Raffles London at The OWO

Setting & Heritage

Raffles London at The OWO occupies Britain’s storied Old War Office on Whitehall, a landmark address where statecraft once unfolded. Today, the building’s grand corridors, sweeping staircases, and stately façades frame a calm vantage over the Horse Guards, placing guests steps from ceremonial London yet tucked into a cocoon of polished luxury. The hotel opened with 120 rooms and suites alongside a collection of branded residences, bringing measured modernity to a heritage shell without erasing its character.

Design & Accommodation

Inside, proportions are generous and classically English—high ceilings, tall windows, and an architectural rhythm that suits the building’s Edwardian gravitas. Guestrooms balance warm woods and textiles with contemporary lighting and carefully considered amenities; in the signature heritage suites, original details are preserved and subtly layered with present-day comforts. Soundproofing and plush bedding lend the rooms a retreat-like feel despite the central location, and bathrooms emphasize stone, deep tubs, and precise water pressure for unhurried routines. Storage, bedside power, and thoughtful desk space make longer stays practical rather than performative.

Dining & Bars

This property is a genuine culinary hub, gathering nine restaurants and three bars under one roof. The headline is Mauro Colagreco’s trio of concepts: the fine-dining flagship, the garden-driven all-day venue Saison, and the intimate chef’s counter at Mauro’s Table. Beyond those, the building hosts notable independents, from Kioku by Endo (with its companion Kioku Sake Bar) to Paper Moon and the genteel Drawing Room for afternoon tea. For cocktails, The Guards Bar & Lounge looks across to the Household Cavalry and leans into classicism with well-structured drinks and a serious spirits list, while the subterranean Spy Bar nods to the building’s intelligence history with moodier, late-night energy.

Menu design here tends to be confident rather than showy—good produce, clean seasoning, and textures that read well on the palate. Breakfast at Saison sets a crisp tone (pastries with proper lamination, eggs with precise timing), and evening tasting menus in the flagship restaurant showcase seasonality without losing sight of satisfaction. The overall result is a destination that draws Londoners as much as it serves in-house guests, which keeps service pace and atmosphere pleasantly alive.

Wellness & Facilities

The hotel’s Guerlain Spa spans multiple levels and a notably large footprint, pairing advanced facial and bodywork with a comprehensive fitness program by Pillar Wellbeing. A dramatic 20-meter pool anchors the space, joined by vitality pools, thermal areas, and quiet relaxation zones that feel genuinely secluded for a central-London address. Training support and nutrition guidance are available for those wanting structure beyond a casual workout, and treatment menus skew restorative rather than gimmicky. Event needs are met by the Whitehall Ballroom, which accommodates large gatherings, accessed via a suitably grand staircase and supported by pre-function salons.

Signature Experiences & Verdict

Among the more distinctive offerings is the collaboration with LOUIS XIII at The Guards Bar & Lounge, where pours are drawn from a rare Mathusalem and paired with curated caviars. The ritual—crystal tulips, silver pipette, and a bespoke trunk echoing cavalry colors—feels historically rooted without tipping into theatrics, and the vantage over the parade ground adds a sense of place. It is emblematic of the hotel’s approach: heritage made tactile through considered experiences rather than mere display.

For travelers seeking a central address that genuinely functions as a destination—serious dining, deep wellness, and polished rooms—Raffles London at The OWO delivers with consistency. The accommodation serves as a quiet foil to the building’s public glamour, the culinary lineup is diverse enough to sustain multi-night stays, and the spa meaningfully competes with standalone London facilities. In a crowded luxury market, this property distinguishes itself by orchestrating history, hospitality, and city energy into a coherent whole.