The highly-anticipated luxury hotel Raffles London at The OWO in Whitehall is now open.
Located in the historic 1906 Old War Office, Raffles London at The OWO opens with 120 rooms and suites. There are also 85 Residences by Raffles in the complex.
It marks the first UK hotel opening for Raffles Hotels & Resorts. The Raffles hotel journey began in 1887 with the opening of Raffles Singapore. Now part of Accor, it has upcoming openings in Bahrain this year, following recent openings in Bali, Boston and Macau.
Restoration
An eight-year restoration has returned the OWO building to its original condition. Hundreds of artisans have meticulously restored heritage features including delicate hand-laid mosaic floors, oak panelling, chandeliers, and a striking marble staircase.
The hotel has been developed in partnership between the family-run Hinduja Group and Accor.
“Everyone at Accor feels honoured and privileged to be part of this historic project that has surpassed all expectations — truly a legend in the making and possibly the most awe-inspiring hotel on the planet. Together with the Hinduja family, we proudly invite locals and travellers alike to experience this extraordinary hotel as well as the authenticity and graciousness of Raffles, one of our most prestigious brands in one of the world’s greatest cities,” said Sébastien Bazin, Accor Chairman & CEO.
Rooms and suites
The Heritage Suites are the most historical rooms in the property. They were the former offices of political and military leaders including Sir Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and Sir Richard Haldane.
Several of these former offices are available for exclusive reservations as ‘The Whitehall Wing’ in a six-bedroom residence. Located in the west wing of the building, it can accommodate up to twelve guests, making it one of the largest luxury hotel wings available in London.
Dining
The hotel features nine restaurants and three bars. Three of the nine dining experiences will be helmed by highly renowned chef, Mauro Colagreco who is passionate about sustainable and seasonal cooking.
His signature restaurant is Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO, where there will be a particular focus on native British vegetables. Mauro’s Table is an intimate dining space for 23 guests; while his relaxed and more casual restaurant is Saison, aiming to put a contemporary spin on the traditional hotel restaurant.
The hotel includes two bars: The Guard’s Bar and Lounge, serving a signature ‘London Sling’; and The Spy Bar, located in a former interrogation room.
Additionally, The OWO features four independent restaurants including Café Lapérouse, Paper Moon, Langosteria, and a rooftop restaurant and ground-floor sake bar by Creative Restaurant Group.
Wellness
Within the hotel, a Guerlain Spa, in partnership with Pillar Wellbeing, will provide wellness experiences for guests. It’s set to be one of the largest luxury hotel spas in London, spanning more than four floors and including a 20m swimming pool, nine treatment suites, an extensive gym and L’Atelier Guerlain.
For more information, visit Raffles London at The OWO