One of the best hotels in the world is in SW London

National Geographic have released their top 22 hotels of 2024, telling their readers that these are the hotels worth making the trip for. In their list they’ve included a diverse range of hotels, from the luxury 5 star-ers to the more unique glamping experiences, there’s something on that list to tempt any traveller. But what do they all have in common? They’re all ‘awe-inspiring’. And in that list is one of London’s finest places to stay…

Raffles in the Old War Office is the place to stay this year and we’re not surprised. At first appearance the 81 rooms, 39 suites (all designed by Thierry Despont), huge Guerlain Spa, ballroom, multiple bars and restaurants make the hotel impressive enough. That’s before you delve into the impressive history. As the name suggests, the hotel is set within the iconic building where Churchill devised strategies for WWI and WWII, so you can immerse yourself in the rich past whilst staying in a beautiful central London location.

Here’s how the site described the hotel: “Near buzzing Trafalgar Square in London’s Whitehall neighborhood, the circa-1906 Old War Office (OWO) has been transformed into a luxury hotel with oak and walnut paneling, mosaic floors, and a castle-worthy central marble staircase. Visitors can take tea with views of Horse Guards, the ceremonial parade ground that is the official entrance to Buckingham Palace, and stay in clubby guest rooms carved out of the grand building where Winston Churchill hammered out problems during the First and Second World Wars“.