London’s grandest hotels are more than just places to stay; they are custodians of history, witnesses to societal shifts, and vibrant hubs of culture. Among these illustrious establishments, The Savoy stands as a titan, its storied halls echoing with the footsteps of luminaries from artistic, political, and royal spheres for over 135 years. The hotel, a pioneering force in hospitality since its inception, has recently undergone a significant refurbishment, meticulously weaving contemporary luxury with a profound nod to its own glamorous past, particularly its pivotal role in popularising the Art Deco movement in 1920s London. This transformation, spearheaded by the acclaimed design studio GA, introduces a collection of exquisite Art Deco bedrooms, a fitting tribute to an era that defined sophistication and glamour.
The Savoy’s legacy is etched in its pioneering spirit. Upon opening its doors, it set unprecedented standards for what a grand hotel could offer. It was among the first to embrace electric lighting throughout, a revolutionary concept for its time. Its commitment to guest comfort extended to introducing round-the-clock room service, a luxury previously unimaginable. Perhaps most famously, The Savoy installed Britain’s first electric hotel lifts, affectionately known as the Red Lifts. Legend has it that nervous guests, awed by this novel mode of transport, were offered smelling salts by attendants before embarking on their ascent. This dedication to innovation and guest experience cemented The Savoy’s reputation as a beacon of modern luxury, attracting an unparalleled guest list that reads like a who’s who of the 20th century, including Claude Monet, Charlie Chaplin, Noël Coward, George Gershwin, and Marilyn Monroe.
The recent refurbishment, initiated in 2025 with the Edwardian rooms receiving an update by design studio GA, culminates in the unveiling of the new Art Deco bedrooms. This strategic design choice is not merely aesthetic; it is a deliberate homage to the hotel’s historical association with the Art Deco style. During the 1920s, The Savoy was a nexus of the burgeoning Art Deco movement, a period characterised by bold geometric shapes, opulent materials, and a sense of luxurious modernity. The hotel’s embrace of this style then helped to popularise it across London and beyond, making the current addition of Art Deco-inspired accommodations a homecoming of sorts, a graceful dialogue between past and present.
Prime Location: A Coveted Address in the Heart of London
The Savoy’s enduring allure is intrinsically linked to its unparalleled location. Situated between the historic Strand and the majestic River Thames, the hotel enjoys a prestigious address that places it at the epicentre of London’s most vibrant cultural and commercial districts. Its proximity to Covent Garden means that the lively street performers, unique boutiques, and world-class dining options are just a stone’s throw away. The glittering theatres of the West End are a mere few minutes’ walk, offering guests easy access to London’s renowned theatrical scene.
Beyond the immediate neighbourhood, The Savoy’s strategic position provides convenient access to a wealth of attractions. A short stroll across Waterloo Bridge leads to the Southbank Centre, a cultural complex housing the National Theatre, the Royal Festival Hall, and Tate Modern, a powerhouse of contemporary art. The historic Somerset House, with its elegant architecture and array of exhibitions, is also within easy reach. Trafalgar Square, home to the National Gallery and Nelson’s Column, is a brief walk, as are the sophisticated enclaves of St. James’s and Mayfair, known for their luxury shopping and exclusive clubs. This prime location ensures that guests are perfectly placed to explore the very best that London has to offer, seamlessly blending the historical charm of the city with its modern dynamism.
A Symphony of Styles: Rooms and Suites Reimagined
The Savoy boasts a total of 263 rooms and suites, each meticulously designed to reflect either the classic elegance of the Edwardian era or the glamorous sophistication of Art Deco. The newly unveiled Deco rooms, available since early July, are a testament to the design studio GA’s masterful interpretation of this iconic style. These rooms are adorned with rich brass detailing, lustrous lacquered and polished surfaces, and elegant scalloped panelling, evoking the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. The colour palette, inspired by the hotel’s iconic green signage, is both calming and luxurious, creating an atmosphere of refined opulence.
Complementing the Art Deco additions are the refreshed Edwardian rooms. These spaces embrace a palette of silvers, ivories, and antique brass, exuding a timeless grandeur. Many of the rooms and suites offer breathtaking river views, allowing guests to gaze upon the iconic London skyline. The Art Deco bedrooms, in particular, have been designed to feel like private sanctuaries. The Spear’s team, during their recent stay, described these rooms as feeling "more like a private apartment than a hotel room," highlighting the serene ambiance created by the green palette and soft lighting. The attention to detail in the Deco rooms is remarkable. Bespoke elements include headboards and geometric rugs crafted specifically for the hotel. A standout feature is the pendant light, ingeniously modelled on the ‘O’ from The Savoy’s own signage. Another charming touch is a lamp shaped like a gondolier, a whimsical reference to a legendary hotel party where the courtyard was famously flooded. Standard amenities include luxurious Penhaligon’s toiletries, a mark of the hotel’s commitment to offering the finest in guest comfort. Looking ahead, the Art Deco suites are slated for completion in Spring 2027, promising to extend this luxurious experience to even more discerning guests.
Culinary Excellence: A Gastronomic Journey at The Savoy
The Savoy’s culinary offerings are as legendary as its history, providing guests with a diverse and exceptional dining experience. The hotel features a "deep dining line-up," ensuring that every palate is catered to. The Spear’s team had the pleasure of experiencing dinner at Gallery, the hotel’s esteemed all-day restaurant. Gallery, with its inviting curved banquettes and exquisite Murano glass chandeliers, offers an ambiance of sophisticated comfort. The menu celebrates British classics with contemporary flair. Guests can indulge in dishes such as charcoal-grilled organic chicken tikka pie, a succulent tomahawk steak, or the iconic Arnold Bennett omelette. However, the highlight for many, including the Spear’s reviewers, are the restaurant’s renowned Cornish lobster rolls, a testament to the quality of ingredients and culinary expertise.
The evening continued with late-night drinks at the iconic American Bar. This legendary establishment, renowned for its lively atmosphere and impeccable service, provided a perfect setting for relaxation and enjoyment. A talented pianist and singer set the mood, performing a repertoire that spanned from Don McLean’s "American Pie" to Elton John’s anthemic "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." The American Bar holds a significant place in cocktail history, being the birthplace of many iconic drinks featured in Harry Craddock’s seminal 1930 "Savoy Cocktail Book." Guests are almost compelled to sample a classic from this esteemed collection, a rite of passage for any visitor.
The culinary journey concluded with a relaxed yet indulgent breakfast at Gordon Ramsay’s The River Restaurant. Situated riverside, the restaurant offers a tranquil setting with tables offering picturesque views of the Thames. This dining experience provided a serene start to the day, perfectly complementing the hotel’s commitment to providing a diverse and high-quality gastronomic experience across all its venues.
Impeccable Service: The Hallmark of Savoy Hospitality
The service at The Savoy is, quite simply, exceptional, a cornerstone of its enduring appeal and a benchmark for the hospitality industry. From the moment of arrival to the final departure, guests are enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and professionalism. The staff are consistently attentive, anticipating guests’ needs with remarkable acuity and always maintaining a courteous and polished demeanour. This level of service transforms the experience in a hotel of such scale into something profoundly personal. It is this dedication to personalized care, combined with an unwavering commitment to excellence, that ensures The Savoy not only upholds the standards it helped set over a century ago but continues to redefine them. This philosophy of service is a critical element that differentiates The Savoy from its competitors, fostering loyalty and ensuring repeat visits from a discerning international clientele.
Good to Know: Amenities and Unique Features
Beyond its luxurious accommodations and dining, The Savoy offers a comprehensive range of amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. The hotel boasts a serene spa, a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests can enjoy a heated swimming pool situated beneath a magnificent glass atrium, offering a bright and airy ambiance. The spa facilities also include a sauna, steam room, and well-equipped treatment rooms, providing a full spectrum of wellness services. For those seeking private and exclusive experiences, the River Suite guests are afforded dedicated butler service and the convenience of the hotel’s house car. This attention to detail and the provision of bespoke services underscore The Savoy’s commitment to catering to the needs of its most valued patrons.
The Verdict: A Seamless Blend of Heritage and Modernity
The Savoy’s recent transformation represents a masterful evolution, a hotel that has embraced modernity without sacrificing its rich heritage. The introduction of the Art Deco bedrooms, in particular, is a testament to the hotel’s ability to harmonise with its past while confidently stepping into the future. This is not merely a refurbishment; it is a thoughtful reimagining that celebrates the hotel’s iconic status and its enduring legacy in the world of luxury hospitality. The Savoy has successfully demonstrated that a grand, historic hotel can indeed modernise and innovate, staying relevant and desirable for generations to come, all while remaining deeply rooted in its storied identity. The Art Deco rooms are a vivid illustration of a hotel at ease with its own history, skillfully reinterpreting it for the contemporary traveller.
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The Savoy continues to set the standard for luxury accommodation in London, offering a unique blend of historical grandeur and contemporary refinement. Its prime location, exceptional dining, and unparalleled service ensure that it remains a premier destination for discerning travellers. The recent Art Deco renovations further solidify its position as a timeless icon, poised to captivate guests for many years to come.
