Former Winston Churchil War Office Until The James Bond Filming Location Was Transformed Into A Luxury Hotel, Opened Next Week

Raffles London at The Owo. (Source: The OWO)

JAKARTA - The historic building that was once a War Office, including used by former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill intensifies, will be opened as a hotel, after more than a hundred years of being 'hidden' from the public.

Transformed into the UK's first Raffles hotel, a historic location where military officials led this military operation, now have rooms at a price per night starting from 1,100.

Offering 120 rooms and suites, 600-capacity ballroom, and London's first Guerlain spa brand Raffles London at The OWO, a collaboration with the late French architect Thierry Despint, is one of the hotel's most eagerly awaited openings this year.

The building is also the location where British writer IanANG got the idea for spy novel James Bond while working as British Naval Intelligence Officer.

The intelligence agent film fan code 007 may recognize several areas of the property, once used as the set of the latest films in franchises such as "Spectre," as well as old films such as "Octopussy" and "Licence to Kill."

But why did the brand of the Raffles hotel, founded by the Armenian hospitality business, the Sarkies Brothers, in 1887 and named after Sir Stamford Raffles, who is considered the founder of modern Singapore, take a long time to come to the British capital?

"We need the right place. And we feel this is the right building for that," said Philippe Leboeuf, managing director of the hotel for location selection to CNN Travel.

Initially completed in 1906, this historic building has undergone renovations for eight years and involved hundreds of craftsmen to restore historical elements, including eek wooden panels and hand-made mosaic floors.

Meanwhile, Jill O'Hare, director of sales and marketing of Raffles London said the restoration process was the same as the construction during the extensive process of turning historic buildings into luxury hotels.

The large marble ladder covered in a red carpet with the original logo of Old War Office is one of Edwardian's original features on the property, and is undoubtedly one of the most eye-catching features and Instagramable.

A specially created large hangout depends right on it, while an amazing French gold watch hangs on the wall.

The original stones have been forcibly moved, restored, and returned to the inner courtyard, which separates the hotel from 85 residences which are part of the building.

Meanwhile, the Spies Entrance, which used to be used by agents, is now the main entry point for residents of luxury residences branded Raffles, where residential prices with two bedrooms start at around 11.48 million US dollars.

"This gives a new life to buildings that have existed since 1906. It's empty, spending money. So it's a good conversion," added Leboeuf.

While there is a lot of history of buildings wherever you look, including curtains with military buttons, the hotel also combines modern elements, such as rooms equipped with bathrooms with televisions.

The five heritage suites at the hotel consist of Churchill suites with two bedrooms, previously Armed Forces Council Rooms, and Granville suites with one bedroom, named after Polish well-known agent Christine Granville (also known as Krystyna Skarbek), with a large bathroom complete with a free bathtub and a custom-made shower booth.

"There are many well-known hotels in London. We have to strengthen ourselves in our services," said Leboeuf.

"Having a beautiful building is something important, but we must also have services that suit this," he said.

Although Raffles London is one of a number of new hotels launched in London this year, including The Peninsula London and Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, Leboeuf feels the location and history of the building sets it apart.

Althoughiri, which stretches from Trafalgar Square to the Parliament Building, is better known as government buildings than luxury hotels, the opening of the five-star London Hotel Corinthians at Orang Place in 2011, has brought about changes in this regard.

"Ten years ago, this area was an area of government buildings in general and somewhat deserted. But I think this is developing in a very positive direction," Leboeuf said, adding that the first Waldorf Astoria property in London will be opened near Trafalgar Square in 2025.

"Being across the Horse Guards Parade, Buckingham Palace's official entrance. You can't choose a better place," he said.

"This is not just a hotel. It's the whole destination. Which other place can you (stay) where Ian Gimp works and get inspiration for James Bond?" he tands.

It is known that Raffles London at The OWO is scheduled to open on Friday 29 September.