In the distance, the verdant North Downs stretch out for miles, the chalk hills gently undulating until their ridges merge with the horizon. Closer, still, are fields of white lacey Cowslip and wild yellow Woodsorrel which dot the landscape with pops of colour. It’s hard to believe that we’re a short drive away from central London.
Winston Churchill’s Old War Office Set to Open as Luxury Hotel
05.09.2023 - 18:05 / travelpulse.com / Winston Churchill / Ian Fleming / Rich Thomaselli
There are many historical properties turned into luxury hotels.
But this is certainly one of the most anticipated.
Whitehall, the former war office of Sir Winston Churchill during World War Two, is scheduled to open later this month as a luxury property in London.
How luxurious?
Room rates are expected to start at 1,100 pounds a month, or almost $1,400 U.S. dollars per night. The new property will be the first in London owned by the Raffles chain.
There will be 120 rooms and suites, and a 600-person ballroom for weddings and other special occasions. Of course, there is also the incredible historical factor. Not only was it inhabited by Churchill himself, but several other prime ministers.
Neat twist: British writer Ian Fleming came up with the concept for the James Bond series of books while serving as a Navel intelligence officer here. The Hotel also served as a backdrop for several of the Bond movies.
“We needed the right spot,” Philippe Leboeuf, managing director of the hotel, told CNN. “And we felt that this was the building for it.”
It took eight years for the landmark building to be renovated into a hotel. That includes the picturesque Grand Staircase. A custom-made chandelier adorneds the building, which will also have 85 residences. If you want to actually live in the building instead of just staying there as a guest, be prepared to shell out almost $11.5 million.
Churchill’s old Army Council Room has been turned into a two-bedroom hotel suite.
“There are a lot of top hotels in London,” said Leboeuf. “And we have to reestablish ourselves in our service. To have a beautiful building is something, but we must also have service that goes with that.”
The hotel is expected to open later this month barring any setbacks or last-minute construction.
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