Whitehall London, United Kingdom
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Luxe Heritage DesignOutside the door
The house
AccorStately espionage quarters
Carved stone lions guard the sweeping marble staircase in this former British military stronghold on Whitehall.
“The deep mattress of the bed beckoned with the softest custom-made linens.”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Dedicated butler service, custom Azzi Glasser amenities, and attentive concierges attending across lavish heritage suites.
Exceptional
Winston Churchill's former wartime headquarters and the historic birthplace of British intelligence, painstakingly restored over eight years.
Remarkable
Restored Edwardian Baroque grand staircases, Venetian crystal chandeliers, and rich oak paneling across palatial corridors.
What they say
Three Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Five-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
UK Readers' Choice Awards – The best hotels in London
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in The 50 Discovery, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
The OWO is the Old War Office, an Edwardian landmark in Whitehall… the OWO’s opulence is perfectly suited to a traditional luxury brand like Raffles
“After an eight-year restoration, the former Old War Office on Whitehall has been transformed into an ultra-luxe sanctuary, where echoes of Churchill’s wartime speeches and secret service meet modern-day opulence.”
“The space now comprises exclusive guest rooms, suites and 85 residences shaped by the British design studio 1508 London.”
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Centuries of British statecraft sit right outside, with Horse Guards Parade across the street and St James's Park moments away.
The rooms
Restored oak paneling and antique fireplaces frame former wartime offices, where towering windows look out across Horse Guards Parade.
The pool and gym
Bring a swimsuit.
A 20-metre indoor pool rests under double-height ceilings, alongside an oak-panelled movement and fitness studio.
The vitality pool
A travertine hydrotherapy pool rests beneath stone arches, looking through grand pillars toward the illuminated pool and fireplace.
The spa
Subterranean Guerlain suites feature circular treatment rooms with freestanding soaking tubs set inside arched stone niches.
Dogs stay too.
At the table
Michelin-starred tasting menus from Mauro Colagreco sit alongside Mediterranean dining under the soaring glass roof of Saison.
The late Thierry Despont designed the rooms and suites so that they would honor the Edwardian heritage…
How it began
Ian Fleming walked these corridors while serving in naval intelligence, finding inspiration for James Bond in the building's secret debrief rooms.
“The OWO certainly exudes regal masculinity, its leading color the blazing red of the Household Cavalry.”
Good to know
Stay here
Raffles London at The OWO
Choose your dates to see every room and rate, and book in a few steps.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
Or book with
Booking.com ExpediaWe may earn a commission when you book through Booking.com or Expedia. It never decides which hotels we include or how we rate them.
London
More like this
Rosewood London Hotel
“Edwardian courtyard sanctuary”
The Savoy
“Theatrical Strand monument”
Hotel Café Royal
“Gilded West End stage”
The Chancery Rosewood
“Modernist embassy sanctuary”
The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel
“Chelsea townhouse sanctuary”
Claridge's
“Art Deco flagship”
The Goring Hotel
“Aristocratic Edwardian redoubt”
The Ritz London
“Palatial Edwardian heirloom”
The app
Like this one? There are so many more.
Swipe any city’s hotels and heart the ones you love. The app gets your taste.
Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.