Raffles London at The OWO

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.

My daughter & I celebrated her 21st birthday over the “ Secrets & Spies” afternoon tea in the drawing room at Raffles, London. Everything was impeccable, so delicious & so much fun! Krina was our server, she is just darling & so efficient & personable. After tea, Victoria gave us a private tour of the OWO, we ended our day at the “ Spy Bar.” Such a cool experience. Joshua was our server, just fabulous. We highly recommend a trip to this hotel. We cannot wait to return!! Highly recommend.

The Spy Bar: Licensed to thrill You don't find The Spy Bar. You are cleared to enter it. A tiny '007' on a door in the bowels of the Old War Office - the very corridors where Ian Fleming dreamt up Bond. A sticker over your phone camera, and then silence. No photos. No signal. Just secrets. It's a true subterranean speakeasy - low-lit, exposed brick, red-velvet banquettes, and the unmistakable silver flank of an Aston Martin DB5 sunk into the back bar wall. You can almost hear the typewriters of the SOE and the rustle of forged passports - this vault once stored every spy file in Britain. But don’t tell too many others, afterall, it’s a matter of national security!

We are so glad we gave Raffles OWO a second chance as our first stay had some issues with our room, shortly after hotel opened. This visit was perfect! The room was excellent, all the staff was fantastic from the front desk, to Drawing Room to concierge. We felt very welcomed and special so we didn’t want to leave. One of the best hotels in London!