Accor has unveiled its first UK property under the luxury Raffles brand, with the opening of Raffles London at The OWO.
Plans for hotel – which is housed within the Grade II-listed Old War Office building in Whitehall – were first announced back in 2017, and the property has finally been unveiled following an eight-year restoration project.
The hotel features 120 rooms and suites designed by the late Thierry Despont, including eight corner suites situated in the rounded pavilion corners of the building and named after notable women and female spies connected with the history of The OWO.
The Whitehall Wing also houses The Haldane Suite – formerly the office of Winston Churchill, John Profumo and Sir Richard Haldane – which can be combined into a six-bedroom complex for up to 12 guests.
F&B option include signature restaurant Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO, with the adjacent private dining space Mauro’s Table for up to 23 guests, as well as the all day dining venue Saison, The Guards Bar and Lounge, The Drawing Room overlooking Horse Guards, and well-being focused outlet Pillar Kitchen.
There is also a four-floor Guerlain Spa designed by Goddard Littlefair, with a 20-metre pool, steam and sauna rooms, vitality pool and nine treatment suites, and for events the Whitehall Ballroom can accommodate up to 600 guests.
The restoration project has retained many of the original design elements of the building, including hand-laid mosaic floors, oak panelling, magnificent chandeliers and a centrepiece marble staircase.
The opening of Raffles London at The OWO follows the long-awaited unveiling of The Peninsula London earlier this month, situated on Grosvenor Place in Belgravia, overlooking Wellington Arch and Hyde Park Corner.
Commenting on the news Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles and Orient Express, said:
“We are honoured to be part of this monumental project. Opening Raffles London at The OWO within this historical building is an incredible highlight and marks one of the most important moments in the history of the Raffles brand which has long been synonymous with legendary service, glamour, art, and storied destinations.”
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