Raffles London at The OWO: A Grand London Icon
Raffles London at The OWO is a grand London icon, taking over part of the iconic Old War Office in Whitehall. It took hundreds of skilled craftspeople eight years to complete the hotel’s painstaking transformation. A Forbes Travel Guide Verified Luxury property, this Raffles hotel offers a 27,000-square-foot Guerlain Spa, three restaurants by acclaimed chef Mauro Colagreco, a secret Spy Bar (for guests only), and 39 suites — including Heritage Suites in the former offices of influential political and military leaders. Steps from Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, and St. James's Park, Raffles London at The OWO is a true Whitehall landmark.
馃弲 Our Inspector's Highlights
27,000 sq ft Guerlain Spa
Four floors, nine treatment suites, 20m swimming pool, vitality pool, steam and sauna rooms, and the Pillar Wellbeing Health Club with Peloton bikes and Theraguns.
Mauro Colagreco Restaurants
Saison (all-day dining with oyster bar), Mauro Colagreco at The OWO (fine-dining vegetable-focused tasting menus), and Mauro's Table (chef's table).
The Guards Bar & The Spy Bar
Guards Bar: sultry evening cocktails with British garden herbs. The Spy Bar: a secret subterranean watering hole for hotel guests only — no photos allowed.
Heritage Suites & Corner Suites
Five Heritage Suites in former offices of political and military leaders. Eight Corner Suites named after notable women and female spies — watch the Horse Guards change from your window.
Kioku By Endo Rooftop
Japanese-Mediterranean dining with outstanding views over Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
馃拞 Guerlain Spa: 27,000 sq ft of Wellness
The London hotel's Guerlain Spa spans 27,000 square feet over four floors and houses nine exquisitely designed treatment suites, including three VIP Spa Suites and a private hair and beauty treatment space. The spa features a 20-meter swimming pool, vitality pool, steam and sauna rooms. The Pillar Wellbeing Health Club is one of London’s best hotel gyms — complete with boxing equipment, Peloton bikes, and Theraguns. The Pillar Kitchen serves nutritious dishes catering to all diets.
馃憫 Heritage Suites & Corner Suites
There are 39 suites, many with superb interconnectivity and awe-inspiring views. Stand-out accommodations are the five Heritage Suites, situated in the former offices of influential political and military leaders, and eight Corner Suites, each named after notable women and female spies. The Nearne Suite, in particular, is divine, featuring a vaulted-ceiling bedroom with a skylight and three curved windows. It’s perhaps the only hotel suite in London where you can watch the change of the Horse Guards from your window.
馃泴 Rooms & Suites: Thierry Despont's Edwardian Elegance
The late Thierry Despont designed the rooms and suites so that they would honor the Edwardian heritage of the building while breathing new life into spaces. Marble fireplaces, elegant cornicing, and delicate chandeliers feel regal but unstuffy. Specially commissioned carpets with geometric patterns, plush, brightly hued curtains, and patterned wall coverings stand out against dark wooden features. While the building may hearken back to the past, the rooms and suites are fully modern. Sleek marble bathrooms have smart heated toilets, and you won’t find cables or remotes anywhere. An iPad lets you control the television and music, order room service, and chat with the concierge team.
馃嵔️ Culinary Excellence: Mauro Colagreco, Kioku & The Guards Bar
- 馃嵔️ Saison – Light, bright, all-day restaurant with double-height ceilings and a hand-painted mural. Serves breakfast and an oyster bar. In the evening, savor Colagreco’s passion for local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients.
- 馃専 Mauro Colagreco at The OWO – The chef's signature fine-dining restaurant focusing on remarkable vegetable-focused tasting menus.
- 馃嵔️ Mauro's Table – A chef’s table in a private room, perfect for special occasions.
- 馃崳 Kioku By Endo – Japanese-Mediterranean dining concept on the rooftop, with outstanding views over Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
- 馃嵏 The Guards Bar – A sultry spot for evening cocktails. The Herbal Global tequila libation with lemongrass umami vermouth and cucumber agua fresca is a must-try.
馃摐 Complimentary Historical Tours
History buffs will be happy to know that they can take a historical tour of the luxury hotel — complimentary for guests — to learn more about its captivating past as the Old War Office, where Winston Churchill and other leaders once walked.
馃搷 57 Whitehall, London — Whitehall, Opposite Horse Guards
Not only is Raffles London stationed at one of the city’s most storied addresses, but the location also remains a hive of activity and culture. Trafalgar Square with its beautiful galleries, the cobbled streets of Covent Garden, shopping haven Piccadilly Circus, and the idyllic St. James’s Park are all easily walkable from the hotel in a matter of minutes.
馃摓 TEL: +44 20 3907 7500 / +44 20 3907 7352
✈️ Nearby Airports: LHR (45 min-1h 30m), LCY (28-55 min), LGW (1h 10m-1h 50m)
All inspector’s highlights, verified luxury status, and hotel details are sourced from Forbes Travel Guide. The original page includes exclusive editorial insights and verified distinctions.
Why Raffles London at The OWO is the Capital's Most Exciting New Landmark
The transformation of the Old War Office into Raffles London at The OWO is one of the most ambitious hotel projects in London's history. The 27,000-square-foot Guerlain Spa is a wellness destination. Mauro Colagreco's three restaurants bring world-class dining to Whitehall. The Heritage Suites — in the former offices of political and military leaders — offer a unique connection to history. And The Spy Bar, a secret subterranean hideaway for guests only, adds a touch of intrigue. As a Forbes Travel Guide Verified Luxury property, Raffles London at The OWO delivers an experience that is both grand and intimate — a true London icon reborn.
Whether you're swimming in the 20-meter pool, dining on Mauro Colagreco's vegetable-focused tasting menu, or sipping 007's favorite cocktail in The Spy Bar, this hotel offers an unforgettable immersion into the history and glamour of Whitehall.
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