For over 100 years the Old War Office (OWO) building in Whitehall, London was effectively closed to the general public. At the end of September, however, it will open its doors after a “transformation” that cost many millions.
Here, it was formerly the seat of military leaders such as Winston Churchill. The property will now house the first Raffles hotel in the UK. The price of the rooms is worthy of the luxury and services it will offer. They start at £1,100 (€1,283) a night.
The hotel will feature 120 rooms and suites, a ballroom that can accommodate up to 600 people, and Guerlain’s first spa. Raffles London at The OWO, was created in collaboration with renowned architect and designer Thierry Despont who passed away last month. It is one of the most anticipated hotel arrivals for 2023.
The building also happens to be the location where British author Ian Fleming conceived the idea for the James Bond spy novels when he was working as a counterintelligence officer in the British Navy. 007 fans may recognize some parts of the building as it has been filmed there. Recent ones like Spectre, but also older ones like Operation Octapussy and License to Kill.
The Raffles brand was created by the Sarkies brothers in the 19th century and is named after Sir Stamford Raffles, who is considered the founder of modern Singapore. Why did it take so long for the brand to come to London?
The original construction of the landmark building was completed in 1906. Its recent renovation took 8 years during which hundreds of craftsmen worked to restore its historic elements. These include oak paneling and handmade mosaic floors.
While according to Jill O’Hare, Raffles London’s director of sales and marketing, in addition to extensive restoration there has also been significant reconstruction to complete the demanding transformation of the historic building into a luxury hotel.
The grand red-carpeted marble staircase and original logo from the Old War Office is among the building’s original Edwardian features and arguably one of its most striking and Instagrammable features. The chandelier in the same room did not exist in the original form of the building but is just as impressive.
Another authentic element is the paved inner courtyard that separates the hotel from the 85 residences that comprise the project. The plates were removed, restored and put back in place, a process that was particularly painstaking and detailed.
While the former ‘Spies Entrance’ used by agents, is now the entry point for the Raffles residences. Extremely luxurious too. The sale price for a two-bedroom apartment starts at just under 10 million euros.
There are countless touches of the building’s history everywhere you look. For example, curtains with military buttons. At the same time there are also modern elements, such as rooms that have a bathroom with a TV. In total there are 5 suites. Among them stands out the Churchill Suite which has two bedrooms and is located in the former War Council Room.
Raffles is known for its exceptional service and the Raffles London team say they are doing their best to ensure the hotel lives up to the brand. It is noted that 24-hour butler service is provided for the suites.
In the building there will be a total of 3 bars and 9 restaurants between them and signature restaurants by Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco which are part of the hotel. While on the roof of the building it is planned to open a restaurant-sake bar later by the Japanese chef Endo Kazutoshi.
The Guerlain spa spans four of the building’s 14 floors (7 above and 7 below ground) and will include 9 treatment rooms with a swimming pool, sauna and other facilities.
The Raffles isn’t the only major hotel arrival in London this year, Leboeuf believes the building’s location and history make it special.
Although the Whitehall area, from Trafalgar Square to the Houses of Parliament is interwoven with government buildings rather than luxury hotels, the opening of the five-star Corinthia Hotel London in Whitehall Place in 2011 set a new trend on this side of the city.
“What could be better than being opposite Buckingham’s official entrance,” he notes. “Raffles is not just a hotel, it is an entire destination. Where else can you stay where Ian Fleming worked and where James Bond was inspired?’
Raffles London at The OWO opens on Friday 29 September.
