After a period of over a century shrouded in secrecy, London's Old War Office in Whitehall is set to reopen, following a multimillion-dollar transformation, now reborn as the UK's first Raffles hotel. This iconic building, once a workplace for military leaders like Winston Churchill, will offer luxurious rooms starting at £1,100 per night (approximately $1,392).
Raffles London, part of The OWO collaborative project, boasts 120 guest rooms and suites, a grand ballroom accommodating up to 600 people, and London's first Guerlain-branded spa center. It is one of the most anticipated hotel openings of the year.
This landmark building also served as the inspiration for British author Ian Fleming when he was a naval intelligence officer, conceiving the James Bond secret agent novels. Fans of the spy film series may recognize this building appearing in recent 007 movies such as "Spectre," as well as in earlier films like "Octopussy" and "License to Kill."
Originally completed in 1906, the iconic building underwent an eight-year renovation with hundreds of craftsmen brought in to restore historical elements, including oak paneling and hand-laid mosaic flooring.
Throughout the hotel, there are traces of the architectural history, including curtains with military buttons. Modern elements, like bathrooms equipped with televisions, have been seamlessly integrated.
Among the five signature suites at Raffles London are the Churchill Suites, which feature two bedrooms and previously served as the Army Council Meeting Room, and the Granville Suites, named after the famous Polish spy Christine Granville, with spacious bathrooms that include a freestanding bathtub and a bespoke walk-in shower.
Raffles is known for its impeccable service, and the Raffles London team has expressed their commitment to ensuring that the hotel's service is in line with the brand's long-standing reputation.
The new Raffles London hotel is set to open soon, offering luxury accommodations and a historical experience for visitors. This exciting new destination is sure to capture people's interest and shine as a brilliant gem in London's hotel industry.
Raffles London, part of The OWO collaborative project, boasts 120 guest rooms and suites, a grand ballroom accommodating up to 600 people, and London's first Guerlain-branded spa center. It is one of the most anticipated hotel openings of the year.
This landmark building also served as the inspiration for British author Ian Fleming when he was a naval intelligence officer, conceiving the James Bond secret agent novels. Fans of the spy film series may recognize this building appearing in recent 007 movies such as "Spectre," as well as in earlier films like "Octopussy" and "License to Kill."
Originally completed in 1906, the iconic building underwent an eight-year renovation with hundreds of craftsmen brought in to restore historical elements, including oak paneling and hand-laid mosaic flooring.
Throughout the hotel, there are traces of the architectural history, including curtains with military buttons. Modern elements, like bathrooms equipped with televisions, have been seamlessly integrated.
Among the five signature suites at Raffles London are the Churchill Suites, which feature two bedrooms and previously served as the Army Council Meeting Room, and the Granville Suites, named after the famous Polish spy Christine Granville, with spacious bathrooms that include a freestanding bathtub and a bespoke walk-in shower.
Raffles is known for its impeccable service, and the Raffles London team has expressed their commitment to ensuring that the hotel's service is in line with the brand's long-standing reputation.
The new Raffles London hotel is set to open soon, offering luxury accommodations and a historical experience for visitors. This exciting new destination is sure to capture people's interest and shine as a brilliant gem in London's hotel industry.
