Raffles London at The OWO: Historic Old War Office Whitehall palace with Mauro Colagreco, 20m indoor pool, and Guerlain Spa

Reigning with monumental Edwardian Baroque grandeur on Whitehall in the historic heart of London, United Kingdom (directly opposite the Horse Guards and minutes from Downing Street, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben, 35 minutes from London Heathrow Airport), Raffles London at The OWO opened within the painstakingly restored Old War Office as Britain’s premier luxury historical grand palace. Rich in epic history where Sir Winston Churchill guided Britain through World War II and Ian Fleming was inspired to create James Bond, the 120-room luxury palace is an engineering and artistic masterpiece designed by celebrated interior architect Thierry Despont. Featuring three dining rooms by world-renowned Three-Star Michelin Chef Mauro Colagreco, the subterranean cocktail speakeasy The Spy Bar, a monumental 20-metre indoor heated freshwater lap pool set beneath vaulted ceilings, and London’s flagship Guerlain Spa, this property is London’s ultimate luxury grand palace.

Arrival introduces travelers to unvarnished British statesman grandeur and Edwardian royal splendour: liveried Raffles Doormen greet guests beneath the monumental limestone archways on Whitehall before entering the soaring marble Grand Staircase lobby with restored alabaster balustrades, crystal chandeliers, and chilled British sparkling wine. Day-one logistics focus on coordinating bespoke London political, royal, and historical pursuits: watching the Changing of the King’s Life Guard at Horse Guards Parade (steps away), private guided tours of the Churchill War Rooms, Westminster Abbey, and Houses of Parliament (steps away), swimming in the 20-metre heated indoor pool, indulging in bespoke Guerlain facial and body therapies at the multi-level subterranean spa, enjoying signature martinis at The Spy Bar (located in the former spy briefing room), and reserving dinner at Mauro Colagreco at The OWO.

Palace living balances active London discovery with serene subterranean wellness: The Guerlain Spa spans 2,500 square metres across four levels featuring 9 private luxury treatment suites, crystal steam rooms, saunas, the 20m heated indoor pool, and therapies utilizing organic French botanicals and honey extracts. Dining is an extraordinary nine-restaurant culinary destination: hyper-seasonal gastronomy by Chef Mauro Colagreco (featuring British heirloom produce, wild game, and French Grand Crus), Mediterranean dining at Saison, cocktails at The Spy Bar, and afternoon tea at The Drawing Room.

Accommodations comprise 120 rooms and luxury heritage suites styled by Thierry Despont in custom British oak paneling, mosaic marble, and oversized windows framing Whitehall, Horse Guards Parade, or inner courtyards ranging from 40 to 300 square metres. Each residence features dedicated 24-hour Raffles Butler service, plush king beds with custom linens, and marble bathrooms with deep soaking bathtubs, embedded TV mirrors, and custom amenities.

History enthusiasts, culinary connoisseurs, and luxury travelers seeking Whitehall location, Mauro Colagreco dining, and Churchill heritage in London should book Raffles London at The OWO without hesitation. Grounded review consensus confirms legendary standing with a 4.9 out of 5 on Tripadvisor across 2,800 reviews and a 4.9 out of 5 on Google across 3,900 reviews.