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Profile
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 The Landmark London seamlessly integrates the elegance and grandeur of British style at the height of the Victorian era with the luxury and facilities of one of the world's leading five-star hotels. Originally opened as The Grand Central Hotel in 1899, The Landmark London was the last of the great Victorian railway hotels constructed during the golden age of steam. The hotel reflects the wealth and power of the era, with a design and style of opulence and luxury. Central to the hotel is a soaring eight storey glass-roofed atrium providing a sense of space and light unique amongst London hotels. |
 The original architect was Robert William Edis (1839-1927). Well known for his confident, conservative approach, Edis' work is typical of the gothic architectural style that flourished at the height of British influence and power under Queen Victoria. The hotel design reflected not only the wealth and power of the time but also the desire of the architect and owner that it should surpass all previous establishments in terms of opulence and luxury. |
 In-keeping with the prevailing vogue, the hotel was designed around a vast central courtyard allowing horse drawn carriages to deposit guests into the heart of the property in privacy and comfort. Adapting to social needs with the post-war arrival of the roaring twenties, this central courtyard (now the Winter Garden) was transformed into a dance floor. |
 The Lounge, Reception Hall and Writing Room provided spaces where men and women could congregate, though contemporary etiquette demanded that segregated areas allowing men and women to entertain separately also be provided. Thus, the Dining Room was flanked by a Smoking Room with Billiard Room below intended for use by men, whilst the Drawing Room and Writing Room, located across The Winter Garden, were intended for use by female guests. |
 Each of the public rooms had its own decorative style though all were uniformly comfortable and luxurious. No expense was spared and rooms were filled with fruits of the Empire with exotic plants, oriental carpets, statues, marble, furniture of cane, mahogany and leather, rich paintings and sumptuous fabrics.
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 The guest rooms, amongst the largest in the capital, are a microcosm of the hotel as a whole and feature an eclectic mix of the best in modern and period decor, providing a counterpoint to the numerous original features which have been painstakingly restored to their former glory. |
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