{"id":29001,"date":"2025-01-28T14:59:31","date_gmt":"2025-01-28T03:59:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/?p=29001"},"modified":"2025-01-28T15:07:55","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T04:07:55","slug":"raffles-london-at-the-owo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/raffles-london-at-the-owo\/","title":{"rendered":"Sleeper Agent: Why Raffles London at the OWO is the Ultimate Historic Stay"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Once home to MI5 and MI6 agents, the Army and the author of James Bond, Ian Fleming, Raffles London at the OWO is London’s newest luxury hotel dripping in history. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite being the birthplace of the British secret service, and featured in James Bond films, it\u2019s hard to go undercover at Raffles London at the OWO<\/a> (Old War Office). From the moment I walk into the grand baroque Edwardian landmark-turned-luxury hotel, nothing goes unnoticed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My dripping umbrella is whisked away and replaced by a refreshing lemongrass and ginger iced tea. Once checked in, I pause briefly, walking along some of the four kilometres of corridors, which alerts a staff member that I am somewhat lost and they accompany me all the way to my suite. But rather than feeling as though I am under surveillance, the sense is one of utmost care and attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located a stone\u2019s throw from Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, the OWO was the military heart of Britain. Completed in 1906, the imposing property clad in Portland stone served as the administrative headquarters of the British Army until 1964. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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