Raffles London at The OWO, situated in the historic Whitehall War Office, is successfully integrating high-end hospitality with child-friendly amenities. A recent review highlights how the hotel caters to multigenerational travelers through specialized spa hours and themed dining.
The historical weight of the Whitehall War Office
The Raffles London at The OWO occupies a space steeped in British military history, having formerly served as the UK's War Office. As the report describes, the architecture is a complex blend of 18th-century sandstone and post-war rebuilds, featuring a grand staircase once used by Winston Churchill. This repurposing of historic government buildings into luxury hotels is a growing trend in London, where heritage is used as a primary selling point for high-net-worth travelers.
Visitors can explore the building's past through guided tours that highlight specific architectural marvels, such as:
- The Murano chandelier, which contains over 3,000 glass pieces.
- The time-worn ceilings that still bear the scent and marks of wartime cloves.
- The Poppy Suite, which features a monumental glass poppy installation to honor veeterans.
- Colorful play tents decorated with helium balloons.
- A curated selection of age-appropriate books and toys.
- Practical bathroom additions like sink-step stools and potties.
- Plush 'Winston the Lion' teddy bears in every child's room.
Child-centric details from teddy bears to 'Mini Butlers'
The hotel attempts to soften its grand, often intimidating atmosphere with specific amenities designed for younger guests. According to the review, children as young as two and six were provided with a variety of thoughtful items to make the luxury environment feel more accessible. These include:
Beyond physical toys, the hotel offers an inventive 'Mini Butler' experience. This program allows children to wear professional butler jackets and assist in the mixing and serving of cocktails, turning traditional high-end service into an interactive, memorable activity for young travelers.
Navigating the 20-metre pool and 'Secrets & Spies' tea
Managing the balance between tranquil luxury and family energy is handled through strictly scheduled access to facilities. The four-floor underground Guerlain Spa limits family access to its 20-metre heated pool to two specific windows: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p .m . to 6 p.m. This allows the spa to maintain a serene environment for adult guests during other hours.
Dining at the hotel also follows a thematic approach that bridges the gap between history and play. The 'Secrets & Spies' afternoon tea pays homage to the building's military intelligence history by serving pastries fashioned like briefcases and hatboxes . For breakfast, the Saison buffet offers a wide array of options ranging from freshly baked pastries to more formal a la carte selections.
Will the £1,000 price tag exclude most families?
While the hotel emphasizes its family-friendly nature, the high cost of entry remains a significant point of scrutiny. The review notes that Executive rooms start at £1,000 per night, and the themed afternoon tea is priced from £87 per person. this raises questions about whether the "family-friendly" label is truly inclusive or if it is a niche offering reserved exclusively for the ultra-wealthy.
Furthermore, several details regarding large-group accommodations remain unverified. It is currently unknown if the hotel offers specific connecting room configurations for larger families, or how the 39 opulent suites are distributed to accommodate multigenerational groups. The report also does not clarify if there are any specific concessions or packages designed to offset the high cost for families traveling on longer stays.
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