10. London | Raffles London at The OWO
“Beautiful interior and many art deco rooms. I love photographing there. Very relaxed with photography for customers.” – Flytographer Jimmy in London
For over a century, this building was closed to the public. The Old War Office on Whitehall was where Churchill made wartime decisions, where intelligence officers plotted in corridors, and where Ian Fleming, a regular visitor, found inspiration for James Bond. In 2023, after a meticulous six-year renovation, this Edwardian Baroque landmark reopened as Raffles’ first London hotel, and the result is one of the most striking new hotels in Europe.
Designer Thierry Despont, the same mind behind the restoration of the Statue of Liberty, reimagined the interiors of Raffles London at The OWO with a contemporary take on Edwardian grandeur. The five Heritage Suites occupy the building’s most storied rooms: the Churchill Suite is all wood panelling and antique fireplaces, while the Granville Suite, named after Churchill’s favourite spy, has a golden bathtub.
For photographers, the building is endlessly rewarding. A magnificent Grand Staircase sweeps through the centre. The location, directly opposite Horse Guards on Whitehall, puts Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and St. James’s Park within a short walk. Jimmy is right that the hotel is relaxed about photography for guests, which makes it a rare find in a city where many luxury hotels are not.
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