When it comes to five-star London hotels, there’s one that probably springs to mind for people the world-over: The Savoy. With its storied past as the place to stay for celebrities across the ages, it’s synonymous with exceptional hospitality, fine dining, and chi-chi chic. After watching season one of the hotel’s TV show, we simply had to track down the red lift for ourselves and spend a weekend in the lap of luxury. Here’s our review of The Savoy.

The Savoy review

But first, a brief history lesson

The first purpose-built deluxe hotel in the city of London, The Savoy was the brainchild of theatrical impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte and opened its doors in 1889. Historically, it has attracted the wealthy and famous with its signature service, design, and lavish interiors, with regular guests throughout the ages including: Sarah Bernhardt (and her Irish red setter, Tosco), Marlene Dietrich, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Dylan, and Rihanna.

The Savoy review lobby
The beautiful lobby is the perfect entranceway for a stay at The Savoy

In terms of the design, the hotel’s website states:

“With no overall architect, the hotel plans were signed by an experienced hotel builder, George Holloway. The exterior was designed to look like a fashionable waterside Continental hotel; long rows of balconies ran all the way up the façade along the River Front. Designed by premier Art Nouveau designer A.H. Mackmurdo, the balconies offered alfresco dining with an enviable view of the River Thames. Collinson & Locke, the interior designers responsible for the Savoy Theatre, now turned their hands to hotel interiors featuring lavish decorative moulding and gilding in the public areas, and plenty of floral wallpapers in the guest rooms. The décor was classically Victorian, but notably luxurious and comfortable.”

In 1903, architect Thomas Collcutt designed the Strand blocks, and the new and old parts of the hotel were united with an Edwardian theme. Robert Adam-style interiors replaced the earlier Victorian design and René Sergent’s Lancaster ballroom from 1910 still remains today.

Beaufort Bar
We loved the moodiness of Beaufort Bar

After the end of the Great War, British designer Basil Ionides redecorated the private dining room Pinafore in an Art Deco style. In 1927, young architect Howard Robertson, wrote to The Savoy pitching his work and updated the gentleman’s toilets in an Art Deco interior. But his most iconic addition to the property was the famous stainless steel “Savoy” sign which runs the width of Savoy Court.

These days, both Art Deco and Edwardian rooms are available. In 2021, to celebrate the100th anniversary of Italian fashion Gucci, The Savoy’s Royal Suite was transformed. The history of these two iconic brands are uniquely intertwined as Guccio Gucci, the house’s founder, worked as a luggage porter and lift boy at The Savoy when he was a young man. Decked out in bold furnishings and furniture from the Gucci Décor Collection, it’s just another way that the hotel continues to push the boundaries of luxury and what it means to live well.

The service

It’s the service that really sets this hotel apart and that keeps guests coming back again and again. If you binge the eponymous TV show, you’ll meet characters like Tony, Sean, and Mary-Kate, and you may even get a glimpse of them when you stay. But every single member of staff from check-in to the fitness centre to housekeeping and waiters were absolutely superb, jovial, professional during our stay, and the cherry on the top of an already luxe offering.

The rooms

Savoy review luxury king room
Our room was delightful and complete with an all-marble bathroom

We opted for an Edwardian-style Luxury King room which was totally gorgeous. From the ornate curtains to the wooden writing desk, and the wonderful art throughout, every time we returned to the space was a pleasure.

The bathroom was decked out entirely in marble and each comes with a range of toiletries from one of our fave brands: Penhaligon’s. There was no fan in the bathroom, which was a bit surprising, and every time we bathed or showered, we had to de-mist the mirror ourselves. Also, the two robes almost looked like different brands, one fresh and soft and the other well-worn. At a luxury property such as this, I think it’s important to offer similar amenities plus two size options would be good too.

Another small point I was surprised to find was peeling wallpaper in the hallways, not a big thing, but again, at such a fine establishment it’s little details like this that can make a big difference.

The food (the food!)

If you’re staying at The Savoy, come hungry! You have to have your breakfast in the iconic Thames Foyer, famed for its afternoon-tea which we couldn’t fit in on account of all the other gourmandising. The morning menu is sublime, catering to all dietary requirements and serving the best vegetarian sausages I’ve ever tasted. The Pea and Mint on seeded sourdough toast was delectable and the freshly-made pastries were divine. Be sure to try the passionfruit jam and history lovers may want to opt for the Omelette Arnold Bennett (featuring smoked haddock, hollandaise, and cheese) which was created at the hotel and named for the writer and critic Arnold Bennett.

Thames Foyer afternoon tea
If you can’t book a stay, definitely pop in for afternoon tea (but be sure to book ahead!)

Room service was equally delightful. Of course we needed to try the Pizza Margherita (something of an international room service staple) and it was especially good. We also inhaled a portion of tiramisu which was heavenly.

Also onsite is Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill, the perfect spot to catch up with family and friends and while away the hours. Drinks are served at both the Beaufort Bar, a dark and moody space that vibes of late-night meetings and pre-show cocktails, and the American Bar, one of the oldest cocktail bars in the city.

Wellness

I was pleasantly surprised with the gym at the hotel which is bigger than expected with a room for cardio and another for weights. During our stay, I did two Les Mills spin classes on the special bikes they have, a real treat for a spin-lover such as myself. The weights room has a generous number of free weights and machines and a good space for yoga and stretching too.

The Savoy review swimming pool
Get your relax on at the pool

Then there’s the pool, which is set in a light-filled atrium space and a lovely place to spend some time relaxing. Jet streams turn it into more of an oversized Jacuzzi plus there are saunas and steam rooms in the locker rooms.

A selection of massages and facials are also available throughout the day, with products from leading brands like Aromatherapy Associates and Natura Bisse.

Of course the location of The Savoy is another of its draw cards, situated in the heart of Covent Garden and a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s best theatres, restaurants, and shopping districts.

A stay at the Savoy is definitely something every design or hotel fan should treat themselves to at least once.

Find out more about The Savoy or Book through Booking.com

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