The sweeping lobby is decorated in a calming palette of coffee, cream and caramel. Details combine to create a feeling of opulence: the Calacatta marble floors; vases overflowing with an abundance of flowers; glinting gold detailing. Walls are adorned with vintage mirrors and art by celebrated Australian artists including Brett Whiteley and Albert Tucker. Pops of colour come in splashes of opulent teal and burnt gold, although the hotel’s signature is an uplifting shade of baby pink (introduced long before the ubiquitous ‘Barbiecore’ became cool), which is found in everything from room keys and tissue boxes to the dog bowls provided for pets (very welcome). Even the private taxi hireable for airport pick-ups is sprayed in this fun, frothy hue.
There’s no headline chef in residence but the main restaurant, Kitchens On Kent, offers a satisfying buffet and an à la carte menu with regional delicacies including Pambula Sydney Rock Oysters, locally-sourced meats and fish, and an impressive selection of Australian cheeses. Afternoon tea is a highlight: gaggles of well-heeled women from across the city gather to sample the Instagram-worthy delicacies. Cocktails are served at the Observatory Bar, a sophisticated hotspot off the lobby which takes its name from the historic Sydney Observatory across the street.
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The bedrooms are palatial. A stay in such a central location typically comes at the cost of square-footage. But not here, where even the entry-level offering feels fit for a princess. The marble bathrooms boast double vanities, rain showers and indulgently deep tubs. The super king-sized beds are exceptionally large and comfortable. The decor is classic: Regency-inspired with quilted headboards, leather armchairs and gold finishes. The entire redesign was overseen by London-based studio GA Group, which also lent its talent to Chelsea’s The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel and Ariana’s at Atlantis The Royal, in Dubai. Although other hotels nearby offer better views (the location means there’s no bridge or opera house from here) few embody the rich splendour of The Langham, which is surely worthy of Ms Hepburn herself.
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