Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch: What We Know So Far

The Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch is now expected to open in 2026, although no specific timeline has been confirmed yet, and reservations are not yet available.

For a bit of background, Admiralty Arch is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Originally commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of Queen Victoria, it stands at the end of The Mall, facing Buckingham Palace, with views of the palace, Nelson’s Column, and Trafalgar Square.

The arch has housed a range of notable figures, from Sir Winston Churchill (who had an office there) to James Bond author Ian Fleming. It continues to play a prominent role in many state and ceremonial events.

The Admiralty Arch in London (Source: onemileatatime.com)

Plans to convert Admiralty Arch into a luxury hotel were first revealed in 2012, following the granting of a 250-year lease. Progress has been slow, and it wasn’t until 2017 that it was announced the building would become a Waldorf Astoria. Ownership changed hands in 2022, when Investors Capital Limited sold the property to Reuben Brothers—who fortunately chose to maintain the original vision.

While details remain somewhat limited, more information is being released over time. The hotel is set to include 100 rooms and suites, a spa and wellness area, a sixth-floor rooftop terrace, and a ground-floor terrace. It will also feature at least two signature restaurants, led by acclaimed chefs Clare Smyth and Daniel Boulud.

Admiralty Arch Will Become a Waldorf Astoria

Here’s how Hilton CEO Christopher Nassetta described the project:

“Admiralty Arch is undoubtedly one of the most iconic landmarks in London and we are delighted to be working with Reuben Brothers on this magnificent hotel. With a legacy of preserving and enhancing incredible historical buildings, Waldorf Astoria is a natural fit for this development, and Reuben Brothers’ proven track record in delivering projects of this magnitude makes them a wonderful partner. Together we will write the next chapter of this exceptional building’s rich story and we look forward to expanding our partnership over the coming years.”

And from Jamie Reuben of Reuben Brothers:

“Transforming and restoring Admiralty Arch – a true London landmark – into a five-star luxury hotel with restaurants, bars, a ballroom, spa and residences is an incredible honour for us. We are excited to be working with our esteemed partner, Hilton, to bring the Waldorf Astoria brand to the heart of London, and revitalising the area for hotel guests, visitors and London locals to experience and enjoy.”

We’re Impressed by Waldorf Astoria’s New Hotel Pipeline

Waldorf Astoria has long been regarded as a top-tier brand, but it continues to distinguish itself further with each new project. As we know, major hotel groups often prioritize growth, driven by the incentive of revenue-sharing and investor satisfaction.

This focus can sometimes come at the expense of quality, as brands compete to sign new properties—often requiring compromise. But Waldorf Astoria seems to be charting a different course.

Among the “big three” hotel loyalty programs—typically including Park Hyatt, St. Regis, and Waldorf Astoria—Waldorf seems to be leading in terms of an exciting and consistent pipeline. From what we’ve seen, many upcoming Waldorf Astoria properties rival the likes of Four Seasons more than a typical St. Regis.

The Waldorf Astoria Osaka is opening in April 2025 (Source: Hilton)

What really excites us is the range of destinations. Beyond London and New York, Waldorf Astoria is expanding in Costa Rica, Osaka, Sydney, Tokyo, and beyond. These choices reflect both strong market awareness and an eye for luxury trends.

By contrast, St. Regis appears to be more inconsistent these days. While some of their new openings are exceptional, others have been underwhelming—marking a shift from the brand’s traditionally reliable reputation.

Conclusion

The Waldorf Astoria London is on track to open in 2026 as a transformation of the iconic Admiralty Arch. The project sounds exceptional, and we’re hopeful there won’t be further delays.

London is quickly becoming a hotspot for luxury points hotels. The Park Hyatt London River Thames has recently opened, and the St. Regis London is also anticipated in 2026. Still, the Waldorf Astoria stands out—thanks to the historical grandeur of the building itself.