On Tuesday of last week, an extraordinary event took place. I found myself waking up in the very office of the great Winston Churchill. As I opened my eyes, I was greeted by his stern bust positioned on the mantlepiece. The room was filled with historical artifacts, such as a brass compass and a globe, resting on the luxurious leather desk made of mahogany. This office, once known as the War Office, held immense power during the height of Britain’s imperial military dominion, where a quarter of the world’s landmass fell under its control. It stood proudly in the heart of Whitehall, overseeing the empire’s operations. However, this month marks a surprising transformation for this significant room, as it becomes the centerpiece of a magnificent and opulent hotel that symbolizes a new era of luxury hospitality in London. This prestigious suite, where I was the first guest, represents the epitome of extravagance and exclusivity.
In the coming days, the hotel, formally known as Raffles London at The Old War Office, will host a grand celebration attended by esteemed individuals such as royalty, politicians, and film stars. Finally, on September 29, the doors will open to the public, nine years after the Ministry of Defence announced the sale of this historic building. The Old War Office, constructed between 1899 and 1906, was already grand in its original state, a testament to imperial confidence with its 26,000 tonnes of Portland stone and 25 million bricks. The interior boasted an astonishing 1,100 rooms and over two miles of corridors, accommodating almost 3,000 people at its peak.
However, the new project takes extravagance to another level. The expansion has increased the total area from 580,000 square feet to over 800,000 square feet. Three additional floors have been excavated to create remarkable additions like a magnificent ballroom and an expansive 20-meter swimming pool nestled beneath majestic marble arches. The hotel now boasts 120 luxurious rooms, 85 residential apartments, nine remarkable restaurants, three splendid bars, and a state-of-the-art spa and gym. The original construction of the building cost £1,229,128 back then, which would be equivalent to £123 million today. Astonishingly, the new project has incurred a staggering cost of £1.4 billion.
When I had the chance to speak to Philippe Leboeuf, the French managing director of the hotel who has an impressive CV that includes managing renowned establishments such as Claridge’s, the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, and The Carlyle in New York, I asked if he could think of any comparable project. He suggested that The Ritz and The Savoy, both opened in 1906 and 1889 respectively, might be the closest precedents in terms of grandeur and significance. While it may sound like an exaggeration, I believe he is right.
What makes this trend in London even more surprising, particularly during a time of financial strain for the majority, is that Raffles at The OWO is not an isolated case but part of a larger movement. Only this month, another remarkable project, The Peninsula, opened its doors at Hyde Park Corner. The price tag of £1 billion for The Peninsula doesn’t even include the cost of acquiring the site. From the turret suite at The OWO, you can gaze down upon Downing Street, and from the stunning rooftop bar at The Peninsula, you have a breathtaking view of Buckingham Palace.
This autumn, Mayfair will welcome the opening of a new Mandarin Oriental, the city’s second. In addition, The Emory, the sister hotel of the illustrious Claridge’s, is set to open opposite Hyde Park early next year. The former US embassy in Grosvenor Square is currently undergoing conversion to become a magnificent Rosewood hotel. Furthermore, London’s first Six Senses hotel will debut in the second half of 2024.
The room rates for these remarkable establishments are unprecedented. The starting prices for the smallest rooms at Raffles begin at £1,100, while The Peninsula’s cheapest room comes in at £1,300. And that doesn’t even include breakfast, apart from a promotional offer that runs until November where a full English breakfast can be added for an additional £41 per person. Meanwhile, existing hotels are also raising their game and prices. The Dorchester, for instance, is undergoing a phased renovation expected to be complete next year, and their room rates now start at £1,200.
These rates may seem eye-watering and were unimaginable just a few years ago, according to veteran hotelier Robin Hutson, who has worked at The Savoy and founded various successful hotel chains. Those in the industry privately acknowledge that this trend does involve an element of one-upmanship. These establishments represent the epitome of luxury and prestige, but their value is transient and fleeting, lasting only until the moment of checkout the following morning.
For those seeking even more luxurious accommodations, the price tag increases significantly. The Haldane Suite at The OWO, which I had the privilege of staying in, costs somewhere between £18,000 and £25,000 per night. As I lay awake in the suite, I contemplated the cost and calculated that it amounted to roughly £20 per minute. The suite was adorned with six plush pillows, and my eyes were drawn to the astonishingly high ceiling measuring 5.5 meters. The view from the rooftop of The OWO allows one to gaze upon Whitehall, Downing Street, and Westminster with awe and wonder.
The historical significance of The OWO is undeniable. It holds a wealth of stories and symbolism. It was within these very walls that the British secret services were established following a series of meetings in October 1909. Rumors of espionage involving Anthony Blunt and Guy Burgess, as well as hidden tunnels, add an air of mystery to the location. This prestigious suite, known as the Haldane Suite, once occupied by not just Winston Churchill, but also by prominent figures like Kitchener, Lloyd George, Eden, and Profumo, exudes an aura of power and history. Interestingly, the real scandal involving Profumo was not a political affair but a design choice made by his wife. She requested that the oak paneling be painted over in Wedgwood blue and white, a decision that was later rectified.
The building is laden with historical and symbolic weight. Its opening on September 29, coincidentally 100 years after the British Empire reached its territorial zenith, as described in Matthew Parker’s recent book “One Fine Day,” adds another layer of significance. The building once served as the nerve center for directing conflicts and exerting the empire’s will. Now, it stands as a remarkable testament to indulgence and luxury, eagerly welcoming visitors from all corners of the globe. The original Raffles hotel in Singapore, which catered to wealthy expatriates and colonial officials, was known as the “Savoy of Singapore.”
Overall, the emergence of these extraordinary establishments and their exorbitant room rates reflects a growing trend in London’s hospitality industry. While these prices may seem astonishing, they demonstrate the city’s commitment to providing unparalleled luxury, comfort, and prestige to its visitors. As London continues to evolve and excel in the realm of high-end hospitality, the arrival of Raffles at The OWO represents a new pinnacle of indulgence and opulence in the capital.
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