Raffles London at The OWO

Where British intelligence once shaped world history, Raffles London at The OWO transforms the legendary Old War Office into London's most extraordinary luxury hotel, occupying a Grade II-listed Edwardian Baroque masterpiece that once housed Winston Churchill and birthed MI5 and MI6. This remarkable transformation marks the first Raffles property in the United Kingdom, establishing an entirely new paradigm for heritage hospitality.

Completed in 2023 after an eight-year, $1.6 billion restoration by the Hinduja Group, this architectural triumph by William and Clyde Young (1906) seamlessly merges its storied past with contemporary luxury. The hotel honors legendary figures through thoughtful design elements—from the hand-laid mosaic floors and sweeping marble staircases to the two-story chandelier that illuminates centuries of secrets. Late designer Thierry Despont masterfully balanced Edwardian grandeur with modern sophistication, creating spaces that feel both historically significant and refreshingly accessible.

The hotel's 120 exquisitely appointed rooms and suites include 39 distinctive suites, many bearing names that celebrate the building's clandestine heritage. The five Heritage Suites occupy former offices of influential political leaders, while eight Corner Suites—named after notable women and female spies—crown the majestic cupolas overlooking Whitehall. The Nearne Suite stands as perhaps London's only accommodation where guests can witness the Changing of the Horse Guards from their vaulted-ceiling bedroom. Each accommodation features marble fireplaces, elegant cornicing, and specially commissioned geometric carpets, complemented by sleek marble bathrooms with smart heated toilets and iPad-controlled technology that eliminates visible cables and remotes.

Nine restaurants and three bars create London's most ambitious hotel dining destination, headlined by acclaimed chef Mauro Colagreco's trio of concepts: the all-day Saison with its stunning double-height ceilings, the signature fine-dining Mauro Colagreco at The OWO featuring remarkable vegetable-focused tasting menus, and the intimate Mauro's Table chef's counter. The rooftop Kioku By Endo delivers Japanese-Mediterranean cuisine alongside breathtaking views of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, while The Guards Bar offers sophisticated cocktails split between British garden herbs and exotic global ingredients. The mysterious Spy Bar—accessible only to hotel guests and unmarked throughout the property—serves 007's favorite Stinger cocktail until 1 AM.

The 27,000-square-foot Guerlain Spa spans four floors with nine treatment suites, three VIP Spa Suites, a 20-meter swimming pool, and the exceptional Pillar Wellbeing Health Club featuring boxing equipment, Peloton bikes, and Theraguns. Positioned at London's political heart on Whitehall, guests enjoy unparalleled access to Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace.

Book the Heritage or Corner Suites for the ultimate historical immersion, with complimentary historical tours revealing the building's captivating intelligence legacy. Raffles London at The OWO doesn't merely offer luxury accommodation—it provides exclusive access to British history reimagined for the modern luxury traveler.