London’s legendary Savoy hotel, a beacon of luxury and innovation for over 135 years, is embarking on a significant chapter of its storied history with a meticulous revival of its iconic Art Deco spaces. This ambitious undertaking, spearheaded by the esteemed design studio GA, not only pays homage to the hotel’s pivotal role in popularising the Art Deco movement in 1920s London but also infuses its historic grandeur with contemporary elegance. The result is a seamless blend of past and present, ensuring The Savoy remains at the forefront of the luxury hospitality landscape.
Established more than a century ago, The Savoy has consistently pushed the boundaries of what a grand hotel could offer. It was a pioneer, introducing groundbreaking amenities such as electric lighting throughout the property, 24-hour room service, and Britain’s first electric hotel lifts, famously known as the Red Lifts, which were so advanced that nervous guests were reportedly offered smelling salts before their maiden voyages. The hotel’s illustrious guest register reads like a who’s who of the 20th and 21st centuries, featuring luminaries from the realms of art, culture, and entertainment, including Claude Monet, Charlie Chaplin, Noël Coward, George Gershwin, and Marilyn Monroe, underscoring its enduring appeal to global icons.
The current renovation project, which began with GA’s refreshing of the Edwardian rooms in 2025, has now culminated in the unveiling of a breathtaking collection of Art Deco bedrooms. This initiative is particularly resonant given The Savoy’s historical connection to the Art Deco era. In the 1920s, as this distinctive style surged in popularity, The Savoy was instrumental in introducing and popularising its opulent yet sophisticated aesthetic, setting a benchmark for design and luxury in the capital. The new rooms are a direct testament to this legacy, offering guests an immersive experience of an era synonymous with glamour and artistic innovation.
A Coveted Location: Where History Meets Modernity
The Savoy’s enduring allure is intrinsically linked to its prime location. Nestled between the bustling Strand and the majestic River Thames, the hotel offers unparalleled access to London’s most vibrant cultural and commercial hubs. Covent Garden, with its lively atmosphere and street performers, is just a stone’s throw away, as are the legendary theatres of the West End, promising world-class entertainment at guests’ fingertips.
Beyond the immediate vicinity, The Savoy’s strategic positioning provides effortless access to a wealth of iconic landmarks and cultural institutions. A short stroll across Waterloo Bridge leads to the Southbank Centre, a dynamic hub of arts and culture, the National Theatre, and the renowned Tate Modern art gallery. The historic Somerset House, the grand expanse of Trafalgar Square, and the exclusive enclaves of St. James’s and Mayfair are all within easy reach, placing guests at the epicentre of London’s rich tapestry of experiences. This prime location not only enhances the convenience for travellers but also immerses them in the city’s historical and contemporary pulse.
A Tale of Two Styles: Edwardian Elegance Meets Art Deco Glamour
The Savoy boasts a total of 263 meticulously appointed rooms and suites, each offering a distinct stylistic narrative. Guests can choose between the timeless elegance of the Edwardian rooms or the captivating allure of the newly unveiled Art Deco accommodations. A significant number of these rooms offer breathtaking vistas of the River Thames, adding another layer of luxury to the guest experience.
The Edwardian rooms are a celebration of refined comfort, characterised by a sophisticated palette of silvers, ivories, and antique brass accents. These spaces evoke a sense of classic grandeur, harkening back to an era of understated opulence.
In contrast, the newly launched Art Deco rooms, available since early July, transport guests to the Roaring Twenties. Designed by GA, these spaces are a masterclass in Art Deco aesthetics, featuring exquisite brass detailing, lustrous lacquered and polished surfaces, and distinctive scalloped panelling. The design team has paid meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every element contributes to an atmosphere of luxurious sophistication. The colour scheme draws inspiration from the hotel’s iconic lettering above its entrance, incorporating a rich emerald green that adds depth and character. Bespoke headboards and geometric rugs, crafted specifically for The Savoy, further enhance the unique ambiance.
A particularly charming detail is the pendant light, thoughtfully modelled after the ‘O’ in the hotel’s prominent Savoy sign, serving as a subtle yet striking design motif. Another whimsical touch is a lamp sculpted in the form of a gondolier, a nod to a legendary past event where the hotel’s courtyard was famously flooded for a spectacular party. Complementing the opulent interiors, guests will find premium Penhaligon’s toiletries as a standard amenity, a touch that further elevates the in-room experience.
The Spear’s team had the privilege of staying in one of the new Art Deco rooms. The experience was akin to residing in a private, luxurious apartment rather than a conventional hotel room. The carefully curated green palette and the soft, ambient lighting created a serene and cocooning atmosphere, offering a sanctuary of calm amidst the vibrant city. Future phases of the renovation will see the introduction of Art Deco suites in the spring of 2027, promising to extend this immersive design experience to even more discerning travellers.
Culinary Delights and Timeless Sips
The Savoy’s culinary offerings are as legendary as its history, providing a diverse and exceptional gastronomic journey. Spear’s experienced the hotel’s deep dining line-up, beginning with dinner at The Gallery, the hotel’s elegant all-day dining restaurant. The Gallery, with its gracefully curved banquettes and exquisite Murano glass chandeliers, lives up to its esteemed reputation. The menu presents a curated selection of British classics, including a charcoal-grilled organic chicken tikka pie, a succulent tomahawk steak, and the quintessential Arnold Bennett omelette. However, the undeniable highlight for the Spear’s team was the restaurant’s renowned Cornish lobster rolls, a testament to their exceptional quality and flavour.
The evening continued with late-night drinks at the iconic American Bar. The atmosphere was lively and buzzing, amplified by the presence of a talented pianist and singer who provided a captivating soundtrack, seamlessly transitioning from Don McLean’s folk anthem “American Pie” to Elton John’s universally loved “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” The American Bar holds a special place in cocktail history, being the birthplace of Harry Craddock’s influential 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book. Consequently, ordering a classic cocktail feels not just like a beverage choice but an almost obligatory, deeply satisfying ritual.
The following morning, a relaxed yet indulgent breakfast was savoured riverside at Gordon Ramsay’s The River Restaurant, with a coveted table offering picturesque views of the Thames. This setting provided a tranquil start to the day, complemented by a menu of exquisite breakfast offerings.
Service: The Savoy Standard
The service at The Savoy is, quite simply, exceptional, a hallmark that has defined the hotel for generations. From the moment of arrival to the final departure, guests are enveloped in an atmosphere of warm hospitality and unfailing professionalism. The staff consistently demonstrate an impressive ability to anticipate guests’ needs, often being a step ahead, which imbues a hotel of this grand scale with a sense of personal attention and intimacy. This level of service not only meets but exceeds the high standards that The Savoy helped establish for grand hotels over a century ago, solidifying its reputation as a paragon of luxury hospitality.
Good to Know: Amenities and Exclusive Offerings
Beyond its opulent rooms and world-class dining, The Savoy offers a comprehensive suite of amenities designed to enhance the guest experience. The hotel’s spa is a serene oasis, featuring a heated swimming pool housed under a magnificent glass atrium, providing a bright and airy environment for relaxation. Guests can also avail themselves of the sauna, steam room, state-of-the-art gym, and dedicated treatment rooms for a range of therapeutic services.
For guests booking the exclusive River Suites, a dedicated butler service is provided, along with the convenience of the hotel’s house car. This bespoke service ensures that every aspect of a guest’s stay is catered to with the utmost care and attention to detail, offering an unparalleled level of luxury and exclusivity.
Verdict: A Harmonious Blend of Heritage and Modernity
The Savoy has masterfully navigated the delicate art of modernization, achieving a remarkable feat of evolving its offerings without compromising its intrinsic character. The newly introduced Art Deco rooms stand as a powerful testament to a hotel that is not only deeply comfortable with its rich history but actively celebrates it. This revival is more than just a renovation; it is a thoughtful reinterpretation of an iconic legacy, ensuring The Savoy continues to set the standard for luxury hospitality in London and beyond. It is a hotel that understands its past, embraces its present, and is poised for a brilliant future.
Details
The Savoy
Strand, London WC2R 0EZ
+44 (0)20 7836 4343
fairmont.com/savoy-london
Historical Context and Implications
The Savoy’s continuous evolution reflects broader trends in the luxury hotel industry, where heritage properties are increasingly investing in thoughtful renovations to appeal to contemporary travellers while preserving their historical significance. This strategy allows hotels to leverage their established brand reputation and unique narratives, offering an experience that transcends mere accommodation. The Art Deco revival at The Savoy, in particular, taps into a renewed appreciation for the design aesthetics of the early 20th century, a period often associated with post-war optimism, artistic experimentation, and a burgeoning sense of global interconnectedness.
The success of such renovations can have significant implications. For the hotel itself, it can lead to increased occupancy rates, higher average daily rates (ADRs), and a strengthened competitive position in a crowded luxury market. From a broader perspective, it contributes to the preservation of architectural heritage and reinforces London’s status as a global capital for luxury tourism. The careful integration of modern amenities and design principles ensures that these historic landmarks remain relevant and desirable for future generations, fostering a dynamic dialogue between the past and the present. The Savoy’s approach, emphasizing authentic historical connections and high-quality design, serves as a compelling case study for other heritage hotels seeking to redefine their identity for the 21st century.
