Few addresses in London carry the weight of history quite like Raffles London at The OWO. Opened in 1906 as the Old War Office, the Whitehall landmark played a central role in British political and military life. Its corridors were walked by Sir Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming, while links to the origins of MI5 and MI6 add to its legacy of intelligence and espionage.

Following a meticulous six-year restoration, the building reopened in 2023 as Raffles London at The OWO. Its Portland stone façades, marble interiors, grand proportions and intricate craftsmanship have been preserved, while contemporary design, bespoke service and discreet technology bring new comfort to the historic setting.

That balance is increasingly central to luxury hospitality. With its steadfast commitment to creating a timeless and elevated guest experience, the hotel has installed TOTO WASHLET® RW in more than 30 signature guest rooms, reflecting a shift towards technology that enhances how a space feels and functions without dominating it. As Alison Vernon, Director of Rooms at Raffles The OWO, puts it, “luxury is increasingly about how a guest feels, rather than simply what they can see.”

The bathroom is a natural expression of that idea. Once viewed as purely functional, it has become a space for wellbeing and personal ritual, where design and technology can quietly elevate everyday moments.
Japanese bathroom technology might seem an unexpected addition to a building rooted in British history, yet both traditions share an emphasis on craftsmanship, longevity and detail. Alison points to Japanese principles of “simplicity, cleanliness, functionality and calm” as closely aligned with the hotel’s approach.

“What I particularly like about WASHLET® is the idea of elevating something we all do every day,” Alison says. “It is luxury that feels considered rather than excessive.”

That sense of restraint echoes TOTO’s philosophy of Omotenashi, centred on thoughtful hospitality shaped by care, intuition and attention to detail.