Visiting The Savoy London

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.

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This review represents my honest opinion of this hotel and I was not compensated or incentivised in any way.