Raffles London at the Old War Office to open in late 2022
Raffles Hotels & Resorts, a luxury hotel brand, is scheduled to open a new addition in Europe in late 2022. The Raffles London at the Old War Office (OWO) will be the first Raffles hotel in the United Kingdom.
A historical revival
The Raffles London will be housed in the 760,000-square-foot historic building and the hotel will have 120 rooms and suites, 11 restaurants and bars, some of which will be run by Michelin star chef Mauro Colagreco, a destination spa and more.
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Raffles is known for highlighting the culture and location of its properties, so it is only fitting that Raffles London will be in the Old War Office. Prior to the redevelopment, the building served as personal headquarters for Winston Churchill during World War II.
The London hotel will be a model of architectural design that promotes historic celebration with the help of New York interior designer Thierry Despont. This is not Despont’s first historical project. He was an associate architect for the Statue of Liberty’s restoration in the 1980s.
Located in the heart of Westminster
Situated in Whitehall, the historical center of Westminster, Raffles London will be just a half mile from monuments and famous sites such as the London Eye and Big Ben, and about a mile away from Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park.
Related: The complete guide to London’s parks and green spaces
Booking
Because the Raffles London is not slated to open until later this year, there is currently no information available regarding booking. It is likely however that the booking process will follow a similar format as the famed Raffles Singapore and allow direct booking on their website as well as availability on third-party booking sites like Expedia.
Raffles is known for its quality and service, but luxury comes at a price. Located in London’s center and rich with historical significance, Raffles London will not come cheap. A standard night at Raffles Paris costs $1,250, so it is likely that Raffles London will be in this range.
Raffles is a part of the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program so guests will likely be able to use their points for Raffles London. For more information regarding the loyalty program, you can check out our guide to Accor Live Limitless.
Related: My best-ever hotel experience: A stay at the iconic Raffles Singapore
Bottom line
The Raffles London at the Old War Office’s opening will be a must-see for luxury travelers and history buffs. Guests not only have the chance to visit the Old War Office, but can also live there. Once the project is completed, 85 residential units will be available for sale.
If you are heading to London later this year or have plans to visit in 2023 and want to immerse yourself in London’s rich history, the Raffles London should not be missed!
Related: 17 best hotels in London for every type of traveler
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| 6X | 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program. |
| 4X | 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. |
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Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.Earn 125,000 points75,000 pointsAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.Pros
- 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
- 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
- Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
- Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines
Cons
- Airline points transfer ratios are poor
- Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
- Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
- Terms apply.