In a remarkable transformation, London's Old War Office (OWO), a historic World War II landmark, has been reborn as a luxurious hotel, thanks to the efforts of the Hinduja Group and Raffles Hotels & Resorts. This grand opening was graced by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Princess Anne.

The Hinduja family, originating from India, has breathed new life into a site where Winston Churchill once referred to Mahatma Gandhi as a "half-naked fakir." This historic transformation was unveiled by Princess Anne, the princess royal, and a tour of the hotel accompanied by GP Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group. Collaborating with the French hospitality giant Raffles Hotels & Resorts, this venture has converted the OWO into a luxury haven. The hotel offers rooms at daily rates ranging from INR 1.2 lakh for a room to INR 5.8 lakh for a suite next week.

GP Hinduja, Chairman of the Hinduja Group, expressed, "We have always worked towards strengthening the ties between India and the UK, as we believe our role is to act as a bridge between our host country and our motherland. It took us eight years to transform this iconic structure into a symbol of peace and comfort rather than its World War history. The OWO is set to become a London landmark, representing the legacy of the Hinduja Group. Anyone arriving in London will surely make it their first stop."

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a brief appearance at the event, along with parliamentarians, entrepreneurs, hoteliers, and entertainment luminaries. Musical performances by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and Andrea Bocelli added a special touch to the occasion. The hotel is set to welcome its first guests starting from Friday, September 29.

The OWO's grand inauguration ceremony was attended by a distinguished guest list, including Princess Beatrice, Sadiq Khan (Mayor of London), Adil Ray (British Actor and Comedian), Natalie Pinkman (British TV presenter), Richard Caring (British businessman), and actors Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna, as stated by the group.

This revamped OWO is now home to 85 Residences by Raffles and has transformed into a culinary district for London, boasting nine new restaurants and three bars, including a rooftop with panoramic views of Buckingham Palace. This transformation represents an endeavor to combine history with modern luxury, and it is sure to leave an indelible mark on London's landscape.