Raffles London at The OWO

Lovely stay, the building is absolutely amazing and the decor superb. Fitting for an old building but still modern and clean. The room had character and all the required amenities. We took a Westminster suite which was lovely. Food was decent, we used the more relaxed restaurant but the menu was excellent for me, all my favourites.

Our family stayed four nights in the Westminster Suite, along with an adjoining room for our two boys. We came with the intention of fully enjoying the hotel and its amenities. Having stayed in several luxury properties before, our expectations were high—this was Raffles, after all. The OWO didn’t just meet those expectations; it exceeded them. The location at 7 Horse Guards is unmatched. You’re a five‑minute walk from Parliament and Big Ben, yet the moment you step inside, the ambience shifts to pure luxury. We were welcomed with champagne on arrival and offered send‑off drinks at checkout—small touches that set the tone for the entire stay. The building’s history is fascinating, the interiors elegant, and the rooms impressively modern. The bed was perfect, the sheets sublime, and the pillows exactly as soft as I prefer (you can choose your preferred type). I’m fairly certain the bathroom floors were heated. Every piece of furniture felt luxurious yet genuinely comfortable and functional. We dined in five of the hotel’s restaurants and spent an unforgettable evening at the SPY Bar. The pool and wellness facilities were on another level—sauna, steam room, heated pools—and we easily spent half a day there. The gym was well equipped and beautifully maintained. To celebrate my son’s graduation, the staff arranged welcome champagne, balloons, and a special chocolate cake in the boys’ room. On our third day, my wife was delighted by a beautiful floral arrangement delivered to our suite. But what truly sets The OWO apart is the service. Ana Walsh and Scarlet Cobo from guest relations, Charlotte at reception, Emiel at concierge (who also gave us a captivating tour of the building), Severin, Chanel and Pie at the gym, Janet at the pool, James and Vasilya at the SPY Bar, Lubica at Saison, and the most efficient housekeeping team we’ve ever encountered—each one contributed to making our stay unforgettable. When service reaches this level, it transforms a stay into something priceless.

What a truly superb day. The Secrets & Spies walking tour and Operation Mincemeat Afternoon tea was an utterly unique, fascinating and delicious experience!! Steve was an incredible guide, knowledgeable, friendly and full of passion for history. The afternoon tea was really magical, a one-of-a-kind experience. Made my mum’s birthday very special. Thank you so much.

Afternoon Tea at The Drawing Room, Raffles London at The OWO Rating: 3/5 stars Highlights * Setting & Ambiance: Stepping into the historic Old War Office on Whitehall is breathtaking. The grandeur of the architecture, refined decor, and ambient atmosphere set a high standard from the moment you arrive. * Food: Excellent quality. The delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and intricate patisserie were all crafted to perfection. * Service: Attentive, polite, and polished throughout the sitting. The Drawback * Atmosphere Compromised by the Menu: What should have been an quintessential luxury tea service was unfortunately undercut by the room's all-day dining options. The table directly adjacent ordered fish and chips, filling the room with the overpowering smell of deep-fried food and vinegar. Verdict While the venue, tea set, and staff are exceptional, serving heavy pub-style hot dishes in the same dining room completely disrupts the delicate experience of high tea. Raffles should consider restricting hot kitchen items to a separate dining area to preserve the refined atmosphere this venue promises.

A very disappointing check in experience. Arrived at the hotel at 7am and it is now nearly 2pm and I am still not in my room, despite having been told at 7am that I should have a room in 2 or 3 hours max (which is already quite disappointing) as I had just landed after a 13 hour flight. Whilst I recognise that the normal check in time is 3pm - which is no different to any other 5 star hotel that I have stayed in over the years. However I have never in all my years of staying at 5 star hotels had to wait this long to be provided with a room. I have stayed at this hotel a number of times in the past and at other raffles hotels throughout Asia but I would probably not book one again - particularly if i am traveling for business. The staff have been polite but unfortunately ineffective as they have not been able to offer me a room despite my room being booked a few weeks ago with a request for an early check in. Overall a very nice hotel but don’t except any special treatment at check in. In the future I will stay at the Marriott Group of hotels or other 5 star hotels near by. London has so many options where there is never any problem with an early check in and where you can feel like you get special treatment at check in.