Stepping into Raffles Hotel in London at the OWO is akin to traversing a portal that seamlessly blends timeworn grandeur with contemporary elegance. The iconic Old War Office building, steeped in the secrets of a bygone era, undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis, housing within its walls a haven of luxury that retains and celebrates its illustrious past.
Haldane’s Haven: Where History Hides in Modern Luxury
The Haldane Suite, named after the Secretary of State for War during World War I, embodies this captivating duality. Imagine yourself settling into the very chair where Winston Churchill once strategised momentous decisions. His original desk, a silent witness to history, graces the room, emanating an aura of power and resilience. Yet, the meticulously restored space is far from a museum exhibit. Modern amenities and thoughtful design ensure a stay that is as luxurious as it is historically evocative. The suite overlooks the iconic Horse Guards museum and the busy street leading to Westminster ‘s House of Parliament, yet the soundproof walls, that were designed for OWO personal to concentrate, can make you forget about the buzzing London streets outside. The suite is £25,000 per night, reflecting the grandeur and significance of the experience.
Everywhere you turn, the commitment to preserving and showcasing the building’s heritage is evident. Original features like the oak panelling and intricate plasterwork whisper tales of the past, while meticulously curated artwork seamlessly integrates modern artistic expression with the building’s character. It’s like walking through a living museum, each piece narrating a unique chapter in the OWO’s story.
Beyond Preservation: Artfully Blending Past and Present
Beyond the Haldane Suite, the OWO’s legacy continues to unfold. Wander the majestic corridors, once echoing with the hurried steps of military personnel, and now adorned with bespoke artworks that pay homage to the building’s past, the war that once changed the world, and the peace and cultural harmony of the present that triumphs in modern London as a result of the hard work and sacrifice of the war’s greatest. Dine in the opulent grandeur of The Residence, where heritage trifft contemporary fusion cuisine, or savour afternoon tea in the Palm Court, a serene oasis amidst the urban buzz.
The uniqueness of the Raffles hotel goes even beyond to include tributes to the women of war, with some suites named after these great ladies such as Nancy Astor, whose contributions changed London and the world forever. The boardrooms below the staircase are cleverly names after Morse Code. The colour palet of the decor reflecting the royal horse guards uniforms: red, gold, black, and white, blend the history and the present together perfectly. The fascinating book collection about the hotel and the OWO that you can purchase at the reception is certainly worth checking.
More Than a Hotel: An Exquisite Conversation with Time
Raffles London at the OWO is more than just a hotel; it’s an experience. From the moment you enter and you glimpse the grand staircase and balcony where one Winston Churchill gave iconic speeches during the WWII, to the thought of the guests list from the world’s elite. It’s a testament to the power of meticulous restoration, where history is not merely preserved, but elegantly woven into the fabric of modern luxury. It’s a haven for those seeking an escape that transcends the ordinary, offering a place to both reminisce and rediscover, nestled within the very beating heart of London’s past.
This glimpse into the Haldane Suite and the OWO’s transformation is but a taste of the extraordinary experience that awaits. For those seeking an elegant blend of history and luxury, Raffles London at the OWO beckons, ensuring a stay that lingers long after your departure.
