Top hotels in London are housed in renovated historical buildings, such as The Ned, NoMad, and the upcoming Raffles London at the OWO. The Ned, located in the financial district of Bank, was once a bank and now boasts 10 restaurants in a flamboyant setting. NoMad in Covent Garden was a magistrates’ court with a focal atrium dining area. Raffles London at the OWO, housed in the Old War Office building, is set to open in 2023 after extensive renovations costing $1.2 billion.
Raffles London at the OWO is steeped in history, with Edward I and Henry VIII having had connections to the site. The Old War Office served as Britain’s army headquarters from 1906 to 1964 and played a pivotal role in World War II. After being left vacant for years, the Hinduja Group and Raffles took over the property for a luxury hotel and private residences project. The architects and interior designers have preserved the building’s historical elements while upgrading it to a 21st-century luxury palace hotel.
The hotel features 120 bedrooms and suites that pay homage to its past, with heritage suites named after prominent figures who once worked there. The luxurious accommodations include sweeping views over Whitehall and modern amenities such as iPad-operated lighting and butler services. The hotel’s three restaurants, under the direction of chef Mauro Colagreco, offer British cuisine sourced from local produce. Guests can also enjoy the vast basement pool, Guerlain spa, and a cocktail in one of the hotel’s bars, including the underground Spy Bar.
The OWO building has historical ties to espionage, with Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, working there as “Churchill’s Spymaster.” MI5 and MI6 were also headquartered in the building, accessed through the spies’ entrance that is still in place. The hotel’s underground Spy Bar pays tribute to this history with Bond-inspired decor and a variety of innovative cocktails. Rates for a stay at Raffles London at the OWO start at $1,179 per night, offering guests a luxurious experience in one of London’s most historically significant buildings.
The hotel offers luxurious accommodations designed to capture the grandeur of its past inhabitants, with heritage suites named after prominent figures who once frequented the property. Guests can enjoy modern amenities alongside historical elements, such as sweeping views and finely crafted furnishings. The hotel’s dining options feature British cuisine sourced from local produce, and guests can relax in the basement pool or indulge in treatments at the Guerlain spa.
Raffles London at the OWO offers guests a unique experience in a historically significant building with ties to espionage and military history. The hotel’s bars pay homage to its past with Bond-inspired cocktails and decor, providing a sophisticated and exclusive atmosphere. Rates for a stay at the hotel start at $1,179 per night, allowing guests to immerse themselves in luxury while surrounded by centuries of history in the heart of London.
