More than a decade after plans were first approved, one of London's most iconic landmarks is finally set to welcome overnight guests. This autumn, the Grade I-listed Admiralty Arch on The Mall will open as the Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch, marking the arrival of the luxury hospitality brand's first hotel in the UK capital following an extensive restoration.
Originally commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of his mother, Queen Victoria, Admiralty Arch was designed by Aston Webb, the architect behind the Buckingham Palace façade. Construction was completed in 1910, and the building served as government offices for over a century until 2011. Its storied past includes hosting figures such as Sir Winston Churchill, who had his office there as First Lord of the Admiralty, and Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond novels.
Unmistakably London
Situated in St James's, one of London's most prestigious addresses, the building offers views down The Mall to Buckingham Palace and across to Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column. The hotel will be one of the most anticipated openings of 2026, with reservations currently available from March 2027.
“Opening reservations marks a defining moment for the hotel, and we are immensely proud to bring this extraordinary building to life for the city,” said Guillaume Marly, general manager. “We can’t wait to reawaken Admiralty Arch, transforming a national monument into a destination that feels unmistakably London: historic in stature, contemporary in spirit.”
For travellers seeking a quintessentially British experience, this new property joins a list of London's finest hotels, from Mayfair suites to historic icons.
Inside the Hotel
Spanning 200,000 square feet, the hotel will feature 114 rooms, suites, and residences designed to reflect the building's historic architecture. More than half of the accommodation will be residential and signature suites, with names referencing naval heritage: the Nelson Suite, St James's Residence, and Victory Residence, named after HMS Victory.
Food will be a major draw, with two internationally renowned chefs leading the restaurant offering. Northern Irish chef Clare Smyth will open Coreus, a fine dining restaurant celebrating Britain's coastal heritage through sustainably sourced seafood and seasonal produce, alongside an intimate Whiskey & Seaweed bar. French chef Daniel Boulud returns to London with Café Boulud, an all-day rooftop restaurant serving breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch, and dinner, with a terrace offering panoramic views across St James's Park and Buckingham Palace. Together, the chefs hold eight Michelin stars.
Wellness is another key offering. The spa will feature individual and couples' treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room, and hydrotherapy pool, complemented by a private relaxation area. The hotel will also have a grand ballroom with a nine-metre antique Murano chandelier restored in Rome, accommodating events from gala dinners to weddings and conferences.
As London continues to evolve, this transformation of a historic government building into a luxury hotel reflects broader trends in the city's hospitality sector. For context, the city has seen other notable developments, such as the World Naked Bike Ride returning to its streets, and cultural events like Trooping the Colour drawing crowds and protests.
