The former Old War Office has been reimagined into one of London’s most striking luxury hotels, balancing historic gravitas with contemporary quiet-luxury polish. Marble staircases, sweeping corridors, and restored architectural flourishes speak to the building’s political past, while warm service, world-class dining, and serene wellness spaces bring an unexpectedly intimate tone to one of the capital’s most powerful addresses.
For Those Who Seek…
- Heritage glamour in a landmark location
- Michelin-caliber dining and impeccable cocktails
- Under-the-radar privacy steps from royal and cultural icons
Legacy
Once the workplace of Winston Churchill, T. E. Lawrence, and generations of British statesmen, The Old War Office was originally completed in 1906, with Baroque Revival features and grand internal courtyards. After a meticulous multi-year restoration, the building reopened in October 2023 as Raffles London at The OWO, bringing together historic architecture, contemporary British design, and a deep respect for storytelling. Today, the property includes the Raffles flagship hotel, private residences, and destination restaurants, forming its own luxury ecosystem in the heart of Whitehall.
Rooms & Suites
Rooms
Guestrooms offer a serene counterpoint to the city outside, blending restored heritage details with modern comfort. Tall sash windows invite soft London light, while textured fabrics, plush carpets, and custom millwork create a gentle, residential warmth. Bathrooms are beautifully appointed with marble, heated floors, generous walk-in showers, and deep soaking tubs that turn unrushed evenings into small luxuries. Every room feels intentionally composed — elegant, calming, and quietly indulgent.
Suites
Suites bring a heightened sense of space and storytelling, with separate living areas, curated artwork, and thoughtful touches that honor the building’s past. Many feature views over Horse Guards Parade or the internal courtyards, offering a rare quietness at the heart of Whitehall. The design balances grandeur with intimacy: sculptural lighting, bespoke furnishings, and refined amenities that make extended stays feel effortless. These are the rooms that invite you to settle in, slow down, and let London unfold at your own pace.
Dining & Culinary Moments
Breakfast unfolds with a refined calm: house-made pastries still warm from the oven, seasonal compotes, artisanal cheeses, and beautifully plated à la carte dishes. Fresh juices, specialty coffees, and attentive service set an elegant tone for the day. Lunch and dinner lean into culinary theatre, with menus built around British seasonality, European technique, and global inspiration. Expect precise flavors, confident cooking, and a level of presentation that feels artistic without tipping into formality. The signature restaurant offers tasting menus paired with an impressive cellar of Old World and emerging-region wines, while more casual venues celebrate brasserie classics elevated by premium sourcing.
Raffles London has quickly become one of the city’s most compelling gastronomic addresses, home to a constellation of restaurants led by internationally renowned chefs. Each venue has its own personality — from intimate, softly lit dining rooms to grand spaces that echo the building’s Edwardian architecture.
The hotel’s bar is a jewel — polished, moody, and quietly glamorous. Cocktails take cues from historical figures associated with the Old War Office, blending rare spirits, herbal infusions, and contemporary twists. Afternoon tea is a highlight, set under high ceilings with tiered trays, delicate pastries, and impeccable pacing that turns a British ritual into something deeply enjoyable rather than ceremonial. Whether you’re here for a long lunch, an early aperitif, or a celebratory dinner, the culinary experience at Raffles London feels thoughtfully orchestrated — luxurious, but always inviting.
Wellness & Experiences
The heart of the hotel’s wellness offering is the Guerlain Spa, a tranquil retreat shaped by soft lighting, muted tones, and refined Parisian elegance. Signature treatments draw on Guerlain’s world-renowned skincare and massage techniques, from restorative facials to deeply soothing body rituals infused with delicate fragrance profiles. The multi-level space features a vitality pool, steam rooms, saunas, and serene relaxation lounges that invite guests to slow down, unwind, and fully recalibrate.
Beyond the spa, the property offers a state-of-the-art fitness studio and personalized wellness programming for those seeking a more tailored journey. Experiences curated by the concierge open doors to private gallery visits, architectural walks through historic Whitehall, bespoke shopping appointments, and insider access to cultural events. Everything is designed to create a balance between restoration and discovery — allowing London to unfold in a way that feels both effortless and deeply enriching.
Location & Access
Situated next to Horse Guards Parade, a short walk from St. James’s Park, Westminster Abbey, and Trafalgar Square, the hotel is perfectly placed for both sightseeing and quiet escapes. Chauffeur transfers from London Heathrow, Gatwick, City Airport, or private terminals simplify arrivals, while proximity to Whitehall and Mayfair keeps dining, theater, and luxury shopping close at hand.
48 Hours at Raffles London
Day 1 — Whitehall Walks & Chef’s Table
Morning: Ease into the day with breakfast beneath high ceilings and soft natural light, then take a guided architectural walk through Whitehall, discovering hidden courtyards, Churchill’s statue, and stories embedded in stone.
Afternoon: Settle into the spa for a long, slow treatment and a leisurely session in the vitality pool. Let time stretch — this building was made for lingering.
Evening: Dress for dinner at one of the signature restaurants, where seasonal tasting menus pair beautifully with a cellar rich in European bottles and Old-World discoveries.
Day 2 — Morning Light, City Glow
Morning: Stroll to St. James’s Park for sunrise over the lake, followed by a visit to the National Gallery before the crowds.
Afternoon: Return for a cocktail in the bar’s hushed elegance, then retreat to your suite for a mid-day reset — a bath, fresh linens, and city views framed like paintings.
Evening: Experience a private driver’s tour of London’s illuminated monuments, finishing with late-night dessert back at the hotel.
Keepsakes
Raffles London leaves you with a feeling of refinement that lingers long after checkout. It’s not just the soaring staircases, polished brass, or curated library scents — it’s the sense of history made personal, where the echoes of London’s past soften into present-day ease. If you return home with anything, let it be that smooth, confident calm the hotel seems to breathe into you from the moment you step inside.
Raffles London at The OWO
Whitehall, London SW1A 2BX United Kingdom
(44) 20 3907 7500
