The hotel boasts fine dining restaurants, political history and Buckingham Palace views.
London’s hotel scene is about to get a lot more luxurious. Raffles London at The OWO is located in a Grade II building, which was once the home of English monarchs and a War Office. Now, the much-anticipated hotel announced that it will open on 29 September.
Over the past eight years, Raffles London at The OWO has been transformed to its former glory. Located in Whitehall, the building was completed in 1906 and is steeped in history. Not only did the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill visit the site, but it inspired the writer and intelligence worker Ian Fleming’s James Bond.
Raffles London at The OWO knows how to make an entrance. The luxurious lobby will boast hand-laid mosaic floors, a grand marble staircase and a two-story chandelier. The features also include oak panelling and statement chandeliers.
The hotel includes 120 rooms and suites and reflects the late Thierry Despont’s design aesthetic. Reservations will be available for The Whitehall Wing, and the Heritage Suites were once offices of important leaders, from David Lloyd George to Sir Richard Haldane. Plus, there is a six-bedroom residence that can accommodate up to twelve guests.
Raffles London at The OWO’s will be home to nine restaurants and three bars, which are led by world-class chefs. Creative Restaurant Group are bringing new concepts to the hotel, which include a Japanese rooftop restaurant and Langosteria. Chef Mauro Colagreco will oversee three of the hotel’s restaurants. Other concepts include the Parisian brand, Café Laperouse; Italian restaurant, Paper Moon; the café Pillar Kitchen; The Guards Bar and The Spy Bar. Plus, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in The Drawing Room.
The Guerlain Spa and Pillar Wellbeing encompasses a health club, gym, swimming pool and vitality pool. The Whitehall Ballroom is 678 square metres, the Morse Meeting Room is 94 square metres, and the Code Meeting Room is 89 square metres.
Sanjay Hinduja, Chairman of Hinduja Group, explained: “I am delighted to announce the highly awaited opening of The OWO. When we came to Whitehall, the team were blown away by the size and beauty of this majestic building. No expense has been spared in bringing it back to its former glory and paying homage to its heritage, whilst breathing new life into it. We hope to create a legacy that is both timeless and unsurpassed.”
Sébastien Bazin, Accor Chairman & CEO, added: “Everyone at Accor feels honoured and privileged to be part of this historic project that has surpassed all expectations – truly a legend in the making and possibly the most awe-inspiring hotel on the planet.”
Raffles has hotels across the world. In the Middle East, there are hotels in Doha, Dubai and Makkah, and a hotel is scheduled to open in Jeddah.
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GO: Visit www.raffles.com for more information.