Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch has just opened reservations as it prepares for its fall opening in one of London’s most significant buildings, which is, in fact, a Grade I listed monument.
The hotel is taking bookings for stays starting March 1, 2027. Earlier availability, however, may follow as the hotel nears an opening this autumn, says parent company Hilton.
You’ve likely seen Admiralty Arch if you’ve ever viewed British pomp and circumstance say, for a royal wedding or anniversary commemoration. It’s on the Mall opposite Buckingham Palace in St James’s and is often the dramatic backdrop to the U.K.’s national pageantry and state occasions. The building was commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of Queen Victoria and designed by Sir Aston Webb, the architect behind the Buckingham Palace façade. At its inception, the building was deemed to serve as the defining gateway to London.
London’s most dramatic afternoon tea setting?
The terraces atop the hotel overlook Buckingham Palace; Chef Daniel Boulud will have a restaurant atop the arch. Source: Hilton
There’s much to be said about the hotel’s accommodations, public areas and spa, but we say Michelin Star Chef Daniel Boulud may just steal some of their thunder with a most majestic setting for his eatery, Café Boulud. The all-day, rooftop dining venue will be located atop the Admiralty Arch, whose terraces will provide views of St. James’s Park and Buckingham Palace. The opening signals Boulud’s return to London with an all-day dining format, including afternoon tea.
And now, a hotel
An Admiral Residence Bedroom at the new hotel. Source: Hilton
The hotel has 114 rooms, suites and residences; the residences and signature suites will take up half the building.
There’s more to the dining than Café Boulud. Michelin Star Chef Clare Smyth MBE is opening Coreus at the hotel. That’s a fine dining concept celebrating the UK’s coastal heritage (think, sustainably sourced seafood), British produce and seasonal ingredients. Smyth will also create a Whiskey & Seaweed bar concept with a curated collection of whiskies from across the UK.
The spa will have individual and couples’ treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room and hydrotherapy pool, and a private relaxation area.
Other London luxury happenings
London is currently on a luxury hospitality bender. Recent openings in the city include Six Senses London within The Whiteley, the former Whiteley’s emporium (department store) on Bayswater’s Queensway. The property, which is close to Hyde Park and Notting Hill, has 109 rooms and suites, several with private terraces.
Meanwhile, The Dorchester debuted its new Royal Suite on June 1. The Royal Suite, on the eighth floor, overlooks Hyde Park. Its configuration allows for up to four rooms to be connected, creating a combined space of more than 5,150 square feet, making it one of the largest suites on London’s competitive luxury hotel scene.
And, Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane has 14 just-renovated suites and they’re all available for booking. The collection includes Deluxe Suites, Park Suites, and Grand Suites, alongside a Royal Terrace Suite, Presidential Suite, and Garden Suite.
Meanwhile, Sofitel London St James redesigned its top six accommodations with the help of Paris-based interior architecture studio Pierre-Yves Rochon. The revamped inventory includes Four Prestige Suites and two flagship suites, Suite 70 and The Opera Suite.
Finally, opening in Q4, The WestDill Mayfair Hotel London, Colbert Collection will be a five-star property with 50 guest rooms and suites across six floors. It’s being carved out of the former NatWest bank and offices and has a great city center location at the corner of Piccadilly and Albemarle streets. The building is Grade II listed, which means its classic architecture is being retained and celebrated.
Colbert Collection is owned by Minor Hotels.