Why book?

Opposite the Horse Guards and therefore right in the center of Whitehall, Raffles London at the Old War Office is a historic gem that has been lovingly and luxuriously renovated. James Bond fans can follow in the footsteps of Sir Ian Fleming, who came up with the idea for the novels in these halls and met the real-life role model for Agent 007. The imposing staircase in the reception hall alone bears witness to the impressive opulence of the luxury hotel.

Raffles London at the OWO
7 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 3907 7500
Web: theowo.london
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 1175

Location

Churchill's former office has been transformed into a luxury suite with a large lounge. The wood paneling is still original. ©Raffles London at the OWO

Raffles London is located in the heart of Whitehall. The Horse Guards are opposite the hotel entrance. Right in the center of London, you can quickly reach the most important sightseeing highlights and Westminster Station. The building housed the War Office in the 20th century; historical greats such as Sir Winston Churchill, T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) and Sir Ian Fleming came and went here every day.

Rooms & suites

81 rooms and 39 suites are available to guests. The Heritage Suites, which were created from the offices of influential politicians, are of course a highlight. These include, for example, the Churchill Suite with several bedrooms and a huge lounge area. The eight Corner Suites bear the names of female spies who worked for the British Empire. The suites contain lovingly presented information about their lives and work.

A sophisticated atmosphere and modern luxury form a skillful symbiosis in the suites. ©Raffles London at the OWO

The rooms boast elegant furniture and accessories. Guests are offered plenty of space to relax and unwind in the generously proportioned suites. The personal butler service ensures that every wish is fulfilled. A wide pillow menu ensures a perfect night's sleep. Guests will find high-quality beauty products and professional hair styling equipment in the bathrooms.

Food & Drinks

With Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco, Raffles has brought a three Michelin-starred culinary artist on board. He stands for natural flavors and hyper-local ingredients. The casual all-day dining restaurant Saison serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. An extensive breakfast is served early in the morning in the covered conservatory.

Saison serves casual all-day dining. ©Raffles London at the OWO

Colagreco's second restaurant, Mauro Colagreco at the OWO invites guests on a hyper-seasonal journey through regional ingredients. Here, seven courses are paired with exceptional and often surprising wines. If you want to look over the maestro's shoulder, book the Chef's Table Experience Mauro's Table.

Colagreco's cuisine stands for seasonality, with a focus on natural aromas and flavors. This is also reflected in the restaurant's interior. Matteo Carassale

As if that wasn't enough, the hotel serves afternoon tea and snacks in the Drawing Room during the day. The Café Lapérouse in the property's inner courtyard is an ideal retreat for Parisian cuisine on warm summer evenings. A Japanese and an Italian restaurant as well as England's first Langosteria are also planned for 2024.

The Guards Bar - with a view of the Horse Guards - is the hotel's main bar and is open to hotel guests and locals alike. From exceptional signature cocktails to fine vintages, a wide selection of drinks is served. It's ideal for relaxed evenings with friends.

The Guards Bar impresses with lots of wood and a relaxed atmosphere. It used to be a meeting place for an after-work pint. ©Raffles London at the OWO

You can follow in the footsteps of MI5 by reserving a table in the Spy Bar. The former archive, where information on all MI5 spies was stored, has been turned into a speakeasy. It's hidden in the basement of the building, the location is top secret! What we can reveal, however, is that James Bond classics are served, such as the Vesper; a real (halved) Aston Martin from the wall behind the bar greets guests in proper style.

Spa

The spa area of the hotel extends over several levels. The centerpiece is the Guerlain Spa with selected treatments and signature massages. Soft lighting, natural colors and subtle fragrances create a feel-good atmosphere. A state-of-the-art gym and personal trainer ensure physical fitness. Afterwards, guests can relax in the 20-metre pool or sweat it out in the steam bath or sauna.

The couple treatment room in the Guerlain Spa. ©Raffles London at the OWO

A whirlpool is also available. Tired feet can be treated with compression boots. In future, guests will also have access to the Pillar Kitchen & Juice Bar with healthy snacks and drinks. By the way: Locals can get a membership for the spa and gym and enjoy the benefits of the excellent sports and wellness area.

In conclusion

The pool area. ©Raffles London at the OWO

With the opening of Raffles London at the OWO, the British capital has gained an extraordinary hotel. Great importance was attached to combining the history of the hotel with modern luxury. If you would like to find out more about the hotel and its importance, you can take a historical tour of the property - which is very informative and by no means boring - and learn a few anecdotes about Churchill and the British military. As you would expect from Raffles, the service throughout the hotel is at its best and guests are not lacking in any amenities. Coupled with the imposing building and interior, Raffles is definitely a must-visit in London.

Raffles London at the OWO
7 Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 20 3907 7500
Web: theowo.london
Price: Doubles incl. breakfast from € 1175