" I promise you luxury and charm If Winston Churchill were still with us, he might paraphrase his famous speech on the eve of the Second World War to evoke the future Raffles in London. A luxury hotel intimately linked to history, since it will be located in the Old War Office Building. Used by the British government from 1906 to 1964, the man who was Prime Minister and member of the War Cabinet frequented the site between 1939 and 1945.
This monumental building in the Whitehall district, designed by architect William Young in a classic Edwardian style, has only housed staff from the British War Office. Owing to its function, it inspired Ian Fleming and many James Bond films have used it as a backdrop forOctopussy à Skyfalland, more recently, No Time To Die.
Its conversion into a hotel had been announced a long time ago, since the building was acquired in 2016 by the Hinduja group, which entrusted its management to the prestigious Raffles brand, making it the first hotel in the world to be converted into a hotel. part of the Accor group. Hundreds of craftsmen working on a meticulous renovation, its opening period is now clearerannounced for late 2022. Further details were given on the future Raffles London at The OWO, whose new decor has been entrusted to designer Thierry Despont, known for his reimagining of iconic buildings such as the Maison Cartier, the Carlyle and the Statue of Liberty.
With its timeless ambience and sophisticated offering, the Raffles aims to establish ". a new benchmark in hospitality" . In terms of gastronomy, the hotel intends to make a name for itself on London's gastronomic scene with its 11 bars and restaurantsThese will be led by world-renowned chefs. In keeping with the current trend, a restaurant and bar will be located on the roof, with a unique view of The Mall and Buckingham Palace. The hotel's relaxation dimension will also be reflected in a vast wellness area.
Of its 120 rooms, all of which are obviously luxurious, the hotel's main suites stand out because they are located in historic rooms, those that were once the offices of Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George or John Profumo. The hotel will also offer 85 residential flats under the Raffles brand.
" We are very proud to be taking part in the magnificent five-year transformation of this historic building.said Stephen Alden, CEO of Raffles Hotels & Orient Express. We have a world-class team overseeing the opening, in whose hands I am sure the Raffles London experience will be unforgettable for our residents, guests and visitors.. "
