Admiralty Arch, the Grade I listed gateway on The Mall opposite Buckingham Palace, is about to take overnight guests for the first time in its history. Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch has opened reservations ahead of an autumn 2026 debut, after one of the most ambitious restorations London has seen in years.

The arch was commissioned by King Edward VII in memory of Queen Victoria and designed by Sir Aston Webb, who also drew the façade of Buckingham Palace. Its 200,000 square feet now hold 114 rooms, suites and residences, with residential and signature suites taking more than half of the accommodation. Their names come from the building’s naval past: the Nelson Suite, the St James’s Residence, and the Victory Residence, after HMS Victory.

Two restaurants lead the offer. Clare Smyth will open Coreus in the former home of the First Sea Lord, a fine dining room built around British seafood and coastal produce, together with a small Whiskey & Seaweed bar. Daniel Boulud returns to London with Café Boulud on the rooftop, all day, with a terrace looking over St James’s Park and the Palace. There is also a 3,540 square foot ballroom under a nine-metre antique Murano chandelier restored in Rome, and a spa with a hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room.

“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,” said Guillaume Marly, general manager.

Leonard Sebastian of Reuben Brothers, the owner, said: “As custodians of Admiralty Arch our vision has been to restore this extraordinary building with the care and respect its history deserves, preserving its architecture, craftmanship, and character for future generations.”

Bookings are currently open for stays from 1 March 2027, with earlier dates to be released as the opening approaches. Late Checkout will share them when they appear.