Since 1530, the Whitehall’s Old War Office building has served as the monarchy’s seat of power (then aptly called the Palace of Whitehall), the home of British War Office and intelligence agencies, serving as the venue for some of Sir Winston Churchill’s most iconic speeches, and the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s beloved James Bond novels.
Today, it is known as The OWO and, following an eight-year restoration led by the Hinduja Group and Onex Holding, is home to Raffles London – a meticulously reimagined luxury destination combining history with forward-thinking design.
The restored landmark now houses 120 guest rooms and suites, 85 Raffles-branded residences, 12 restaurants and bars, and the UK’s first Guerlain Spa. Behind its stately façade, a design collective – EPR Architects, dpa lighting consultants, Link Media Systems, 1508 London, Goddard Littlefair, and The Office of Thierry W Despont – has breathed new life into this Grade II-listed icon.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Hotel Designs.
