Decadence.com.au | The NEW Langham, Sydney

Decadence, is definitely the first word springing to mind as I walk through the doors of The Langham in Sydney’s historic Rocks area.

The luxury hotel has recently undergone a lavish multi-million dollar makeover and I fall in love as soon as I’m through the door and gliding across the marble floor.

In fact, I kind of feel at home – not that my house actually resembles anything like it but you know what I mean. The plush white interior with hues of grey, gold and teal, along with a smattering of bright colour from the flowers and an impressive art collection by Sotheby’s, creates a comforting atmosphere of old-world glamour meets modern luxury.

The sense of grandeur and opulence makes me feel like I’m visiting a rich aunt’s mansion, perhaps in The Hamptons or in Paris, or somewhere equally as noble. I can’t wait to see the rest of my ‘home’ for the next few nights.

The check-in is smooth and simple and I’m astounded when the receptionist, or should I say ‘Service Stylist’, takes my bags and personally escorts me up to my Grand Langham Room.

I’m just a little bit smitten – check out my smug face in the pic below to confirm that…

The room itself is super fancy with a king size bed, dressing table, TV unit, chaise lounge and armchair. There’s also a luxurious bathroom with twin sinks, shower and separate marble bath. The room is light, bright and airy, continuing the hotel’s style of classic yet modern charm.

The ‘Service Stylist’ shows me around my room and points out the useful things; where the hairdryer is, how to use the coffee pod machine and how to control the temperature. I find myself distracted by the thought of devouring the passion-fruit macaroons on the table and flinging myself onto the super comfy-looking bed (I do just that as soon as he closes the door).

Now I’m alone, it’s time to indulge in one of my favourite hotel pastimes. It’s sad but nothing makes me more content than reading through the hotel’s compendium. I’m not a fan of having the information at the touch of a button on the TV – give me an old-fashioned booklet any day.  As I start to flick through, two particular sections really catch my eye…

The Luxury City Experience Guide details some of the highbrow activities the hotel offers in this end of the city; from a private sunset cruise to afternoon tennis with the necessary frivolities of Pimms and cucumber sandwiches – sign me up!

As if that doesn’t make me feel at the height of sophistication, another section really piques my interest – The Langham has a room service menu dedicated to furry friends! Pet travel is so hot right now and the Langham is one of the first brands to fully embrace the trend. If you stay here, your four legged bestie will be tail wagging for gourmet treats like beef tartar for pooch and poached salmon for kitty.

The Pampered Pets Program, which includes a custom made plush bed, water bowl and gourmet treats on arrival, is second to none and guaranteed to get any pet, and its owner, purring.

Time to get a move on, I’m not here to sit in my room indulging in a whimsical fantasy of playing tennis with a pampered pooch in tow. In fact, I’m sure there’s a cocktail list with my name on in the Palm Court bar.

There’s no denying that I’m a fan of a good cocktail but The Langham’s master mixologists are really focussed on upping the game when it comes to gastronomic combinations. They also like to put on a show and an air of healthy competitiveness sees each one trying to outdo the other.

Over the next few hours I’m lucky enough to sample some of the most wonderful (and prettiest) cocktails I’ve ever had. From the Potion d’amour, created especially for the month of February and reputed to have magic love powers, to The Georgia, which combines duck fat washed whiskey and blow-torched rosemary…wow what a way to spend an evening!

Next door to Palm Cove, the main dining spot, Kent Street Kitchen, prides itself on making as much as possible in-house, from the charcuterie to the cheese and truffles. It really does function like a grand estate. The main part of the kitchen, where the breakfast buffet is served in the morning and where the chef’s table is hosted at night, has an incredibly homely feel.

*Top tip for breakfast connoisseurs – the baked eggs, with the perfect balance of spice, rich tomato, bean bake and gooey eggs, are to die for.  My only wish is that I could have this dish for breakfast everyday.

It’s safe to say the cocktails aren’t the only things casting a spell around here – the hotel itself is certainly capable of such sorcery. I’ve fallen in love and can’t wait to return.

Can’t wait to check out the new look Langham? A luxe stay is just a click away.

Kirsty stayed as a guest of The Langham Sydney

Where’s the most luxurious hotel you’ve ever stayed in? Tell us in the comments.

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