if Langham does not.
Julie