THE OPULENT ROYAL HORSEGUARDS HOTEL AND ONE WHITEHALL PLACE

This luxurious, award-winning hotel was built in the 19th Century with a French château architectural influence and is conveniently located in the centre of London with breathtaking, sweeping views over the River Thames, looking towards South Bank and the London Eye. This extraordinary London event venue can be stumbled upon within just five-minutes walk from Embankment and Westminster underground station and Charing Cross overground station.

This well-appointed venue offers 282 spacious and comfortable bedrooms, to envelop you in an indulgent, tranquil stay amongst the buzzing streets below. Some of their rooms even feature stunning river Thames views. All rooms are suitably equipped with the latest technology including complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.

During your stay and experience, enjoy British cuisine in their One Twenty One Two Restaurant, traditional afternoon tea in the lounge or simply relax with cocktails in the contemporary Equus Barand. (I never feel guilty about being indulgent here as there is always the chance to work it off in their fully equipped gym!).

Adjoining The Royal Horseguards Hotel is the extraordinary One Whitehall Place. Although both properties are steeped in history, One Whitehall Place captured me the most with its intrigue! The building features elegant Victorian-inspired architecture with its distinctive and mesmerising suspended circular marble staircase, the largest of its kind in Europe without pillar support. It was originally built as the home of the National Liberal Club, founded by Prime Minister William Gladstone.

More interestingly, in 1911, Sir Mansfield Cumming, the first Chief of MI6, relocated Her Majesty’s Secret Intelligence Service to the 8th floor! A bond-esque system of sliding doors and bookcases were installed to keep Cumming’s location top secret. It comes as no surprise that this beautiful building has featured in several iconic movies over the years including the James Bond 1983 film, Octopussy.

As I roamed between the grand halls and leafy terraces to their classic boardrooms and opulent bars, One Whitehall Place revealed its unique choice of quintessentially British spaces, complimented by their unparalleled and excellent level of service.

I must mention The Gladstone Library as one of their most spectacular rooms. The sense of grandeur was overwhelming as you stand beneath its high ceilings, magnificent faïence tiled columns and stunning chandeliers; all enhancing its impressive Victorian grandeur. The best part is that the essence of the original library remains intact through faithful replicas of the 30,000 volumes which surround the 262m² room. The equally stunning 232m² Reading & Writing Room has floor to ceiling windows and impressive panoramic views of the River Thames. A space that promises memorable conferences, exhibitions and elegant dinners. Plan your New Year’s Eve event here and you will love how these two magnificent rooms are transformed for an annual New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner.

Hidden away in the basement of the hotel lurks one of the most fascinating spaces available to hire, The Cellar. To my delight, I discovered that according to local legend, a hidden passage once ran from The Cellar to the nearby Ministry of Defence. A room perfect for curious minds, and unique events!

If you’d rather catch some fresh air and sunshine, venture outside to relax or be entertained in a secluded and calm space at The Terrace. This sanctuary furthermore emphasises the hotel as an oasis of calm from the hubbub of London life. Make the most of this luxuriously private area with joyful summer barbecues, alfresco cocktails and Champagne receptions.

To help you enjoy an amazing event at The Royal Horseguards and One Whitehall Place, there is a selection of great meetings and event offers to take advantage of this summer!

To find out more, call our venue experts on 02034 785 277 or email ask@votelvenues.com

Image credits to The Royal Horseguards Hotel and One Whitehall Place

Back to Blog