Raffles London, London

AfarOct 14

London’s Most Famous Landmarks Are Becoming Luxury Hotels—Including a Spectacular New Waldorf Astoria

Across the British capital, the corridors of power are being opened up to travelers. A landmark conversion near Buckingham Palace illustrates the challenges and opportunities.

Opened in 2023 in the former Old War Office.

19 things in this story

The NedHotelRebirth of the former Midland Bank headquarters.
The Chancery RosewoodHotelOpened late 2025 in the former U.S. embassy.
Rosewood LondonHotelOccupies the former Pearl Assurance company headquarters.
Trafalgar SquareSightIt was established in the early 19th century around the area known as Charing Cross.
Buckingham PalaceSightLocated in the City of Westminster, the palace is often at the centre of state occasions and royal hospitality.
Waldorf Astoria LondonHotelScheduled to open February 1, 2027, in Admiralty Arch.
Raffles LondonRestaurantOpened in 2023 in the former Old War Office.
Rosewood the ChanceryHotelRepurposed the former U.S. Embassy building.
Admiralty ArchSightLandmark building housing the Waldorf Astoria London.
Lord Nelson statueSightWatches over Admiralty Arch.
CoreusRestaurantFine-dining seafood restaurant by chef Clare Smyth.
Café BouludRestaurantBrasserie with a roof terrace facing Parliament.
The Old War OfficeSightEdwardian-era building now housing Raffles London.
Cambridge HouseHotelFormer Naval and Military Club, opening in 2027.
Six Senses LondonHotelDebut in London, transforming Whiteleys department store.
BT TowerSightFormer tallest building in Britain, to become a hotel.
NoMad LondonHotel
Six SensesHotel
Peacock BarPub

Read the full piece at Afar →

Raffles London

In the coverage1 story

London’s Most Famous Landmarks Are Becoming Luxury Hotels—Including a Spectacular New Waldorf Astoria