Is the Spy Bar at Raffles OWO worth it? How do I book?

Yes — the Spy Bar is unmissable and is one of the best hotel bar experiences in the world. It sits in the former MI5 and MI6 vaults (rooms 006 and 007). On entry, stickers are placed on your phone camera lens. No photographs are permitted. The Vesper Martini — shaken, not stirred — is the signature order. An Aston Martin DB5 is mounted above the bar. Note: the signature cocktail is limited to one per person. Hotel guests only. Email undercover.london@raffles.com to book. Open Tuesday–Saturday, 5pm–1am.

How much is afternoon tea at Raffles London at The OWO?

The Secrets and Spies Afternoon Tea at Raffles London at The OWO costs £85 per person and is served daily in The Drawing Room from 12pm to 5pm. The tea selection includes a Churchill blend with notes of bergamot, ginger, and smokiness. Champagne is available as an add-on.

Can non-guests visit Raffles London at The OWO?

Yes, partially. The Guards Bar, The Drawing Room (afternoon tea), Mauro Colagreco restaurant, Saison, and Kioku by Endo are all open to non-guests with a reservation. The Spy Bar is hotel guests and pre-approved invitees only. Paper Moon and Café Ciel are independent operators in the courtyard and are open to all. The Guerlain Spa is available to non-residents on a day-pass basis.

Is Café Lapérouse still open at Raffles OWO?

No. Café Lapérouse closed in early 2025 after under two years. It has been replaced by Café Ciel, which opened in August 2025 in the same glass courtyard pavilion. Café Ciel is from the team behind Miel bakery in Fitzrovia and serves seasonal pastries and brunch by day, cocktails and small plates in the evening. It is independent — you cannot charge to your room.

When does Langosteria open at Raffles OWO?

Langosteria opens in late spring 2026 — the Milanese seafood group's first UK outpost, originally announced with the 2023 hotel opening and delayed three years. It occupies 3,828 sq ft at Whitehall Place with street access. Menu includes charcoal grilled Dover sole, octopus with chorizo, spaghetti with clams and urchins, oyster bar, and robata. A private dining room for 18 guests is also available. Confirm the opening date with the hotel before your visit.

Does Raffles London at The OWO have a pool?

Yes — a 20-metre indoor pool in the Guerlain Spa, four floors underground, with a double-height ceiling and fireplaces. It is one of the best hotel pools in London. Pool access is included for hotel guests. The vitality pool is not accessible to children due to chemical concentration. Child-friendly swim hours are available but restricted at weekends.

Is the heritage tour at Raffles OWO worth doing?

Absolutely — it is over two hours long and covers Churchill's rooms, the MI5 and MI6 intelligence operations, T.E. Lawrence, Ian Fleming, and the building's history from 1906 through the Second World War. It is free for hotel guests and runs daily at 10:30am. A combined Spies Tour and Afternoon Tea package is also available for non-guests. Do it on your first morning before anything else.

What room should I book at Raffles London at The OWO?

Book a Corner Suite minimum. Classic rooms are 31 square metres and, after experiencing the grandeur of the hallways and common areas, can feel like a reality check. The hotel's true promise is delivered in the Corner Suites (circular living room, Horse Guards views, from around £3,000/night) and the five Heritage Suites, which are the former offices of Churchill and other military leaders. The gap between a Classic room and a Corner Suite is wider than the price difference suggests.

How much are rooms at Raffles London at The OWO in 2026?

In early 2026, Classic rooms start at around £855 per night. Junior suites start around £1,200. Corner Suites are from approximately £3,000 per night. Heritage Suites are not publicly priced — contact the hotel directly. Rates typically run around £20,000 per night, with some sources citing £30,000–45,000 at peak. Breakfast is not included and costs £45 per person extra. Parking is £70 per day.

Does Raffles London at The OWO have parking?

Yes — valet parking is available at £70 per day. Given the hotel's location (Embankment and Charing Cross stations are both under five minutes on foot), driving is unnecessary for most stays. The hotel can also arrange car service from any London airport.

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Raffles London at The OWO: Extraordinary Building, Uneven Hotel — An Honest 2026 Review

Posted on 20th April 202620th April 2026 by dinewithjp

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The Old War Office. Churchill’s corridors. MI5 vaults turned cocktail bar. Raffles London at The OWO is unlike anything else in London — and it knows it. After two paid nights in January 2026, here is the honest verdict: extraordinary building, world-class Spy Bar, one of the best hotel spas in Europe. The room, though, needs a rethink.

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Posted on 16th April 202613th April 2026 by dinewithjp

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The Chancery Rosewood is London’s most architecturally considered hotel opening in a decade — Saarinen’s former US Embassy on Grosvenor Square, restored by Chipperfield, with interiors by Dirand. 144 all-suites from 570 sq ft, Carbone’s first European outpost, a genuine 25-metre pool in Mayfair, and butler service from every category. JP reviews it honestly at £1,280 a night.

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8 Best Luxury Hotels in London: Personally Reviewed & Compared

Posted on 9th March 202617th March 2026 by dinewithjp

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A local expert’s 2026 guide to the 36 best luxury hotels in London. Compare 5-star stays by neighborhood, amenities, and style to find your perfect hotel for romance, views, or iconic luxury.

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The Savoy London Review — Is It Still Worth It in 2026?

Posted on 6th March 202613th March 2026 by dinewithjp

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The Savoy is London’s original luxury hotel—opened in 1889, reborn after a £220 million restoration, and still one of the city’s most iconic addresses. Based on a recent stay, this review covers the Edwardian and Art Deco rooms, Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants, the American Bar, the indoor pool, and whether it delivers on the price tag. 8.5/10.

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The Langham London

Posted on 28th February 202615th March 2026 by dinewithjp

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JP The Langham London — 2026 Review The scent hits you first. The Langham London has a signature fragrance — something vaguely floral, clean without being clinical, neither heavy nor apologetic — and it reaches you before the doorman does, before the marble staircase registers, before the lobby makes its full argument for your attention. […]

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