A historic London hotel, which was used by the secret service during the First World War, has been relaunched by Guoman Hotels following the completion of a £16.3m refurbishment.

The Grade I-listed Royal Horseguards hotel, located on the Embankment, has undergone a full revamp of its 280 bedrooms to bring the property up to five-star standard. Work has included the addition of a new Guoman Club Lounge and a new conservatory restaurant overlooking the River Thames, as well as a £1m revamp of the meetings and events space at the adjacent One Whitehall Place.

Guests will now also have the chance to have a guided tour of the historic site, which is also home to the National Liberal Club and the Gladstone Library, as well as one of the largest free-standing marble staircases in Europe. The Royal Horseguards is the latest addition to Guoman's London portfolio, along with The Cumberland, The Tower and Charing Cross.