The building was designed by William Young as the New War Office and opened to house 2,500 government and military officials, with over 1,000 rooms and 2.5 miles of corridor. Winston Churchill worked here as Secretary of State for War from 1919 to 1921, and the Special Operations Executive interviewed candidate spies in its rooms. Ian Fleming drew on the building for his stories. The Hinduja Group and ONEX bought it and carried out a long restoration with thousands of craftsmen and women.
The 120 rooms and suites carry Thierry Despont's contemporary take on Edwardian style, with customised carpets, fabrics and wallcoverings, and views of Whitehall and Horse Guards. The five Heritage Suites occupy the building's most storied rooms, formerly the offices of political and military leaders, and keep their heritage features. The Royal Spa Suite is designed as a retreat for one.
Dining is extensive. Mauro Colagreco's Michelin-starred restaurant draws on the English garden through the seasons, and he also runs a relaxed all-day Mediterranean restaurant. Endo Kazutoshi, a Michelin-starred chef, serves Japanese-inspired cooking. Other rooms serve Milanese cuisine and Italian fine dining, and Secrets and Spies pays homage to the building's history. A British-style lounge serves the Secrets and Spies Afternoon Tea, and the wine list is organised by the old British trade routes.
The Guerlain Spa has nine treatment rooms and hydrothermal facilities, and a members' health club is run by movement specialist Pillar Wellbeing. Raffles butlers arrange the stay. The hotel offers a historical tour of the building, and 85 private residences share the address.
It suits travellers who want London's government district on the doorstep, with the Thames and Westminster nearby. Heathrow is 60 minutes by car.
