Grand London hotel aims to open in time for coronation

London's new £1,000 a night hotel - its opening delayed several times - will be welcoming guests in time for the coronation of King Chares III.

The Raffles London at The OWO is scheduled to open the week of May 8, Accor CEO Sebastian Bazin has told Business Traveller magazine.

The historic property in Winston's Churchill's former War Office building was originally slated to open in 2022 and is one of the capital’s most hotly anticipated openings.

It has been plagued by delays, including Westminster City Council asking for clearer plans on alcohol service and live music venues.

The Old War Office is at the junction of the Horse Guards Parade and Whitehall in central London.

Bazin said he wants to see the London hotel become “one of the top five hotels on Earth”.

He added: “The property really is extraordinary in terms of size, grandiosity and its history as the former war office for Winston Churchill. Plus it’s a wonderful brand.”

Online bookings for Raffles London at The OWO are not yet open, with an official announcement still to come. 

I tried a dummy booking for July at https://all.accor.com/ and was knocked back.