In a city with almost 2,000 years of history, you might expect to see buildings repurposed, recycled, and reinvented, and new hotels are top of the list.
Located in Bank's financial district, Ned's was once (you guessed it) a bank. The once modest office now houses 10 restaurants, including ornate foyer dining and entertainment (think cruise ship).
NoMad, a Manhattan outpost in Covent Garden featuring atrium dining, was once a magistrate's court and a solemn jail cell that housed Oscar Wilde and suffragettes.
Raffles London at OWO
But perhaps the most ambitious makeover is Raffles London at OWO (which stands for Old War Office and takes its name from the initials of, well, no one wants 'war' in their name. ).
If you want a sense of history in your hotel, you'll find it here. Edward I was the first to take up residence here in the 13th century, followed by various monarchs, including Henry VIII, who died here.
But its greatest claim to fame is its role as the headquarters of the British Army from the turbulent years of 1906 until its retirement in 1964.
Built in 1906, London's War Office is now proudly housed as the historic Raffles Hotel. Raffles London at OWO
As the epicenter of World War II, Prime Minister Winston Churchill's presence is practically evident within its wide hallowed halls and waist walls.
After the army's soldiers left, the vacant War Department adopted “old” in its name and soon lived up to its name, falling into severe disrepair. Hinduja Group signed a 250-year lease in 2016 after parting with $460 million.
Two years later, legendary Singaporean brand Raffles stepped in as hotel operator.
The two-story George IV chandelier atop the building's ornate staircase has been carefully recreated from historical photographs. Raffles London at OWO
Architects EPR were required to meticulously maintain the trapezoid-shaped Grade II listed building while constructing a vast luxury hotel and 85 private residences. Although the renovation work was extensive, it also brought some joys, such as discovering a previously unknown mosaic floor beneath the dusty carpet. Renovation costs are estimated at approximately $1.2 billion.
Thierry Despont was appointed as interior design director. “Our aim was to preserve and enhance the DNA of the former military building while building a 21st century luxury palace hotel,” he said.
Objective achieved. Opening in September 2023, the 120 bedrooms and suites proudly recreate the past. The arrival is classy. Park your car in the cobblestone courtyard or walk through the front door and be greeted by a wide sweeping staircase. (The two-story George IV chandelier was created by British custom lighting experts Dernier & Hamlin, who used old photographs of the building to recreate its splendor.)
The rooms were the offices of Churchill and other famous people, and the original interiors have been restored by interior designer Thierry Despont. Raffles London at OWO
Upstairs, five historic suites, once owned by powerful politicians and military personnel, offer neoclassical apartment living with rich wood paneling, antique fireplaces, and lush bathrooms. I'm doing it. A stay in the Lord Haldane Suite, Churchill's office during World War II, is a politician's dream come true, with soaring windows and red velvet sofas. Climb to the top floor of the duplex turret suite for views of Whitehall, including the stoic Mounted Guard stationed across the street.
Eight spacious corner suites offer spacious accommodations and are named after notable women who worked here, including Christian Lamb, who mapped the D-Day landings. Now a thriving 104-year-old, she saw the beaches of Normandy for the first time at this year's 80th anniversary of D-Day, where she was awarded the Legion of Honor by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The heritage may be old, but the facilities are anything but. Gentle dimming lighting, wide-angle curtains and multiple TVs are all controlled from an iPad, as is super-quick butler service. However, spending time in your room may be secondary to relaxing in your room. Huge underground pool. Approximately 80 feet of land was excavated to house the tranquil four-story Guerlain Spa.
The food is top-notch, too, thanks to three restaurants helmed by three-Michelin-starred Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco. Colagreco aims to “bring British terroir to the table with both humility and passion”, according to its blurb. Indeed, the food is delicious, fresh and flavorful, all using local British produce that reflects the season.
If by now you're looking for a classy cocktail to fulfill your James Bond fantasies, you're in luck. Bond creator Ian Fleming worked here as 'Churchill's Spymaster', and MI5 and MI6 are both housed in the building, accessed through a discreet door that is still known as the Spy Entrance. I did. As a central character in the Bond genre, the OWO building has been featured up close in films over the years, from 1983's “Octopussy” to 2015's “Spectre.”
You can also enjoy drinks such as the hotel's signature London Sling (Sipsmith Raffles 1915 Gin, Strawberry and Oats, Cipello, Linden Tea, Cherry Bitters) from the leather seating of the comfortable Horse Guards Bar and Lounge, but… You might enjoy it. Hidden Spiber Underground. Access by appointment only, and you'll be led into a basement once used by MI5 (the number 007 above the secret door is said to be pure coincidence, but who knows?).
There are major Bond references in the décor, including the Aston Martin embedded behind the bar, which has a pleasantly dark and retro feel. Cocktails are innovative and varied, but you can't go wrong with the classic Vesper Martini.
And photography is prohibited. This OWO treatment is for eyes only.
Rates start at $1,179 per night.
