Raffles London at The OWO isn’t just a hotel—it’s living history. The kind made of limestone and leather, with expansive corridors that once held all the secrets of MI5 and MI6. This is where Winston Churchill walked to his wartime office. It’s where British intelligence was born. And now, it’s where you can book a suite, take a swim, and sip a Vesper under a vintage Aston Martin in London.
From the moment you walk in, you can’t help but be impressed. The scale, the elegance, the way the light hits the marble floors and wood accents. It exudes elegance, but not in an overdone way. Raffles has kept the bones of the Old War Office intact, and it shows. Even if you’re not a history buff, it’s impossible not to be impressed.
If you are into history, take the tour. The concierge-led experience takes you through the parts of the building that aren’t always open—depending on the day, you might get to see Churchill’s actual office or the Christine Granville Suite, named after Britain’s first female special agent. Granville was so close to the Bond mythos it’s no wonder the suite feels cinematic. Because of preservation rules, they couldn’t change the layout much—so the bathrooms had to be cleverly added.
Then there’s the Spy Bar. No photos allowed. It’s set in the old records room where MI5 once stored classified documents and held off-the-record meetings. Now? It’s a Bond-level speakeasy with jaw-dropping details—like the Aston Martin DB5 from the last film suspended above the bar and tall, dramatic red leather chairs that make the whole space feel dangerous in the best way. We had classic Vespers, naturally, but they also offer a Vintage Vesper made with aged spirits for the full effect.
Our suite was set up for all of us, including our son. A tipi and toys were waiting for him, along with a backpack and a plush lion mascot—a thoughtful nod to Churchill. It’s rare to find a luxury hotel this polished that also makes young guests feel welcome. Raffles OWO is, quietly, a great option for families who travel well and expect real service.
Downstairs, the pool is enormous by London standards, and it’s part of the city’s only Guerlain Spa. The gym is just as polished, and not an afterthought—it’s designed for actual workouts, not just stretching in front of a mirror.
And then there’s the dining. Raffles has assembled a strong selection of dining experiences, but Mauro Colagreco’s is the standout. The Michelin-starred chef brings his signature produce-first style to London in a seasonal tasting menu that’s as beautiful and elegant as it is delicious. We had one of our most memorable meals there—[you can read the full review here].
The Old War Office has hosted film crews too—several Bond scenes were shot here. But the building doesn’t need movie magic. It already feels larger than life.
Raffles London at The OWO manages something most luxury hotels can’t: it honors its history without getting too caught up in it. You’re constantly reminded of where you are, but never at the expense of comfort and elegance. This is a hotel where spies once whispered in the halls. Now, the only thing hushed is the way it makes you feel. Speechless.
Note: Raffles OWO provided support for the reporting of this story.