At your pleasure: Taste the high life at this grand Melbourne hotel
Taste the high life at this grand hotel.
When it opened its doors in London in 1865, the Langham boasted cutting-edge conveniences: running hot water, electric lights and England’s first hydraulic lifts, or “rising rooms”. A century and a half later, on the far side of the world, the brand still offers the very best of modern creature comforts. But at heart, she remains a grand old dame.
Melbourne’s Langham, which opened in 2005 and now has 17 sister hotels across Asia, Europe and North America, feels steadfastly Victorian, even in her 1992-built postmodern digs in busy riverside Southbank, surrounded by concrete and progress. From the moment you step into the opulently marbled lobby, with its grand fountain-topped staircase and chandelier-shrouded ceilings, you’ll be forgiven for forgetting which century it is.
I’m staying in one of 11 one-bedroom suites, mine located in the southern corner of the hotel with a panoramic view of the city skyline. It’s a suite fit for a queen, with tiled entry, mirrored bar, large living room with comfy couches, king bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and huge bathroom with double-headed shower and spa bath. The décor is all about old-fashioned elegance that pulls up well short of chintzy: trademark pale pink touches combine with honey-coloured timbers, accents of soft green and gold, roses in crystal vases, glass and porcelain ornaments.
We take a decadent Wedgwood high tea in the Aria Bar & Lounge, complete with cocktails, champagne, canapes, sweet things and the signature Langham tea blend. A Pink Taxi cocktail, named for the hotel’s mascot, is made of vanilla vodka, cranberry, pineapple and caramel liquor and complements sandwiches, scones and a chocolate fondue fountain, all accompanied by the tinkling of nearby ivories. For, as Jane Austen might have observed, it is a truth universally acknowledged that a pianist in the lobby elevates any hotel from drab to fab.
In a weekend of indulgence, a visit to the Chuan day spa is a must. In the ninth-floor sanctuary I submit to a blissful Harmony full-body massage using warm citrus and herb-based essential oils. The principles of traditional Chinese medicine are applied here, along with Chuan’s own-branded and Thalgo products. A Babor collagen booster facial is pure luxury, featuring a subtly scented cleansing, enzyme-based exfoliation, pressure-point massage and collagen-infused face mask. While the mask is on, I’m treated to a scalp and shoulder massage. My skin feels soft and refreshed afterwards, though perhaps the collagen has a more dramatic effect on my guest, Mum. She looks even more youthful and radiant. After all this exertion, we’re ready to crawl back to the suite for some treats from the room-service menu… and a well-earned nap.
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Perfect for: Romantic weekends, business trips, special occasions.
Must do: Enjoy winter in the city. The Melbourne Italian Wine & Food Festival is on June 25 at the Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton Gardens. At the National Gallery of Victoria, Van Gogh and the Seasons (until July 9) features the largest collection of the artist’s works to ever travel to Australia. Truffle Melbourne centres on a free two-day festival at Queen Victoria Markets this weekend.
Dining: The Langham’s Melba restaurant offers a buffet dinner with chefs stationed around the room cooking various cuisines to order. The Club Lounge on the 24th floor, complimentary for occupants of suites, serves a continental breakfast, all-day tea and pre-dinner drinks with views of the Yarra. Southgate offers plenty of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Getting there: The hotel is 27km from Tullamarine Airport, and a two-minute walk across the river from Flinders Street Station. Valet parking $64 per night.
Bottom line: From $252 to $420 per night for a Superior Room, $560-$950 for a one-bedroom suite. Winter Indulgence packages from $340 include valet parking, breakfast for two at Melba and wi-fi.