Looking for a truly spoiling staycation to book for 2026? Five star-hotel Raffles London at The OWO has it all: history, fine dining, luxurious suites and a jaw-dropping spa. Read on for a peek inside the biggest London hotel opening of the 21st century, plus some exciting offers not to miss this season.

Staying In… At Raffles London at The OWO

Enjoy The Guerlain Spa

Finding zen in London can feel near-impossible, but nestled within Raffles London at The OWO sits a haven of calm. Set over 27,000 square feet across four floors, the spa comes complete with a 20-metre pool, sauna, steam room and VIP suites offering exclusive treatments from Parisian beauty brand Guerlain. Give your skin the ultimate boost with the Royal Glow Tech Facial, a blend of microdermabrasion and photo-biomodulation, or enjoy a total body and mind reset with the Spirit of London experience, which combines massage and LED light therapy to relieve tensions from busy lifestyles.

Stay Overnight In A Heritage Suite

For an unforgettable stay, book one of the hotel’s five Heritage suites. Located in the former offices of political leaders, they are among London’s most storied rooms and boast soaring ceilings and incredible views of the capital (particularly the Turret Suite which overlooks Whitehall). If you’ve got a few days to spare don’t miss the Stay Longer Offer: all guests who book a two-night stay will enjoy a third for free (valid until 1 April 2026). Alternatively, welcome in the Year of the Horse in style by booking the newly launched Lunar New Year package (available until 15 March 2026). This includes Selfridges shopping experiences, The Raffles Chinese Breakfast, dinner and champagne, plus a gift to bring good fortune for the year ahead.

Dine At Mauro Colagreco’s Restaurants

Mauro Colagreco’s eponymous Michelin-starred flagship restaurant at Raffles London at The OWO is all about spotlighting British vegetables – with over 70 types of fruits and veggies on his hyper-seasonal menu. At the moment, guests can enjoy the likes of delica pumpkin with hand-dived Orkney scallop, Jerusalem artichoke with Herdwick lamb saddle and fermented pear, and mushroom-infused chocolate ganache, all cooked with flair and meticulous precision. There’s also Saison, Colagreco’s more relaxed restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine beneath a bright glass dome: think poached Scottish cod, and Cornish red chicken with candied lemon and olives.

Better still, the hotel is soon to celebrate its annual Citrus Festival (10 February – 22 March 2026). Bringing a taste of the French Riviera to London, this will see citrus-inspired dishes appearing on the menus of both of Colagreco's restaurants alongside lemon-themed decor and tablescapes.

Three of the Best…

Walks Nearby

St James’ Park

‘My favourite park in London is St James’s, located just round the corner from Raffles London at The OWO. Stroll past the pretty central lake, keeping an eye out for the famous pelicans, and visit Duck Island, a 17th century cottage that once belonged to the royal duck keeper.’

Ellie Smith, Digital Editor

Hyde Park

‘If you’re in the market for a longer walk, head to Hyde Park – at 1.5 miles long and a 1 mile wide, it’s one of London’s biggest Royal Parks. Grab a coffee from the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen and wander down the historic Rotten Row, a broad, sandy avenue originally established as an avenue for King William III to safely travel on horseback between Kensington Palace and St James’s Palace.’

Rebecca Cox, Digital Director

The Thames Path

‘You can’t beat an evening stroll along the River Thames, soaking up the twinkling city lights reflecting on the water – my top tip is to skip Westminster Bridge and catch the Big Ben view from either Lambeth Bridge or Albert Embankment.’

Olivia Emily, Digital Culture Editor

Psssst…

The Old War Office has long been associated with spies and espionage, as MI5 and MI6 had operations there during the 20th century. Not only that, but Ian Fleming was a regular visitor and the building helped inspire the James Bond series (hence the hotel’s Spy Bar, an ode to its past).

The Full Story

Inside Raffles London at The OWO

Lauren Ho spends a blissful night at the hotel

STAY

Occupying Britain’s iconic Old War Office, which dates from 1906, this handsome Grade II listed Edwardian Baroque pile has been given a top-to-toe overhaul, but it retains original heritage details such as the delicate hand-laid mosaic floors, oak panelling, glittering chandeliers, and the magnificent sweeping marble staircase, which takes centre stage.

Alongside a collection of nine restaurants and three bars, there are 85 residences as well as 120 rooms and suites, which are managed under the Raffles banner. Most of these are dressed in neutral tones with customised carpets, fabrics, furnishings and artwork that come together in a classic, somewhat understated offering. The aforementioned suites, meanwhile, are rich architectural details like ornate stucco work, handsome wall panelling, and antique fireplaces.

DO

Staying in? You’ll want to spend plenty of time relaxing in the spa, but be sure to explore the building’s rich history too – we’d recommend booking a private heritage tour (which ends with afternoon tea).

Those keen to go out, meanwhile, are spoilt for choice. Steps from Trafalgar Square, St. James’ Park and Buckingham Palace, you are perfectly placed to explore the best of what London has to offer, while the West End theatres and the nightlife of Covent Garden are a heartbeat away.

EAT

Raffles London At The OWO has nine restaurants (five of which are operated by Raffles) and three bars (two of which are operated by Raffles) onsite. Alongside Colagreco’s restaurants, there’s an outpost of Milan’s much-loved seafood institution, Langosteria, while chef Endo Kazutoshi is behind Paper Moon, a Japanese restaurant and sake bar on the roof, with panoramic views across Whitehall, The Mall, and Buckingham Palace.

All this, along with lots of cosy bars to hunker down in – most notably The Guards Bar, where a glass of champagne by a window seat is the best spot to watch the world go by on a rainy London day.

Find the full review here