Raffles Hotels & Resorts
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About
One of the world's most historic addresses
Uniting London's heritage with the alluring glamour of Raffles
Raffles London at The OWO occupies a magnificent Grade II* Edwardian Baroque building in Whitehall, the epicentre of British Government. A sophisticated neighbourhood with a central location, Whitehall is close to Waterloo and Charing Cross train terminals, and accessible however you choose to arrive. The River Thames, Horse Guards Parade, Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey are all within walking distance, and the West End theatres and the nightlife of Covent Garden and Soho are only a heartbeat away.
Explore Raffles London
Meticulous restoration and an innovative mindset come together for an extraordinary experience. Take a look around our magnificent hotel's features and services.
Guerlain Spa
Nine treatment rooms offering traditional and innovative spa and beauty therapies for body and mind.
20m indoor pool & vitality pool
A cathedral of relaxation, with hydrothermal facilities to foster a sense of escape.
Pillar Wellbeing
Active training, wellness programming and memberships for your optimal wellbeing.
State-of-the-art gym & movement studio
Active wellness spaces with one-to-one coaching and juice bar, supporting movement, nutrition, recovery and mental fitness.
Whitehall Ballroom
For the most dazzling events, entered via the magnificent Grand Staircase, and complemented by six flexible meeting rooms.
Raffles London Butlers
Proud to be your loyal companions, today and in the future.
New life for The OWO
A meticulous six-year restoration has seen thousands of expert craftsmen and women transform The Old War Office, today known as The OWO, into an exciting new destination for London. Handsome state rooms and grand offices have been transformed into 120 spacious guest rooms and suites with views of Whitehall and Horse Guards; while the building's majestic architectural features lend themselves to dazzling entertainment and celebration, in true Raffles style.
From seat of power to London's most thrilling new destination
1906
New War Office
Designed by British architect William Young, the New War Office is opened on Whitehall to house 2,500 government and military officials. It is built in Edwardian Baroque style, with over 1,000 rooms and 2.5 miles of corridor. King Edward VII, the eldest son of Queen Victoria, is on the throne when it opens. As the centre of the British Army's administration, the New War Office is the place from which Sir Winston Churchill later helps to mastermind the Allied victory over Hitler.
1919
Churchill's office
The New War Office is used by Winston Churchill as Secretary of State for War, 1919-1921.
1964
Old War Office
With the formation of the unified Ministry of Defence on 1 April 1964, much of the former Army Department transfers across Horse Guards into the MOD 'Main' Building. Reorganisation takes place, and the now 'Old' War Office retains an Army presence while also hosting branches of the RAF and the Navy's hydrographer.
2014
Sale of the building
The Old War Office is sold as part of the disposal of British Government assets.
2016
Restoration & birth of The OWO
The new owners of the Old War Office, the Hinduja Group and ONEX, receive the keys and start a meticulous six-year restoration of this historic building, working with thousands of expert craftsmen and women. The building is now known as The OWO.
2023
Raffles opening
The OWO becomes home to Raffles London at The OWO, opening with 120 rooms and suites, and 85 spacious private residences known as The OWO Residences by Raffles. There are also nine destination restaurants and three bars, a luxurious Guerlain Spa and a members health club by movement specialist Pillar Wellbeing. Impressive event spaces include the Whitehall Ballroom (seating 600) accessed by a magnificent Grand Staircase, along with generous pre-function space and a number of meeting rooms.
Raffles London Butlers
Raffles Butlers are your trusted insiders, always at your service with a fresh vision and open ear, curating the most distinctive journeys and exceptional experiences throughout your stay. Blending impeccable training with contemporary gestures, our service is uniquely crafted and delivered with effortless authenticity. We are proud to be your loyal companions today and for all future visits.
Ways to arrive
By air
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is a 60-minute journey by car to Raffles London. The Heathrow Express train service is also available from the airport to London Paddington Station taking 15 minutes, and the hotel is a short taxi ride away.
London City Airport (LCY) is a 45-minute car journey to Raffles London.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is a 90-minute journey to Raffles London by car. An express train service, the Gatwick Express, is also available, arriving into Victoria station, a short taxi ride to the hotel.
London Stansted Airport (STN) and London Luton Airport (LTN) are a 60-minute journey by car to Raffles London.
By train
Raffles London is a short walk from major London train terminals Waterloo and Charing Cross, and a short taxi ride from London Paddington, Victoria, King’s Cross, St Pancras International and London Euston.
By bus
Whitehall is served well by multiple bus routes and our concierges are more than happy to assist with specific route enquiries. Horse Guards Avenue bus stop (Stop P) is situated opposite the hotel’s main entrance for routes 3, 12, 159 and 453. Routes 3 and 159 both go directly to the Imperial War Museum.
By boat
Embankment Pier is well located within walking distance of the hotel and offers river boat cruises and commuter vessels. Westminster Pier is also a short walk and a popular starting point for sightseeing Thames River trips.
By cruise
For those arriving into Tilbury Docks via cruise ship, the hotel is a one-hour car journey or a 30-minute train ride followed by a 30-minute car journey. Southampton Cruise Terminal is a two-hour car journey from Raffles London at The OWO. Southampton station is 1.7miles from the terminal and trains arrive into London Waterloo, a 15-minute walk from the hotel.
Finest Hour
Read Tatler
Whitehall Hotel Limited
Whitehall Hotel Limited is the holding company for Raffles London at The OWO.