Raffles London at The OWO is not just a hotel—it’s a destination steeped in history and modern luxury. Nestled in the heart of Whitehall, this architectural landmark is a transformation of the Old War Office, a building that has witnessed some of the most significant moments of 20th-century history. After a monumental six-year restoration, the OWO (Old War Office) has emerged as the UK’s first Raffles hotel, blending the past with the sophistication of modern hospitality.

The OWO now features 120 guest rooms and suites, 85 private residences, nine restaurants, and more. It’s also home to the first Guerlain Spa in London and a wellness center by Pillar Wellbeing. The hotel’s strategic location places guests at the center of London’s political and historical landscape, with the iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and St. James’s Park just a short walk away.

The OWO’s rich history is evident, with suites named after famous figures like Winston Churchill, Lord Haldane, and Christine Granville. The building’s architectural features have been carefully restored, such as the grand staircase and intricate mosaic flooring, offering guests a direct link to the past.

To understand the vision and the experience behind this extraordinary property, we at Destination, had the chance to interview Philippe Leboeuf, Managing Director of Raffles London at The OWO, and Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles Hotels & Resorts.

Philippe Leboeuf, Managing Director of Raffles London at The OWO

1. Raffles is known for luxury and glamour. How do you plan to keep those traditions alive at Raffles London at the OWO while also adapting to the modern hospitality scene?

Raffles Hotels & Resorts was the perfect partner for The OWO, blending its rich history with the heritage of this iconic London building. The Old War Office, once a military headquarters, now serves as a home for Raffles’ legendary service, glamour, and stories. The hotel preserves the building’s heritage while bringing it to life for future guests to enjoy.

Historic features, like the Grand Staircase and restored mosaic floors, were each carefully restored. Suites are named after historical figures like Winston Churchill and WWII heroines, honoring the building’s past.

Raffles combines tradition with modern amenities, offering high-tech room features like touchpads for dining, services, and hotel history. Renowned interior designer Thierry Despont skillfully presented the building’s legacy with contemporary design, creating a unique experience for guests.

2. How do you balance Raffles London at the OWOs’ rich history with the need for innovation to attract today’s luxury travelers?

We welcome guests from all over the world, reflecting the global appeal of The OWO and the Raffles brand. Luxury guests today look for more than just fine amenities, they want a meaningful, immersive experience. That’s why our offerings, including world-class restaurants, bars, and wellness services by Guerlain and Pillar Wellbeing, perfectly align with certain expectations.

We aim to offer more than just a hotel stay, that involves culture and stories that create a truly memorable experience. Starting in 2024, we’ll also host open days, giving the public a chance to experience this historic building.

3. Raffles London at the OWO is located in the heart of Whitehall, surrounded by some of London’s most iconic landmarks. How does the hotel’s location influence the guest experience, and how do you think it enhances the appeal of Raffles London at the OWO as a destination for both business and leisure travelers?

Raffles London at The OWO benefits greatly from its Whitehall location, rich in history and at the heart of power in London. The site has been home to government offices since the 1500s, starting with Henry VIII’s court. Today, it’s near iconic landmarks like Trafalgar Square, Parliament, 10 Downing Street, and St. James’s Park, which was once a royal hunting lodge.

We love sharing these historical stories with guests. For example, Trafalgar Square was once the Royal Mews, where kings kept their horses. Our location also offers easy access to Covent Garden, the West End theatres, and London’s top business and government leaders, making it ideal for both leisure and corporate visitors.

4. Raffles is a brand that radiates a certain magic, and you’ve spent your life in the world of luxury hotels. What is it, personally, that excites you most about coming to work every day? Is there a moment in your day at Raffles London at the OWO that truly brings the magic to life for you?

Magic is the right word, and in all honesty, the moment I wake up and see the striking Edwardian Baroque architecture of The OWO, I feel a positive shudder down my spine!

The Grand Staircase at Raffles London is one of my favorite features. Once reserved for high-ranking officials, it’s now open for everyone to admire, with a stunning chandelier made of handcrafted Venetian crystal. Walking up it reminds me of the great figures of the past century.

I’m also proud of our team, who bring the hotel to life with positive energy. Our guiding principles, The Power of You and The Power of Purpose, ensure we deliver a meaningful experience for every guest.

5. Hospitality is often about creating memorable experiences for others. But as someone with a deep passion for the industry, what has been one of the most memorable or transformative moments for you personally during your career?

I enjoy connecting with guests and learning about the places they come from and what makes them happy. Everyone has personal triggers for happiness, and I aim to tap into those.

Some special moments in my career include meeting Fidel Castro, whose charisma was magnetic, and the Dalai Lama, whose calm and wisdom were truly transformative. Meeting Christian Lamb, a 103-year-old WWII hero, was another highlight. We honored her with a special visit to The OWO, and it was incredible to see her recognized for her contributions to D-Day.

Living in such a historic location, surrounded by landmarks like Big Ben and the London Eye, often overwhelms me with the city’s beauty and history. Each day, as I look out from the hotel, I feel like I’m falling in love with London all over again. It’s a special feeling.

6. Raffles is already an iconic brand, but as you look ahead, what are your aspirations for the property over the next five to ten years? How do you see the luxury hospitality landscape evolving, and what role do you hope Raffles will play in shaping that future?

At Raffles London, we focus on offering an experience that goes beyond just a stay, we want it to be different and educational, filled with multiple stories, heritage, and culture. The idea of “luxury” has changed; now, it’s about discovery and time. We help guests learn at their own pace and ensure they can make the most of their visit by removing any hassle.

We believe that great experiences, especially shared ones, create lasting memories. For example, we’ve had a young musician play the grand piano in our Drawing Room and families turn their suite into a games space during bad weather.

Sustainability is also a priority for us. We’re focused on reducing waste, lowering our carbon footprint, and sourcing food sustainably, with the help of top chefs like Mauro Colagreco, known for his sustainable practices.

Raffles London is also becoming a destination for art lovers, with a collection from international artists. Our partnerships with top experts in wellness, design, and cuisine help us offer a world-class experience. We aim to honor The OWO’s history while creating an exciting, all-inclusive destination for guests of all ages.

Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles Hotels & Resorts

1. The Old War Office is steeped in history, with connections to iconic figures like Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming. In what ways does this fascinating legacy shape the guest experience at Raffles London at the OWO?

Raffles hotels are known for being the authentic heart of the destinations where we are located. We take great pride in our heritage properties, like Raffles Singapore and Raffles Europejski Warsaw. These historic buildings offer a rare connection to the past, and Raffles London at The OWO is no different. Guests can truly feel the significance of this building in British history, making their stay a unique and immersive experience. I always encourage guests to take part in our historical tour – the stories they’ll hear will make their visit even more memorable.

2. Preserving the historic charm of The Old War Office while converting it into a luxury hotel must have posed unique challenges. What were some of the most significant hurdles Raffles London at the OWO faced during this transformation?

With every heritage project, Raffles aims to respect and celebrate the building’s history while making it relevant for today. Our goal wasn’t just to preserve the past, but to create something new and meaningful for the British people. We were lucky to partner with the Hinduja Group and Onex Holding, whose dedication and passion led to a remarkable eight-year restoration of the Old War Office. The result is a modern, exceptional experience that still honors the building’s rich legacy.

3. Raffles London at the OWO is a striking fusion of modern luxury and historical significance. How does the design of the hotel reflect this balance? Are there any specific elements or details that highlight the building’s heritage?

At Raffles, we design each hotel to reflect its destination, offering guests one-of-a-kind experiences they can’t find anywhere else. It’s essential that every Raffles hotel feels like the true heart of its location, from the design to the food and services. At Raffles London at The OWO, we have special heritage suites that honor the building’s rich history; The Churchill, Granville, and Haldane Suites each celebrate key moments in British history. The Churchill Suite features a replica of his desk, the Granville Suite pays tribute to his famous spy, and the Haldane Suite connects to the wartime legacy of Britain’s secretaries of state for war.

4. The Old War Office is a landmark in British history. What makes this location particularly special for Raffles, and how does it influence the hotel’s identity and ethos?

As we expand the Raffles brand, we carefully choose the world’s top destinations for luxury travel. In each location, we focus on selecting iconic addresses that will define the experience we create. Raffles London at The OWO, located in London’s historic Whitehall district, was designed to be a full destination in itself.

5. Known for its legendary service and sophistication, Raffles offers guests a truly exceptional experience. How does Raffles London at the OWO integrate its rich historical context into the luxury experience, making it unique to this location?

At Raffles, exceptional service has been our signature since the opening of Raffles Singapore in 1887. Each hotel offers a journey of elegance and charm, with moments designed to surprise and satisfy. For example, The Spy Bar at Raffles London at The OWO pays tribute to the hotel’s history.

6. As you look to the future, what lasting impact do you envision for Raffles London at the OWO on London’s hospitality landscape, and how might it redefine the way guests engage with history while enjoying luxury accommodations?

At Raffles, we aim to create experiences and memories that can be passed down through generations, like treasured heirlooms. By renovating a building with such deep historical significance, we’re ensuring its legacy lives on for many years. At Raffles London at The OWO, it’s particularly special to see former employees of The War Office, who once worked here, return and experience the hotel. Many are amazed to visit areas that were once restricted, like the second floor, reserved only for high-ranking officials. They see not only their country’s history but their own, and that’s the legacy we hope to preserve.

For more information on The OWO, visit theowo.london.