Fifty-seven Whitehall in London’s Westminster has had a long and storied history, having played host to Tudor royalty, the locus of the military brainpower behind Britain’s victories in the two World Wars, and even as the stomping ground of Ian Fleming, providing ample inspiration for his Bond novels. This September, however, the storied address entered a new era as Raffles London at The OWO (short for “Old War Office”). The hotel’s opening followed a six-year renovation, overseen by the late French architect Thierry Despont, resulting in 120 guest rooms across seven floors, 2.5 miles of corridors, and a 65-foot subterranean pool alongside a Guerlain Spa. Here, oak doors have brass push plates adorned with the royal cipher of Edward VII, and the 13 decorative fireplaces were salvaged from other London landmarks. The wide hallways—designed to accommodate couriers ferrying confidential MI5 and MI6 correspondence—have too been preserved. And the hotel has also kept its discreet entrance off of Whitehall Court, marked by EVIIR (Edward VII) insignia—perfect for spies, or perhaps, today, a privacy-seeking celebrity. —E.T.
Photo: Nick Rochowski
As far as location goes, One Aldwych is hard to beat. Not only is it a few minutes walk to London hotspots like the Covent Garden Piazza, Trafalgar Square, and an endless number of West End theaters, it’s also a hop, skip, and a jump from the Thames pathway and the vast array of cultural attractions along the South Bank. Yet once you’re happily ensconced in one of its 105 rooms and suites overlooking the likes of Waterloo Bridge and the London Eye, you’ll feel a world away from the clamor of the city. Luxuriously-appointed rooms feature crisp Frette sheets and sleek, minimal interiors that further foster the feeling you’re in your very own tranquil haven, while the hotel’s Indigo restaurant—with its convivial atmosphere and seasonal menu of inventive British classics—is esteemed enough to attract locals alongside One Aldwych guests. Bonus points too for the health club and indoor pool located in the basement, meaning you can get a few laps in before a long day of walking to see all the nearby sights—or retreat to the sauna to decompress on your return. —L.H.
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