Iconic London building transforms into luxury hotel

Raffles London at The OWO is far from the only hotel to have been delayed by the pandemic and associated inconveniences. But at least in London, it was the hotel most eagerly awaited. Apart from heralding the debut of the venerable Raffles brand in the UK, the remarkable landmark building it inhabits has engendered intrigue and anticipation.

Grandeur - and a hint of intrigue: Raffles London at The OWO.

It opens, finally, on September 29, while another London hotel in a landmark building, the Waldorf Astoria at Admiralty Arch, remains a way off.

“OWO” stands for the Old War Office, the city HQ for the British military during both World Wars, among other vital events.

It was completed in 1906 but has foundations dating back to Henry VIII. The striking white Edwardian edifice at number 57 Whitehall is near Buckingham Palace, the House of Commons, Westminster Abbey, and Downing Street.

Landmark building: Raffles London at The OWO.

Being a place of security, espionage, and political high stakes, the OWO has never been open to the public before.

The Hinduja Group, the multi-business conglomerate of Britain’s richest family, bought a 250-year lease on it for £350 million and has sunk £1 billion (almost $2 billion) into creating a hotel and super high-end private residences.

The pool at the OWO Raffles London.

Across the ongoing five-year-plus renovation of the Grade II listed building, hundreds of artisans have worked to restore original features such as oak panelling, mosaic floors and a cobblestone courtyard.

The majestic main marble staircase is sure to feature in many a wedding photo album given there is a 600-person ballroom now on site that’s sure to be a highly sought after reception venue.

Originally designed by British architect William Young, the legendary Thierry Despont whose other credentials include The Getty Centre, Maison Cartier and the restoration of the Statue of Liberty, and who died only in August this year, created the design for 120 rooms and suites, and the 85 private residences.

Principal Bedroom at The OWO in Whitehall, London

The property includes a Guerlain Spa and Pillar Wellbeing, as well as nine restaurants and three bars, led by some of the world’s most acclaimed chefs, including the three Michelin-starred Mauro Colagreco.

For all that, it’s the opportunity to stay where giants made gigantic decisions that is likely to be the biggest drawcard, at least to begin with. Key suites at Raffles London inhabit former offices of influential political and military leaders including Sir Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and John Profumo. Other suites are in the building’s corner turrets, affording unrivalled views over Horse Guards and St James’s Park.

James Bond fans are in for thrills, too. 007 author Ian Fleming worked as a key liaison officer between the War Office and Britain’s Naval Intelligence Service in the building. The OWO is featured in various Bond films, including Skyfall, Spectre, License to Kill, A View to a Kill, Octopussy, and most recently, No Time to Die.

See raffles.com/london