I waited my whole life to stay at The Savoy – it was ‘on my list’ from the time I was a teenager. Then in one of those fabulous coincidences that make you feel like God might be winking at you, I stayed there twice in the space of a month 18 months ago. Since then, my husband and I have returned several times – most memorably to celebrate our son’s 23rd birthday. In my experience, once you have stayed at The Savoy, it becomes a place you return to again and again.
The Savoy is elegant without being pretentious and from the moment I arrive, I always feel welcome. The doorman generally escorts your from your taxi into the lobby where he introduces you to a member of staff. They take you to a private desk for check in. There’s no big reception desk at The Savoy and I have never had to queue.
Accommodation at The Savoy
The rooms are beautifully appointed. On our first visit we stayed in a Superior Queen, actually the most basic room available. I was amazed at how spacious and well appointed it was. Since then we have chosen a King Deluxe, one level up. In both cases the rooms had elegant furnishings and spacious marble bathrooms. All the rooms we have stayed in are absolutely perfectly formed, with a place for everything as well as everything one might need, from toiletries to elegantly engraved stationery.
The History of The Savoy
Visiting The Savoy puts one in very good company. So many historic figures and famous faces have attended events, stayed – and even lived – here since it opened its doors for the first time in the late nineteenth century. Artist Claude Monet, Sir Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, Noel Coward, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, every British monarch since George VI, the list goes on. A favourite of Winston Churchill. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Harris, over the years The Savoy has earned the title of ‘the best hotel in London’. While it is not my absolute favourite, it is definitely in the top 10!
The Savoy had a sensitive three year refurbishment from 2007 – 2010 and even the lifts (elevators) are beautiful.
The Savoy really is a historic venue. Marconi made the first wireless broadcast between Britain and the USA here in 1923. Winston Churchill held cabinet dinners and Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip made their first public appearance as a couple at a wedding reception here. It’s also the site of the one of the longest surviving cocktail bar in London, The American Bar.
Eating and Drinking at The Savoy
A wonderful place to soak up the atmosphere of The Savoy, cocktails in The American Bar are expensive but seriously good. In fact, it’s a fun way of experiencing The Savoy if your budget is too tight for you to stay overnight.
Alternatively, you could have Afternoon Tea in the Thames Foyer, a lovely airy restaurant area in the middle of the hotel. Failing that, you can pick up a bite to eat or a treat at the newly opened Melba at The Savoy. It’s located directly on the corner of Savoy Court just outside the hotel.
The Beaufort Bar off The Thames Foyer is my favourite place to enjoy a drink. It’s like stepping back into the era of the Great Gatsby with its centre-stage Lalique style bar. The atmosphere is elegant but cosy.
I dined alone on my first visit as my husband was at a business dinner, but I was made to feel very welcome in The Thames Foyer where I enjoyed a delicious lobster club sandwich and a glass of Chablis.
There are lots of other dining options including the famous Savoy Grill and Kaspar’s Seafood Bar & Grill. We had our son’s 23rd birthday dinner at The Savoy Grill and it was an incredibly memorable and delicious meal. Breakfasts at the Savoy are lovely too and can be served overlooking a beautiful view of The Embankment and the Thames.
One of My Favourite London Hotels
One of the most unique London properties I have had the pleasure of staying in, The Savoy has an unpretentious elegance that makes it everything I love in a hotel.
Located in The Strand, the hotel is a good base for sightseeing, and it’s only a few minutes’ walk from Covent Garden. If you fancy seeing a West End show, The Savoy Theatre is literally next door.
While The Savoy is expensive, I feel it represents good value for money considering its location and the calibre of the accommodation and service. I highly recommend it for a short break, a celebration, or an intimate weekend away.
More Posts About Visiting London
Best Places To Have Afternoon Tea in London
Five Great Things to Do in London
This review represents my honest opinion of this hotel and I was not compensated or incentivised in any way.
Comments & Reviews
Delighted you managed to cross this off “the list” not once, but twice. I’m not sure I can stretch to staying here, but that frothy coffee looks awfully good.
Which did you prefer: the Savoy, or Cliveden?
Interesting question, Pauline. It’s really hard to choose between them! I loved Cliveden because it was so very historic and elegant. The Savoy is a bit ‘newer’ in comparison but it still has lots of history and it’s very elegant too. For stepping back in time, and really being able to immerse yourself in the experience, it’s got to be Cliveden. However, in terms of London I adore the Savoy because while it is historic it is very modern in terms of facilities and the service is second to none. The Savoy really makes for an amazing London experience 😀
Oh my goodness, how fabulous! I’d say the planets aligned and The Universe responded for you! 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing with us. Now I’m adding The Savoy to my bucket list. 😉
Shirley
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, Shirley! It really was a fabulous experience – both times 😉
Just going to London is on my bucket list! How fun that you got to stay there twice!
It really was fun, Emmy! I feel so lucky to live so close to London – it’s been my favourite city in the world ever since I was a kid growing up in Canada 🙂
Thanks for linking up! I love that elevator!
My pleasure, Sarah! Me too 🙂
Gorgeous. Stunning. Envious!!
Thank you so much, Elinor 🙂 You must go – you would love it!
I enjoyed seeing the Savoy through your camera lens, it is a hotel that has been on my “list” as well.
Thank you, Karen 🙂 I hope you will be able to visit one day soon.