Raffles London At The OWO

Once used for Churchill’s WWII headquarters, the Old War Office building in London has now transformed into the UK’s first (and highly anticipated) Raffles property.

• The legendary Raffles Butlers providing thoughtful service touches. Wishing for a steaming pot of tea after a crisp day of sightseeing? Send a quick message to the hotel’s hospitality team before arriving back to the property.
• The prime location, overlooking the Royal Horse Guards and the fashionable epicenter of London
• London's first Guerlain Spa, along with a fitness center and indoor pool, spread across four floors of the property

As the doors at the Raffles close, the bustle of modern London is suddenly eclipsed by old world opulence—one in which world-altering decisions were put to pen and paper and scampering Boy Scouts ran between the ten-foot corridors to deliver top secret messages.

Designed by British architect William Young in 1906, the “New War Office" (as it would have been known then) was opened to house 2,500 government and military officials. Ian Fleming, author of the famed Bond novels, worked here for Britain’s Naval Intelligence Division during WWII. After serving as the backdrop of military decisions for the First and Second World Wars, and the beginnings of British decolonization, it was then superseded in 1964 by the new Ministry of Defense nearby. Acquired in 2016 on a 250-year lease from the Ministry of Defense by the Indian Hinduja Group, a six year restoration of the building resulted in a beautifully resorted landmark. Located in Whitehall, the hotel is walking distance from key spots such as Buckingham Palace and London’s West End.

Designed by Thierry Despont (of Claridge’s, Casa Cipriani), the property has nine restaurants, three bars, Guerlain’s first London spa and 120 guest rooms and suites. All of the rooms are a contemporary interpretation of classic Edwardian style, including original artwork, marble bathrooms, custom linens and bedside iPads. The color palette is mostly neutral tones, althogh the Heritage Suites have a little extra, flair—like restored oak paneling, floor-to-ceiling windows, neo-Baroque plaster ceilings and Georgian fireplaces. (For an ultimate upgrade, stay in the Churchill, Granville, Haldane or signature Raffles Suite to assume the mantle of a 21st century decision maker.)

Internationally acclaimed chef Mauro Colagreco heads up three of the nine restaurants. The other eateries include Milan-favorite Langosteria, chef Patron Endo Kazutoshi’s Japanese restaurant and the Parisian-inspired Café Laperouse. Spy Bar, the undercover intelligence-themed watering hole, is accessible only to hotel guests, and James Bond-lovers will enjoy pairing cocktails with tours of the former interview and interrogation rooms. Afternoon tea is served daily in the drawing room overlooking Whitehall.

For guests looking to relax or sweat during their stay, the Guerlain Spa, indoor pool, saunas and fitness center are spread across four floors of the property. The extensive treatment menu includes signature Guerlain rituals, massages, facials and more with an onsite L'Atelier Guerlain where express treatments and products are available for purchase. Personalized training and metabolic analysis can be booked through the Spa.

History buffs, 007 devotees and lovers of fine dining seeking ultra-modern luxury in a regal atmosphere. The hotel might have its original chandeliers, but its bathroom mirrors also double as television screens.

Those hoping for a private, boutique hotel. While the entire hotel is elevated and upscale, as a prominent landmark in London, the OWO is open to the public.