Luxury hotels and young kids don’t always mix – I’ve fled enough white-tableclothed dining rooms with a wailing toddler to know that. When booking a summer weekend at Raffles London at The OWO (housed in Whitehall’s former Old War Office), you might assume adults-only vibes. However, stepping inside with my kids, aged two and six, I discovered a surprising number of families (particularly multigenerational groups – thanks, grandparents!) and an atmosphere that’s nothing but welcoming.
Raffles London at The OWO, housed in Whitehall’s former Old War Office
Head Butler Romas escorts us to our third-floor room. It’s as well-heeled as expected, with multiple dressing rooms, marble bathrooms, and exquisite furnishings, but staff have gone to great lengths to make it child-friendly. My kids rush to a play tent decorated with helium balloons, filled with age-curated books and toys. Each has a ‘Winston the Lion’ cuddly toy on their bed, and there are handy bathroom additions like a potty and sink-step stool.
The hotel has 120 rooms, including 39 suites
The hotel opened in September 2023 following a £1.85billion restoration, which included painstakingly removing each courtyard cobble to excavate as far down as the building is tall, before replacing every stone. The OWO now boasts a four-floor underground Guerlain Spa, complete with gym, treatment rooms, and (the only element my kids cared about) a 20-metre heated pool. Designated family hours (8am-10am and 4pm-6pm) mean avoiding the wrath of child-free guests. I snuck back later without sprogs in tow to enjoy the hydrotherapy pool and sauna.
