The Langham, Sydney

The Langham's opulence is apparent as soon as guests enter the hotel's lobby through huge glass doors. There's white marble almost everywhere, from the steps to the fireplace and floors to the coffee table surrounded by blue velvet armchairs in the lobby. There's a sharp, almost vintage vibe that's set off by details like a dramatic floral arrangement in front of the reception desk. The hotel has an elegant and refined atmosphere, but is still inviting and comfortable. This is one of the few pet-friendly hotels in Sydney, so some guests travel with their cat or dog, although they are not permitted to be left alone in the room at any time. Many guests relax in the hotel’s drawing room or Palm Court area which serves afternoon tea by day and cocktails in the evening. The vibe throughout is distinctly high end, and clientele are mostly couples, families, and business travelers with cash to spare.

The Langham is located in The Rocks -- a historic and trendy area of Sydney's city center with a huge array of shops, restaurants, and pubs. The Rocks Market operates every weekend and has over 100 stalls. Just across the street, a minutes' walk from the hotel, is the Sydney Observatory and Observatory Hill Park. There are great views across the quay to the Sydney Opera House, and it takes around 20 minutes to walk there. There are also a large number of art galleries in the neighborhood. The S. H. Ervin Gallery is just a two-minute walk from the hotel, and the Museum of Contemporary Art is a 10-minute walk. The King George V Memorial Park is an eight-minute walk from the hotel, and it's around 10 minutes to the shops on Pitt Street. Sydney Zoo and Sydney Aquarium are both a 15-minute walk, and for getting farther afield, Wynyard train station is an eight-minute walk away. Sydney Airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive depending on traffic.

The luxurious guest rooms and suites at the Langham are spacious and match the elegance of the hotel’s public areas. They are decorated in soft, muted colors and have wainscoted walls and high ceilings. Expect to see handsome rugs with bold blue patterns, white marble accents, and contemporary furniture in chic neutral tones. Beds are made with white duvets and sit under tufted antique-style headboards. Rooms have fabulous views over the city or the harbor, and some have a private terrace. All have air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, iPod dock, minibar, DVD player, free mineral water and newspapers, work desk, safe, and robe and slippers. There are also upscale touches like a Kuerig coffee maker. Suites have the addition of a separate living area, and some have a kitchenette, dining area, or bar. The sumptuous tan marble bathrooms have deep bath tubs, a separate shower with rainfall shower head, and designer toiletries.

There are two restaurants at the Langham, both with excellent reputations. Kent Street Kitchen offers modern European fare and is open for breakfast and dinner. Palm Court serves high tea during the afternoon and cocktails in the evening, with live music provided from the grand piano. The cocktail bar is staffed by a mixologist from Europe who crafts interesting (although expensive) concoctions with unusual ingredients such as liquid nitrogen or smoke from the bark of Peruvian trees. Twenty-four-hour room service is available, but breakfasts are not included in room rates. The hotel offers a fitness center, tennis court, steam room, and full service spa offering a range of treatments in its 10 treatment rooms, such as massage, aromatherapy, and manicures. There’s an indoor heated pool that's surrounded by cushioned wooden steamer chairs and has a dramatic ceiling painted like the night sky, complete with twinkling stars. There are five meeting rooms for business guests, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.