The iconic 1865 grande dame of London’s West End, known for top-notch service.

Resting on its laurels. The Langham is as inventive as ever, pulling out all stops to woo international guests, down to the holistic 24-hour Chuan Body + Soul gym.

You might think a hotel that’s played host to everyone from Napoleon III to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would bank on that fame forever more. Not so at The Langham, which seems to be in a continual state of cool. For proof, look no further than the subterranean 16-meter indoor swimming pool, which is lined in turquoise tile and as Instagrammable as British dips getl. All 380 rooms are thoroughly modern, yet paired with unexpected design elements (piped upholstery; Chinoiserie accessories). For even more sumptuous pampering, book special access to the Langham Club lounge, where gratis breakfast and evening canapés were created by celebrity chefs Albert Roux OBE and Michel Roux Jr., and a wingback beside a fireplace beckons—with champagne.

You’re a fervent fashionista, and The Langham’s collaboration with Hunter Boots resulted in custom kicks in the same lip-smacking hue as cotton candy pink.

You’ve never taken your afternoon tea with the Queen Mum before, but you have a feeling the hotel’s Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood is a close second: just as refined, just as riveting (the hotel is rumored to be where afternoon high tea was invented). Teas themselves are proprietary—completely unavailable anywhere else, even Buckingham Palace.

Roux at The Landau - an elegant restaurant with classically constructed dishes

Palm Court - afternoon tea

Artesian - a chic and glamorous bar with classic and innovative cocktails