Churchill’s London War Office To Become Hinduja Deluxe Hotel

MUMBAI, (IANS) – The 109-year-old conglomerate Hinduja Group has tied up with the Raffles Hotels & Resorts to restore the Old War Office (OWO) in London and reopen it as a luxury hotel.

The OWO – from where then British Prime Minister Winston Churchill guided the country’s World War II efforts – will be inaugurated in its new avatar on September 26.

“When we came to Whitehall, the team was blown away by the size and beauty of this majestic building. No expense has been spared in restoring it to its original glory and paying homage to its heritage while breathing new life into it,” said Sanjay Hinduja, who oversaw the project.

The Hinduja family acquired the iconic building on Whitehall opposite Downing Street over eight years ago, and then collaborated with Raffles Hotels to transform it into an extravagant hub with luxury residences, restaurants, and spas to “create a legacy that is both timeless and unsurpassed”, he said.

Designed by British architect William Young, the OWO was completed in 1906 and was formerly the site of the original Palace of Whitehall.

Since then, it witnessed world-shaping events when influential political and military leaders like Churchill and David Lloyd George were in power.

The renovation included the services of hundreds of artisans who helped restore the historic interior elements, the delicate hand-laid mosaic floors, oak paneling, glittering chandeliers, and a magnificent marble staircase for over six years.

The OWO will have 120 guest rooms and suites, signature dining experiences by Chef Mauro Colagreco, and entertainment spaces including a grand ballroom.

Some of the historically significant areas like the heritage suites, former offices of the WW-II era, etc. shall be available for exclusive reservation as ‘The Whitehall Wing’, a six-bedroom suite occupying the west wing which can accommodate 12 guests. It will be one of the largest luxury hotel wings in London.

Its grand architecture also made the building a backdrop for James Bond films and recently for ‘The Crown’ Netflix series.