Raffles Hotels & Resorts will open a luxury property in London at a historic landmark: Churchill's Old War Office. The building, located at Whitehall, near other iconic London venues such as 10, Downing Street and Buckingham Palace, will have 125 rooms (including 50 suites) as well as 88 residences.

Churchill's Old War Office was purchased in 2014 from the British Ministry of Defence by the Indian conglomerate Hinduja Group and the Spanish developer Obrascon Huarte Lain Desarrollos (OHLD).

"I am delighted to announce this long-term management contract with the Hinduja Group and OHLD," Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of AccorHotels, stated. "This is the start of an important partnership for Raffles Hotels & Resorts and will create a new and vibrant landmark for London. This is a significant step for Raffles and a strategic addition to the Group’s Luxury portfolio."

"Our new partnership with Raffles Hotels and Resorts is a significant milestone in our vision to transform the Old War Office into London’s finest luxury destination," Gopichand P. Hinduja, the Hinduja Group’s Co-Chairman, added. "Raffles brings a unique understanding of British heritage and tradition that will help revive this great British landmark."

This is indeed the first hotel operating under that brand in Great Britain. The ongoing works are expected to last three years from now to convert the majestic building into a luxury property.

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