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 long-awaited first hotel in the UK capital following an extensive restoration.
Originally commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of his late mother, Queen Victoria, Admiralty Arch was designed by Aston Webb, the architect behind the Buckingham Palace façade. Construction was completed in 1910 and it then served as government offices for more than a century until 2011.
Its storied history includes hosting leading figures of state and society, from Sir Winston Churchill – whose office was based within the arch when he was First Lord of the Admiralty – to author of the James Bond spy novels Ian Fleming.
'Unmistakably London'
Situated in one of London's most prestigious addresses in St James’s, the building offers views down The Mall to Buckingham Palace, and across to Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column.
One of the most anticipated new hotel openings of 2026, Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch will welcome its first guests this autumn and reservations are 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. It will be a place that is both timeless and entirely of the moment.”
Inside the hotel
Spanning 200,000 square feet, the hotel will feature 114 rooms, suites and residences which have been designed to reflect the building’s historic architecture.
The residential and signature suites will occupy more than half of the accommodation space and the names reference the building’s naval heritage, including the Nelson Suite, St James’s Residence and Victory Residence, named after HMS Victory.
Food will be a major draw at Waldorf Astoria London - Admiralty Arch, with two internationally renowned chefs – Clare Smyth and Daniel Boulud – leading its restaurant offering. Together, the chefs hold eight Michelin stars.
Northern Irish chef 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.
Meanwhile, French chef Boulud returns to London with Café Boulud, an all-day rooftop restaurant serving breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch and dinner. The café’s terrace will offer panoramic views across St James's Park and Buckingham Palace.
Wellness is another key offering at the hotel. Its 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 which includes a nine-metre antique Murano chandelier restored in Rome. It will accommodate a range of events, from gala dinners to weddings and conferences.
