From Winston Churchill to Ian Fleming, a landmark building on Whitehall in central London has welcomed many notable figures. The Grade II-listed Old War Office, originally completed in 1906, is now open to the public for the first time after an extensive restoration. Following five years of careful renovation, the Edwardian landmark has been reborn as Raffles London at The OWO.
© Raffles London at The OWO
“The launch of Raffles London at The OWO is a singular moment for the London hospitality scene as the Raffles brand arrives in the city,” said Stephen Alden, CEO of Raffles Hotels & Orient Express. “We are proud to have played a role in the magnificent five-year transformation of the historic Old War Office building. With our experienced team overseeing the opening, I am confident the Raffles experience in London will be unforgettable for residents, guests and visitors alike.”
Scheduled to open in spring 2023, Raffles London at The OWO offers 120 rooms and suites alongside 85 branded residences. The property features nine restaurants and bars, and a destination spa and health club developed in partnership with renowned beauty and wellness house GUERLAIN and movement and nutrition specialists PILLAR.
© Raffles London at The OWO
Many suites occupy some of the building’s most storied rooms, including former offices used by political and military leaders such as Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and John Profumo. The most coveted accommodations are in the corner turrets, where guests enjoy sweeping views across Horse Guards Parade and St. James’s Park.
With nine distinct dining destinations, The OWO aims to become a new epicenter for London’s culinary scene. A roster of internationally acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs has been invited to craft a variety of dining experiences, including contributions from Chef Mauro Colagreco.
© Raffles London at The OWO
The hotel introduces London’s first GUERLAIN-branded spa, a four-level sanctuary delivering a holistic wellness program curated by GUERLAIN and PILLAR. The spa includes nine treatment rooms, two couple’s suites, a VIP area, a barber and salon, beauty treatment spaces and a GUERLAIN boutique. The member’s health club complements the spa with a comprehensive gym and movement studio, a café, a 20-meter pool, a vitality pool, plus steam and sauna facilities.
For events, The OWO provides generous and versatile spaces: a 678-square-meter Whitehall Ballroom, a 425-square-meter pre-function area and two meeting rooms of just under 100 square meters each, suited to conferences, private receptions and special occasions.