Inside the £1.85 BILLION super-luxury London hotel where kids can become 'mini butlers', enjoy the four-storey underground spa and even sit at Churchill's desk

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Updated: 15:41 EDT, 19 August 2026 Luxury hotels and young kids don’t always mix – I’ve fled enough white-tableclothed dining rooms with a wailing toddler to know that. When booking a summer weekend at Raffles London at The OWO (housed in Whitehall’s former Old War Office), you might assume adults-only vibes. However, stepping inside with my kids, aged two and six, I discovered a surprising number of families (particularly multigenerational groups – thanks, grandparents!) and an atmosphere that’s nothing but welcoming. Raffles London at The OWO, housed in Whitehall’s former Old War OfficeHead Butler Romas escorts us to our third-floor room. It’s as well-heeled as expected, with multiple dressing rooms, marble bathrooms, and exquisite furnishings, but staff have gone to great lengths to make it child-friendly. My kids rush to a play tent decorated with helium balloons, filled with age-curated books and toys. Each has a ‘Winston the Lion’ cuddly toy on their bed, and there are handy bathroom additions like a potty and sink-step stool. The hotel has 120 rooms, including 39 suitesThe hotel opened in September 2023 following a £1.85billion restoration, which included painstakingly removing each courtyard cobble to excavate as far down as the building is tall, before replacing every stone. The OWO now boasts a four-floor underground Guerlain Spa, complete with gym, treatment rooms, and (the only element my kids cared about) a 20-metre heated pool. Designated family hours (8am-10am and 4pm-6pm) mean avoiding the wrath of child-free guests. I snuck back later without sprogs in tow to enjoy the hydrotherapy pool and sauna. The OWO boasts a four-floor underground Guerlain Spa, with 20 metre heated poolI also ditch the kids during the morning historical tour (18 in my group, including tweens getting far more from it than my toddler would have). On the grand staircase where Churchill addressed staff, I realise everything here is epic: the Murano chandelier holds over 3,000 glass pieces, and 400 people spent three years cleaning cigar smoke off 50 acres of ceilings. In the Haldane Suite, housing a desk used by four prime ministers, I learn that hiring the ‘Whitehall Wing’ (sleeps 12) costs £65,000 a night. Even staff step counts here are blockbuster – our waiter at breakfast says he regularly clocks 30,000 steps a shift. History tours of the hotel offer a fascinating insight into the past The Secrets & Spies afternoon tea pays homage to military intelligence history, in cake form. I’m embarrassed by how much more perceptive my six-year-old is than me regarding the patisseries’ meanings ("Look, that one’s a briefcase, Mummy!"), while my toddler stood in raptures two feet from the drawing room pianist, who wasn't put off in the slightest. The drawing room, where afternoon tea is servedThe absolute highlight was my daughter’s 'Mini Butler' experience, included in our stay. Her current dream is to become a waitress, so wearing her own butler jacket while helping mix and serve cocktails was pure joy. We ate breakfast at Saison, with a buffet and a la carte options available Our final stop was the Poppy Suite – rebuilt from the Second World War bomb damage and suspended with a vast glass poppy installation honouring veterans. Watching my kids stand in quiet awe beneath the sculpture was a great ending note. While others may have made history here, a new generation is happy to soak up the magic.Afternoon tea from £87 per person. Executive room for two adults and one child from £1,000 a night. Westminster Suite for two adults and two children from £1,200 a night. Raffles.com/london