UK: The iconic Whitehall Old War Office, which was acquired by the Hinduja Group in 2014, will be operated as a hotel and sevriced apartments under the Raffles brand.
As a part of their partnership with Accor, the group plans to create 85 serviced apartments in the property, as well as a 125-key hotel.
The building, which will be operated under the Raffles brand, was once the home of Winston Churchill’s war rooms, before the efforts were moved underground. The property was also frequented by many secret service members and aristocrats during its heyday.
Gochipand P. Hinduja, co-chairman of the Hinduja Group said: “This is an exciting and momentous day for the Old War Office as we reach the highest point of the building and announce the official name of the project as ‘The OWO’. After an exhaustive process, Raffles was selected above other leading global hotel brands as our partner to deliver a world-class hotel experience of peace and warmth.”
Accor announced that Raffles would lead the bid in 2017, hoping the brand would bring a uniquely british style of hospitality to the property. Design will be led by Thierry Despont and firm 1508 London, who will specifically focus on the serviced apartments.
Accor CEO Sébastien Bazin said: “It is an enormous privilege to be partnering with the Hinduja family and OHLD. We are thrilled to take part in this adventure and to add ‘The OWO’ to our Raffles collection, as this sublime location will undoubtedly make the list of the five most beautiful hotels in the world, alongside Raffles Singapore.”
The London serviced apartment market is growing strong, with aparthotel The Gate opening in march, as well as extended-stay property site Blueground opening its doors in the city. </p
