From state power to suite perfection
Once the settings for world-changing decisions,
However, it is the hotel’s Heritage
Suites (the former staterooms) that reflect the balance of history and modernity, luxury and dignity that are the keynotes of this building. Painstakingly restored to their
“WE SHAPE OUR buildings; thereaſter they shape us,” said Winston Churchill. No truer word, when looking at how the 20th- century history of the Old War Office has shaped the interior design, storytelling and modern-day use of its majestic staterooms, today enjoying life as luxury Heritage Suites offering accommodation and impressive meeting and entertainment spaces. The word ‘monumental’ is the best adjective to describe the transformation of the Old War Office into a breathtaking 750,000sq ſt of Raffles London hotel suites, The OWO Residences by Raffles, wellness facilities, spa, palatial ballroom and panoply of gastronomic offerings that reflect the vibrant, cosmopolitan culture of London.
former grandeur by talented artisans and specialist craſtspeople, and guided by leading academic and architectural authorities, these Heritage Suites are a banquet for the eyes and feast for the imagination. Guests can admire the same sculptured stone and marble fireplaces, oak wall panelling, mosaics, mouldings, gigantic windows, decorative cornicing and soaring ceiling heights that famous ministers and generals once did.
THE WHITEHALL WING Now these rooms have a new life as sumptuous accommodations for those wanting the historic space all to themselves with partners and families, or for top-level board meetings, dazzling events, boutique drinks and dinner parties. The contrast in use could not be starker – one ponders the idea of Churchill himself dropping in to enjoy the present moment. It is easy to understand why these
spaces are so sought aſter, as their provenance is legendary and brimming with stories that helped change the course of history. Today’s Haldane Suite, formerly the Secretary of State for War’s
office, was once occupied by Lord Haldane himself, Lord Kitchener and Sir Winston Churchill. The suite is panelled in oak with a stunning decorative neo-Baroque plaster ceiling and grand windows overlooking Horse Guards and the mounted soldiers of the Household Cavalry. Reached by the Grand Hall and Staircase, this principal room on the second floor sits squarely at the centre of the Whitehall façade. The exclusive Whitehall Wing – with the Haldane Suite at its centre – would see guests occupy six opulent suites and rooms along this magnificent façade, bookended by two Art Deco Corner Suites named aſter Viscountess Astor (Astor Suite), the first woman seated as a Member of Parliament, and Clementine Churchill, Churchill’s beloved wife (Clementine Suite). The Raffles Suite was formerly the Conference Room of the Minister of
Behind the imposing façade (left) lie a number of stunning suites such as the Churchill Suite, whose lounge is pictured above
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