Introducing Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch, our latest member

Opening this year, Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch will define a new luxury destination at the heart of the British capital. A Grade I listed architectural masterpiece offering unrivalled views of Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and St James’s Park, culinary excellence will be central to the guest experience, with globally acclaimed chefs Clare Smyth MBE and Daniel Boulud shaping two signature dining concepts.

Learn a little more about our latest member in our interview with the hotel's General Manager, Guillaume Marly.

Walpole: Tell us about the history of your brand…

Guillaume Marly: Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch is scheduled to open later this year, marking the transformation of Admiralty Arch into a new iconic luxury hotel. The building was originally commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of his mother, Queen Victoria, and was designed by Sir Aston Webb. Completed in 1912, it stands as a ceremonial gateway to The Mall facing Buckingham Palace and has served as the Royal Navy’s Admiralty Offices, including the residence of the First Sea Lord.

We are meticulously restoring this Grade I listed monument to its former glory, while honouring the building’s rich and storied past. The hotel will offer 100 elegantly designed rooms and suites, 17,500 sq ft of private residences, a spa, destination restaurants and bars, and a range of both grand and intimate event spaces. These include a magnificent ballroom accommodating up to 320 guests, providing an exceptional setting for truly landmark occasions.

What is your brand best known for?

Waldorf Astoria boasts a rich heritage of culinary innovation, and our hotel will celebrate this with signature restaurants from globally renowned chefs Clare Smyth MBE and Daniel Boulud. The two chefs, whose other restaurants hold seven Michelin Stars, will bring an unprecedented level of culinary excellence to the hotel.

Alongside beautifully impressive suites with unrivalled views, our people are at the heart of everything we do, and service will be a key component. As a relatively intimate hotel, we will be able to focus on delivering highly personalised experiences that ensure every guest feels genuinely welcomed and cared for.

Why do you love the brand?

Hospitality is first and foremost a people business, and our brand is shaped by its people. Culture sits at the heart of the brand, and I am equally focused on building an exceptional team. The hotel itself occupies a building of immense history and heritage, and Waldorf Astoria is a brand shaped by those same qualities. It is a natural and respectful pairing, with significant care and investment dedicated to restoring the building and bringing it to life as a hotel. As highlighted, we will celebrate the very best culinary experiences while offering an immersive London stay, welcoming guests to the very heart of the city - quite literally, as the hotel is the closest one to London’s central point (recognised as the statue of King Charles I south of Trafalgar Square, across the road from us).

Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?

Admiralty Arch is undeniably a building deeply embedded in British history and heritage. A Grade I listed Edwardian monument, it is being meticulously restored and thoughtfully reimagined as a luxury hotel, ensuring the preservation of this British landmark for the next 100 years. Soon, for the very first time in its history, its doors will open to the public, welcoming guests to experience an authentic expression of British luxury. From Clare Smyth MBE’s restaurant celebrating the very best of British produce, to rooms and suites overlooking The Mall or Trafalgar Square, this is a hotel defined by its heritage, setting, and sense of occasion.

What attracted you to becoming a Walpole member?

I have been a Walpole member through other British luxury hospitality brands and have seen first-hand the value of the work Walpole does. The organisation plays an important role in promoting British luxury and provides a wonderful network and forum for exchange and collaboration.

Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months?

We recently unveiled our signature restaurants: Coreus by Clare Smyth and Café Boulud by Daniel Boulud. Located in the former home of the First Sea Lord, Coreus is Clare’s fine dining celebration of the UK’s seas, coastlines and farms. Rooted in Admiralty Arch’s maritime heritage, the menus will highlight sustainably sourced seafood, British producers and exceptional ingredients from land and sea. Clare will also bring her intimate Whiskey & Seaweed bar to the hotel, offering a curated selection of whiskies from across the UK alongside cocktails and wines inspired by her signature flavours.

Café Boulud marks Daniel Boulud’s return to London with an all-day dining experience that blends classic French sensibility with Café Boulud favourites, from breakfast and afternoon tea to lunch and dinner. Set on the rooftop of Admiralty Arch, the restaurant will feature a south-facing terrace with sweeping views across London and down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace.

Much more will be unveiled in the months ahead as we ramp up to opening and prepare to welcome everyone.

For updates from the hotel as it prepares to open, follow the Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch on Instagram