London’s Old War Office, where military leaders including Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George and Lord Kitchener once held office, is undergoing a major renovation that will see the historic building turned into a luxury 125-room hotel and 85 serviced residences. Collectively known as The OWO, the hotel and residences will be managed by legendary hotel brand Raffles, adding to its collection of European hotels in Paris, Warsaw and Istanbul.
Guestroom interiors are being imagined by New York designer Thierry Despont – whose past triumphs include Claridges, several Dorchester Collection properties and the Statue of Liberty, no less – while the residences are being created by 1508 London. The latter recently won acclaim for The Lanesborough Club and Spa, which won the award for England’s Best Hotel Spa in the 2019 World Spa Awards. In addition to the rooms and residences, The OWO will include nine restaurants and bars, a destination spa and boutique retail when it opens in early 2022.