In the heart of the West End, The Langham is the perfect start to a tour of London. The Victorian hotel underwent two years of renovations to align its décor with its distinguished heritage.

The opulent décor of Langham's charming West End hotel makes you want to don a three-piece suit and hat. The extensive renovations, completed in 2009, have restored the "Grand Hotel" to its former glory as a luxury London retreat that has accommodated royalty and dignitaries since 1865. You unlock a world of English culture and history before you even unlock the door to your suite.

For a genuine taste of British tradition, you can't go past afternoon tea in Palm Court. UK legend has it that the tradition of afternoon tea was born in The Langham over 140 years ago. Make sure you're up to date on your tea etiquette though - dunking anything into your tea is frowned upon.

Shopping till you drop on England's shopping meccas of Bond Street and Oxford Street poses a real risk. The Langham's central location allows you to drop in and recuperate at will; or drop you bags in before heading out for the evening to the West End's theatre district.