Raffles linked to development of Old War Office as luxury hotel

Raffles Hotels & Resorts has been reported as being the "preferred operator" of the luxury hotel that is being developed on the site of the Old War Office in Whitehall, London.

Although no decision has been taken on which hotel company will manage the property, Bloomberg has published a story pointing to Raffles as being the preferred choice "according to two people familiar with the plans". If confirmed, it would mark the first hotel in London for the iconic Raffles brand, which started life in Singapore in 1887 and today numbers 12 hotels worldwide.

However, both Raffles and Spanish developer OHL Desarrollos declined to comment.

Raffles was bought earlier this year, along with sister brands Fairmont and Swissotel, as part of AccorHotel's acquisition of parent company FRHI Holdings.

News of the development of the Old War Office as a hotel was announced earlier this year following the completion of the £350m sale of the Grade II-listed building to global investment company Hinduja Group.

Built in 1906, the seven-storey property has been acquired on a 250-year lease and will be developed, in a joint venture with OHL Desarrollos, as a hotel with spa and leisure facilities, alongside luxury apartments. The building contains 1,100 rooms and is linked by two miles of corridors.

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