The Langham Boston Hotel

“One if by Land, Two if by Sea.”  Paul Revere’s words to the Massachusetts colony.  Thus it was fitting as took a few days in Beantown before boarding a cruise ship sailing from Boston’s Black Falcon Terminal at the Flynn Cruiseport to spend a few days in a British hotel, The Langham Hotel as part of a pre-cruise package.

I choose this property for a couple of reasons: One, I had not heard of the Langham before. Two, there is a city park, Norman B. Leventhal Park located next to the hotel. For luxury travelers in the know, The Langham is synonymous with luxury accommodations since they opened Europe’s first Grand British Hotel in London in 1865. Be it a property in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, Middle East, or here in North America this British Hotel brand is one that brings smiles and comments from those in the know about upscale accommodations.

British Hotel Arrival.

Upon arrival at the Langham Hotel Boston, a woman dressed in a strikingly classic pink suit welcomed us. A bit surprised that it was not a doorman. After check in she lead us to our room, conversing with us about where we would find the different hotel amenities. Later, as one would expect in a British hotel, a team of bowler-hatted doorman were at the door welcoming guests and providing valet service.

As it was a summer afternoon, we took a relaxing walk in the park next door. Which during the day is a haven for the office workers to get out for a break or lunch? We saw morning and afternoon yoga classes in action as well as book groups and other gatherings happening on the green. Being an area that caters to businesses, I found basic shopping nearby, a drug store and a couple of wine stores within walking distance from the hotel.

The Hotel has plenty of public space.

The lobby and public spaces that are spacious and elegant while not being ostentatious, with the registration desk to the right and The Reserve, a lobby bar, to the left. A hall flanked by images of famous Bostonians connected to a more private library space in the rear of the building where guests could retreat to read a book or gather privately in a library like setting. While not a convention hotel, this property is perfect for that shareholder, corporate or association board meeting with formal meeting rooms separate from the hotel’s public spaces.

Pink, is not by coincidence, a favorite of Queen Elizabeth, as it conveys an aura of classic, understated elegance. The colour is not overwhelming, though you will find it throughout the hotel. In the rooms, staff members uniforms, on the cover of the Langham’s in-room directory of services, as well as the “private kitchen” room service menu.  Even a box in the desk drawer that contains postcards, linen stationery complete with pink lined envelopes, and the signature pen, which no doubt leaves as a desirable keepsake in the purses and pockets of guests.

Relaxing guest rooms.

The rooms are quiet from both outside, and inside distractions, with comfortable firm, non-pillow-top bedding made up with crisp, fresh white linens and soft and dense pillows. Our party stayed in two separate, unconnected rooms; a single king and a double queen, both overlooking the Norman B. Leventhal Park. Rooms are not just one size; the double is larger by about half of the single. The room had a cabriole legged desk, two comfortable upholstered arm chairs as well as the beds and side tables. A well-appointed marble floored bathroom with step in tub/shower combination. Storage consists of a large double closet and chest of drawers, a cadenza with a minibar and safe, and a Keurig coffee machine.

Chun Spa items are in the bathroom. Including a dental kit, comb, manicure set, and more. As well as Chun Spa branded body wash, soap bars, shampoo, conditioner and Body lotion.  In the closet, you will find thick, luxurious terrycloth robes and slippers.  Before bedtime, slippers are placed on a towel beside the bed, along with the following day’s weather forecast, and of course chocolates. The surprise is ice in the ice bucket for you as well as bottled water.

Plenty to do in this British hotel.

The property has an indoor swimming pool, exercise room and features the Chun Body + Soul Spa, as well as several restaurants. Bond, Café Fleuri, and The Reserve lobby bar. While the exercise room entrance is evident, getting to the pool is not. You enter through The Chun Spa’s locker rooms, once in the locker rooms, you will also find a sauna, showers, and plenty of towels. While the pool and hot tub area are not large, they are relaxing, with plenty of chairs and chaise lounges. No matter the weather, a greenhouse roof allows for natural light or at night, moon light. Clean, modern locker rooms connect to an up-to-date, well-maintained workout room. Chun Body + Soul Spa offers signature massage, Thalgo facials scrubs and wraps, couple’s treatments and wax services

Dining in the hotel.

On property dining options were plentiful. The Reserve encompasses a part of the marble floored lobby. Entrance to the Bond or Café Fleuri is through the back lobby where you can either ascend separate gracious staircases or use the elevator tucked into the side of the back lobby. While room service is an option, the in-hotel options are an experience one should not miss. It is worth taking the few steps out of the suite to indulge in them.

The hotel’s three restaurants differ as do the meal experiences that they serve. Café Fleuri is in a second floor large atrium, which no doubt doubles as a convention space. Bond is a more formal space and a beautiful retreat for dinner or late night libations. The Reserve is the place for both a formal afternoon tea or cocktails.

All three are very visually different and worth experiencing. Bond featured top notch, well-presented food, and drink. Even with a towering ceiling, crystal chandeliers and grand décor, Bond is still very intimate, so no matter if you were having a dinner for two or 20, you will feel comfortable. Both the food and service at Café Fleuri are as tasty as they are quickly served, which helps if you are short on time. While the Reserve, where we stopped for Friday afternoon tea, was, as we had heard  “the place” to go for Tea, turned out to be the only service disappointment we experienced at the hotel. 

Historic and modern.

Langham Hotel dates back to 1865 when the first “Grand British Hotel” opened under the name in London. Thus, they have named their rewards program after that year, with three tiers Gateway, Voyager and Destiny providing an ever-increasing benefit package with as middle as three stays upgrading with five to the next level, and their upper-level Destiney is by invitation only.

The building appears squat in comparison to the towering skyscrapers that surround it. Which makes the park feel like the hotel’s private back yard.  In converting this historic building, they added an upper floor pyramidal greenhouse offering aerial views from the guest rooms. Our rooms overlooked the park, though, for others it could be a city view from their rooms.

When in Boston.

Our experience at the Langham Boston was outstanding, pardon the one misstep of a new server at Tea. That first impression is one that can leave you wondering.  Ours was warm and friendly, and one where we knew we would be well-cared for and pampered.

The Langham cared for us very well. At checkout, guest services listened to our concerns over poor service at tea and were open to hearing our experiences.

Langham’s hallmark of personal attention is why this British hotel is must for any traveler staying in Boston’s financial district.

Enjoy the Adventure!

Words and images by William West Hopper