Q & A recognized, welcomed and at ease. You see it when laughter fills the bar or when staff catch up with returning guests in the lobby. That blend of refinement and connection is what makes our version of luxury resonate.
A bedroom at The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue.
HOTELS: Quiet luxury is the idea around an aesthetic and lifestyle focused on high-quality, timeless and minimalist possessions rather than flashy logos or overt displays of wealth. Do you find that affluent travelers are drawn to that and how does Langham as a brand tap into it? van den Oord: While the idea of quiet
luxury has gained traction, what guests are truly seeking today is authenticity. At Langham, we describe our approach as“ comfortable luxury”— high standards and timeless design, yes, but always warm, always personal. For us, luxury isn’ t about hushed tones or imposing opulence. It’ s about a home-like comfort where guests feel
HOTELS: Most luxury hotels are beautiful places, but service is really what sets them apart. What defines service delivery? van den Oord: Yes, beautiful hotels are common; it’ s the service that endures. Our service philosophy, The Langham Way, is modeled on our British heart, Asian soul and global mindset. It champions open and genuine interactions with guests, colleagues and the world at large. The philosophy itself was born out of an exchange in our Club Lounge, when a guest asked a colleague whether his warm demeanor was taught and how he managed to anticipate preferences so naturally. With a smile, he replied,“ It’ s just The Langham Way, sir,” a phrase the guest later relayed to me in an email expressing his thanks.
HOTELS: Hotels are no longer just heads in beds, but a full range of food and
Langham Hospitality Group takes its name from The Langham, London, widely recognized as Europe ' s first Grand Hotel when it first opened in 1865.
68 hotelsmag. com Jan / Feb 2026