Churchill’s Old War Office is now Raffles London at The OWO, possibly the most historically significant luxury hotel in the world.
The building’s resume reads like a history textbook. Winston Churchill worked there as Secretary of State for War. T.E. Lawrence, (aka Lawrence of Arabia) roamed its corridors. It is where MI5 and MI6 were born, and its shadowy intelligence operations reportedly inspired Ian Fleming when he created James Bond. For over a century, the Edwardian Baroque building on Whitehall was one of the most secretive addresses in Britain. Now you can sleep there.
The property features 120 guest rooms and suites alongside 85 private residences. According to the brand, all rooms are outfitted with custom carpets, fabrics, wall coverings, and bespoke furniture. But it is the five Heritage Suites that steal the show. These are situated in the building’s most historically significant rooms, the former offices of political and military leaders who shaped the 20th century. The Haldane Suite, where Churchill once sat at his desk, can be combined into the nearly 5,400-square-foot Whitehall Wing accommodating up to 12 guests, making it one of the largest luxury hotel wings in London.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
