"This might be the most talked-about hotel to open in London this century. From 1906 to 1964, the building served as the War Office where D-Day was planned, and where Winston Churchill boomed out briefings to staff on the Grand Staircase while serving as Secretary of State for War. Spies, notoriously, had their own private entrance. In 2016, the Mumbai-based Hinduja Group purchased the building’s lease, invested $1.9 billion in refurbishments, and brought Raffles on board. Completing the 120 rooms and suites, four restaurants, three bars, 27,000-square-foot Guerlain spa, and 65-foot subterranean pool took seven years. Grand state offices have become plum guest quarters, including the Haldane Suite (Churchill’s former office) in smart red damask. Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco helms three of the restaurants: a fine-dining spot, a private-table option, and Saison by Mauro Colagreco, the hotel’s Mediterranean dining space. The Guard’s Bar heaves with gossipy politicians while the tiny Spy Bar, occupying an old interrogation room in the basement, is a good spot for a nightcap with its red-velvet banquettes and an Aston Martin DB5 mounted on the wall." - CNT Editors
