In the heart of London’s bustling Strand stands an icon of luxury and elegance, The Savoy. This illustrious 5-star hotel, perched gracefully on the riverbank, transcends the ordinary and embodies the pinnacle of princely hospitality.
From hosting revered royal dynasties to Hollywood icons like Audrey Hepburn, The Savoy has cultivated a legacy of opulence that continues to captivate guests.
A Historic Haven of Luxury
In 1889, under the visionary Richard D’Oyly Carte, The Savoy was born, fusing theatrical brilliance with luxury. Inspired by his travels in the USA, Carte revolutionized the hotel’s concept. The pioneering use of electric lights illuminated the Savoy Theatre, marking the first of its kind in Britain.
This innovation rippled into the hotel’s culinary realm, where Auguste Escoffier’s avant-garde kitchen transformed the UK’s restaurant industry.
In more recent times, the integration of cutting-edge technology, like computerized guest records in 1984, upheld The Savoy’s commitment to modernity.
Now embraced within the distinguished Fairmont Hotels & Resorts collection, The Savoy stands tall, surrounded by equally eminent establishments such as The Plaza in New York and Bermuda’s Hamilton Princess and Beach Club.
A Grand Welcome
Tucked behind its VIP courtyard, The Savoy presents an irresistible aura from the moment of arrival. The iconic bronze Art Deco sign and the gleaming golden statue of Peter II, Count of Savoy, herald the experience awaiting inside.
Stepping through the doors, a dapper doorman promptly relieves guests of their belongings, setting the tone for an experience that’s both luxurious and attentive.
The air carries the soothing scent of jasmine, and the concierge team extends a warm welcome as guests begin the check-in process.
A lavish £220 million investment from Fairmont Hotels breathed new life into The Savoy, preserving its cherished heritage while infusing it with contemporary sophistication.
The lobby, adorned with smooth marble floors and antique chandeliers, exudes Edwardian majesty. The Thames Foyer, an opulent masterpiece at the heart of the hotel, where the idea of dinner dances was first realized, remains a testament to the past.
Exquisite Accommodations: A Journey into Luxury
Within the opulent embrace of The Savoy, a collection of 267 sumptuous rooms and suites beckon, each an embodiment of grandeur and comfort.
Bathed in abundant natural light, these accommodations offer a haven of relaxation and sophistication. The marble-clad bathrooms boast quintessential amenities by the beloved Penhaligons, while the rooms themselves exude either graceful Edwardian elegance or bold Art Deco flair.
For those who seek an ethereal fashion fairytale intertwined with historical grandiosity, The Royal Suite by Gucci is an enchanting choice.
Occupying the entire fifth floor along the riverside, this suite presents a visual journey that fuses the classic chronicles of The Savoy with the ultra-luxe Italian fashion house, Gucci. Founded by Guccio Gucci, who once served as a Savoy luggage porter and lift boy, the collaboration pays homage to Gucci’s 100th anniversary in 2021.
Spanning an expansive 3,000 sq ft, the suite is adorned in a jewel-toned colour palette of luminous gold, deep burgundy, and rich peacock blue. Couture furnishings, including velvet and jacquard upholstery, a four-poster bed, and Gucci’s Herbarium tableware, create an ambience of elegance.
The suite offers indulgent features such as a Savoy Butler, champagne upon arrival, and a private bar. Elevating the experience further is a VIP personalized Gucci shopping expedition, complete with a chauffeured Rolls Royce transfer.
Elegance and Modernity: The River View Suite
Radiating a timeless glamour infused with modern verve, the one-bedroom river view suite, where I chose to reside for 24 hours, is a picturesque haven.
Spread across 861 sq ft, this habitat showcases the aesthetic mastery of renowned French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon.
The bedroom is enveloped in a warming yellow-gold hue, while the living room harmoniously blends spotless white and mint green accents. Antique side furnishings, silk lustrous wallpaper, and glittering crystal chandeliers add to the allure.
A striking floral bouquet from the gifted in-house florist, Belinda Bowles, graced the space, filling the air with its intoxicating perfume.
Adjacent to this blooming display were two flutes brimming with my preferred honey-toned Laurent Perrier champagne, perfectly chilled.
As I indulged in handcrafted truffles from the minibar, I gazed at the sun’s golden rays dancing on the river’s surface. Just as I savoured the last sip, a polite butler arrived, ensuring my glass was promptly refilled, enhancing the joy of the sundowner hour.
The Savoy’s accommodations are not just places to rest; they are immersive experiences that blend history, luxury, and modernity.
Whether you choose the regal embrace of The Royal Suite by Gucci or the captivating allure of the river view suite, The Savoy offers an unparalleled escape where every detail is meticulously crafted to elevate your stay into a masterpiece of opulence.
Indulging in Exquisite Delights at The Savoy: A Gourmet Odyssey
From the moment you step into The Savoy, a world of exquisite indulgence and culinary enchantment opens up before you.
This iconic establishment, renowned for its refined dining experiences, invites discerning diners to embark on a gastronomic journey like no other.
Whether you’re a connoisseur of seafood or a fervent grill enthusiast, The Savoy caters to your refined cravings with a symphony of flavours curated by none other than the multi-Michelin-starred chef, Gordon Ramsay.
No visit to The Savoy’s dining realm is complete without a rendezvous at one of its award-winning drinking dens—the American Bar and the Beaufort Bar. The American Bar stands as London’s enduring cocktail sanctuary, having held its reign as the city’s longest-surviving cocktail hideaway.
In 2017, it achieved the prestigious title of the World’s 50 Best Bars. Steeped in history, this mixologist haven boasts a legacy of cocktail mastery, having served luminaries like Winston Churchill and legendary bartender Harry Craddock, the author of the renowned Savoy Cocktail Book.
The ambience of the American Bar exudes art-deco elegance, with glass tables, leather seating, and cream ceilings setting the stage. Under the expert guidance of head bartender Chelsie Bailey, the bar presents its newly evolved menu, The Savoy: American Bar Journal.
The menu is a testament to the art of mixology, offering a blend of contemporary creations and nostalgic classics that pay homage to moments in time.
From the Coffee Black Velvet, a rich concoction honouring Prince Albert’s memory, to the unique Dandy Beau Negroni, inspired by James Bond’s Vesper Martini, every sip is an experience to savour.
As the American Bar embraces serenity, the Beaufort Bar unveils a bewitching and sultry aura. Adorned in shimmering gold against a midnight black backdrop, this bar lures haute monde guests into a twilight cocktail quest.
The Nocturne concept takes inspiration from Champagne’s scents and flavours, offering a sparkling array of vintage aperitifs.
The Golden Apple Champagne steals the show—an opulent blend of 24K gold, Michter’s Rye Whiskey, and Laurent Perrier, while the Aura and Good Fortune cocktails showcase botanical delights that entwine with champagne’s effervescence.
Culinary Excellence by the Thames: The River Restaurant
Replacing Kasper’s as the premier Oceanic eatery, The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay is a haven for British seafood aficionados.
With its panoramic views of the River Thames, this dining gem elevates all-day dining to an art form. Immerse yourself in a symphony of flavours that celebrate the bounty of the sea, with responsibly sourced ingredients taking centre stage.
Indulge in the spiced sea bass ceviche, elevated by Beluga caviar atop Blinis, or savour the delicate scallop appetiser with a hint of seaweed and butter.
The pièce de résistance, the golden crumbed fish pie, boasts smoked haddock and toothsome prawns, accompanied by Italy’s Gavi Di Gavi wine recommendation.
Complete your feast with a sticky toffee pudding adorned with toffee sauce and vanilla bean ice cream—a divine conclusion to a culinary journey.
Elegance and Wellness: A Serene Oasis
Amidst the grandeur of The Savoy, a tranquil haven awaits at the Beauty & Fitness area.
Open to both residents and non-resident guests, this wellness retreat offers rejuvenating customised treatments that embrace a mindful touch.
The third-floor oasis features a 10-metre azure swimming pool, drenched in natural light and equipped with a dynamic jet stream for invigorating swims.
Natura Bissé’s massage collection, including the Diamond well-living experience, unravels knots and leaves skin soft as silk.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the fitness gym houses cutting-edge equipment. After a workout, the steam room and sauna beckon, promising to dissolve the tensions of city life.
Conclusion
The Savoy is not just a hotel; it’s a beacon of luxury and elegance that continues to captivate hearts.
From its unparalleled dining experiences to its commitment to preserving the property’s theatrical soul, The Savoy stands as a testament to the art of hospitality and a beacon of timeless luxury and unparalleled hospitality.
With a portfolio of divine rooms and suites, each capturing the essence of opulence, guests are invited to immerse themselves in a world where history and modernity intertwine seamlessly.
Whether enveloped in the splendour of The Royal Suite by Gucci or basking in the elegance of a river view suite, every moment becomes a symphony of comfort and indulgence.
From the meticulously curated furnishings to the personalised service, The Savoy’s accommodations redefine the art of luxury living.
As you step into this realm of refined elegance, you’re embraced by the legacy of a bygone era, elevated by the flair of contemporary living, creating an unforgettable experience that lingers long after you depart.
As it gracefully evolves to meet the desires of modern travellers, The Savoy remains an irresistible choice for those seeking a regal home away from home.
