Let's look inside the new Raffles London at The OWO, which layers on a new level of luxury.
London is a city that knows luxury, the new Raffles London at The OWO has redefined what it means to experience five-star indulgence. This 120-room property in the heart of Westminster breathes new life into an iconic Edwardian building that once served as a government office. It took an impressive eight years and $1.76 billion to meticulously restore and transform the space, which once housed legends like Winston Churchill and Lord Richard Burdon Haldane. Visitors can even stay in the oak-paneled suites where these famous figures strategized during World War II, adding an extra layer of historical significance to their stay.
The OWO (Old War Office) is not just a hotel — it's a seamless blend of heritage and contemporary elegance. Below ground, rooms that once served as high-security storage vaults have been reborn as the Spy Bar, a speakeasy inspired by Ian Fleming, and the sprawling Guerlain Spa. The spa is a serene retreat featuring a 65-foot swimming pool framed by arched pillars under soaring double-height ceilings, delivering an experience that is as relaxing as it is visually stunning.
Luxury doesn't end with history and design; the hotel's dining options are just as grand. Raffles London brings in Michelin-starred talent from around the world, including Mauro Colagreco, the famed Argentine chef behind the French Riviera's Mirazur. Colagreco's seasonal, vegetable-forward cuisine is featured across two distinct venues: an elegant fine-dining restaurant and the more casual Saison, where you'll find gourmet spins on burgers and croque-monsieurs. Kioku by Endo, led by third-generation sushi master Endo Kazutoshi, offers both a relaxed izakaya at the lobby level and an exclusive sushi-and-sake bar on the top floor, bringing authentic Japanese flavors to this quintessentially British setting.
Stepping into the cobblestoned courtyard feels like entering a new world, where the refined Parisian charm of Café Lapérouse beckons for afternoon tea or a chic bite. With nine restaurants and three bars, Raffles London at The OWO offers a truly global experience in the heart of one of the world's most historic neighborhoods.