Luxury arrival: Accor reveals new Raffles London at The OWO set to open in late 2022
The building, formerly the Old War Office on Whitehall, will open to the public for the first time, having undergone a monumental transformation to create 120 rooms and suites, 85 unique branded residences and 11 destination restaurants and bars.
Located at one of London’s most historically significant addresses, the UK’s first Raffles hotel will have an extensive wellness space featuring world leading spa and fitness partners and will be home to a rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic views across Whitehall, The Mall and on to Buckingham Palace.
“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 Raffles Hotels and Orient Express CEO, Stephen Alden.
“We are so proud to be part of the magnificent five-year transformation of the historic Old War Office building.
“We have a world-class team to oversee the opening, in whose hands I’m confident that the Raffles experience of London, for our residents, guests and visitors alike, will be unforgettable,” he said.
The Old War Office, originally completed in 1906 and designed by British architect William Young, has stood witness to many world-shaping events.
The family run Hinduja Group, at the helm of the redevelopment, has been passionately committed to the meticulous restoration of the heritage features of the building since its acquisition in 2016.
Hundreds of artisan craftspeople have been commissioned to restore the historic interior elements including delicate hand-laid mosaic floors, oak panelling, chandeliers, and a magnificent marble staircase.
Key suites at Raffles London will be situated in the building’s most storied rooms – formerly offices of influential political and military leaders including Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and John Profumo.
Some of the most sought-after suites will be located in the building’s corner turrets, from which guests will enjoy unparalleled views over Horse Guards and the stunning 57-acres of St. James’s Park.
The Old War Office inspired Ian Fleming to write the famous James Bond series after working as key liaison officer between the War Office and Britain’s Naval Intelligence Service.
The building went on to feature in various Bond films, including Skyfall, Spectre, License to Kill, A View to a Kill, Octopussy, and most recently, No Time To Die.
Alden said the OWO will become a new epicentre for the capital’s dining scene with an eclectic collection of 11 restaurants and bars led by world-class chefs and restaurateurs.