Tripplo's verdict, based on guest reviews
Tripplo’s analysis · Updated 28 September 2026 · How we review hotels
Raffles London at The OWO suits travellers for whom the building is part of the trip. The hotel fills the restored Old War Office on Whitehall, and guests talk as much about the restoration, the decor and the tour of the building's history as about their rooms. Those rooms are described as elegant and spacious, with very comfortable beds, and the service is praised as friendly and first class. A spa with an indoor pool, four restaurants and a secret Spy Bar give plenty of reasons to stay in, while Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery and Big Ben are a short walk away. The weak spots lie in the details. Breakfast draws the most complaints, from slow service to a buffet that fell short of expectations, and housekeeping sometimes falls behind. Guests also rate value for money lower than anything else. For history, comfort and a central base, the hotel delivers; if the price weighs heaviest, look elsewhere.
Guests score it 9.5 out of 10 — the average across the 19 hotels we list in London is 9.4.
What Guests Loved
- Guests keep coming back to the building itself: the restoration, the decor and the attention to detail. The hotel offers a tour of the Old War Office's history, which several guests single out as a highlight of their stay.
- Service is the most frequent reason for praise, with staff described as friendly, efficient and first class. Guests also note that the public spaces never feel crowded.
Things to Consider
- Breakfast draws the most criticism: some guests found service in the breakfast room slow, while others felt the buffet did not meet their expectations. A few also thought the food in general could have been better.
- Several guests mention housekeeping that came late or let the stay down, and one guest found the room not ready at check-in. A few felt that some staff did not reach the level the hotel otherwise sets.
Should you book it?
Raffles London at The OWO is worth booking for travellers who want history and polished service in the heart of Westminster — but pick somewhere else if value for money matters more to you than the setting.
Book it if you want
- Travellers who want history and polished service in the heart of Westminster
- Couples who like to pair sightseeing with time in the spa and pool
Pick somewhere else if
- Value for money matters more to you than the setting
- Breakfast is the meal that makes or breaks a stay for you
Frequently asked questions
How do guests rate Raffles London at The OWO?
On Booking.com it scores 9.5/10 from 232 guest reviews.
How many stars does Raffles London at The OWO have?
Raffles London at The OWO is a 5-star hotel.
What amenities does Raffles London at The OWO offer?
Raffles London at The OWO offers indoor Swimming Pool, spa, sauna, fitness Centre, free Wifi and 4 Restaurants.
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57 Whitehall, Westminster, London, SW1A 2BX, United Kingdom