The Harper Langham

The Harper Langham, a Michelin One-Key property nestled in the peaceful village of Langham, North Norfolk, offers guests a luxurious and relaxed country escape. Transformed from a former glass-blowing factory, the boutique hotel blends classic country features with contemporary design.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Harper Langham generally receives very positive feedback, often described as a "5-star" experience and "staycation goals." It holds an 8.5 "Very Good" rating on Booking.com based on 111 reviews and is recognized by the MICHELIN Guide with "One MICHELIN Key · A very special stay." Guests appreciate its relaxed, unfussy style and luxurious feel.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise The Harper for its invigorating spa facilities, the comfort and style of its rooms, and the attentive staff. The hotel's design incorporates nods to its glass factory history, with stained-glass windows and industrial touches. Other highlights include the cool speakeasy-style bar, a games room ("The Den") with a pool table, and a picturesque private courtyard ("The Yard"). The hotel is notably dog-friendly, offering amenities and allowing dogs in several communal areas. The exclusive use of spa facilities for allocated time slots is also a frequently mentioned positive.

3. Room Quality

The 32 individually designed rooms at The Harper are categorized as "Big," "Bigger," and "Biggest," offering generous and attractive spaces. They are characterized by a "low-key luxe" and "rustic chic" decor, featuring king-sized or super-king four-poster beds with Casper mattresses, high-spec bathrooms with monsoon and rainforest showers, and Irene Forte toiletries. Each room includes thoughtful amenities such as complimentary ready-mixed Niche cocktails, chilled beer, homemade cookies, popcorn, bottled water, a Nespresso machine, a work desk, flat-screen TV, and free WiFi.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at The Harper is centered around Stanley's, a cozy bistro and intimate dining room that focuses on fine dining with locally sourced, seasonal produce. Options typically include a six-course tasting menu or an à la carte selection, with dishes like thick-cut smoked salmon and cod chowder mentioned. Ivy's is another light and airy dining and relaxing space upstairs.

Breakfast is a particular highlight for many, served between 7 am and 10 am, featuring a selection of pastries, fresh fruits, cereals, juices, and hot food cooked to order, including full English fry-ups, pancakes, and crumpets from a local purveyor. Ingredients are often locally sourced, such as smoked salmon from Brancaster Staithe. The hotel also owns the village pub, The Blue Bell, offering a more relaxed dining option with pub grub.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on service and staff is overwhelmingly positive, with employees described as "amazing," "very helpful," "friendly," "attentive," and "lovely." Many commend the staff for going "above and beyond" and creating a welcoming, relaxed, and neighborly atmosphere.

However, it is crucial to note a serious concern regarding staff conduct. An industrial tribunal in November 2024 found that a reception supervisor at The Harper experienced "direct race discrimination" and "harassment related to race." The tribunal heard accounts of repeated racist comments by a hotel manager, including the assertion that "all blacks" were drug users and referring to guests as "the blacks." When the employee complained, she was reportedly told she "was not dark enough to be offended" and had a "very sheltered life." The hotel's managing director was also accused of "character assassination" during the tribunal.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Harper is situated in Langham, a peaceful North Norfolk village, making it an ideal base for a country escape. It is conveniently located "a stone's throw" from coastal attractions like Blakeney Point (2 miles away) for seal spotting, and scenic walks at Cley-next-the-Sea. The larger market town of Holt is also nearby for shopping. Norwich International Airport is approximately 25 miles (41 km) away. While the location is perfect for exploring the beautiful North Norfolk coastline and countryside, having a car is recommended for accessibility. The hotel offers free on-site private parking and EV charging.

7. Value & Pricing

The Harper is considered a luxury experience, with prices reflecting this. Rooms start from £219 per night for a "Big" room, and a dinner and breakfast package is typically around £349. Room tariffs can be from £250 per night including breakfast. While many guests feel the experience is worth the cost, some reviews suggest it can be "overpriced for what you get," particularly in relation to dinner portion sizes or perceived limitations on spa access.

8. Common Complaints

Beyond the serious issue of the race discrimination finding, other recurring criticisms include:

• Small portion sizes at dinner in Stanley's.
• Occasional slow or inconsistent service during breakfast.
• Limited food options at the bar and sometimes the dinner menu.
• The spa's private usage slots are typically limited to 30 minutes, which some guests find too short, although others appreciate the exclusivity.
• One guest reported a freezing pool and a non-functioning steam room during their stay.
• Difficulty finding the hotel at night due to a lack of a lighted sign.

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