The super-luxe, Grade II-listed Savoy reopened after more than £100m of renovations in 2010 – the numerous delays testimony to the difficulty of bringing a listed building, loved by generations of visitors for its discreet mix of Edwardian neoclassical and art deco, up to scratch as a modern luxury hotel. Built in 1889 to put up theatregoers from Richard D’Oyly Carte’s Gilbert & Sullivan shows, the Savoy is the hotel from which Monet painted the Thames, where Vivien Leigh met Laurence Olivier, where Londoners learned to love the martini.
The welcome begins even before you approach the famous cul-de-sac with a phone call to ascertain your particular requirements. There’s even a vast pillow menu to choose from once you’re in your room. The price may be eye-wateringly high but the service and attention to details is also exquisite. And so is the location – one side of the hotel looks out over the Thames which makes for super twinkly evening views.
How much does the Savoy cost per night?
We checked prices for Saturday nights at The Savoy which start around £650 in mid January and go up to £850 as the starting price in August.
The Savoy restaurant
The Savoy’s latest restaurant is Gallery which opened in November 2024 with a menu that nods to the hotel’s epic history. It’s an all-day dining affair with comfy leather seats, chandeliers and low moody lighting. Once night falls, watch out for the theatrical curtain drop behind the bar which signifies the start of evening of revelry.
Does The Savoy do afternoon tea?
It sure does serve afternoon tea. The hotel has been serving all the classics since it opened in 1889. Today it costs £96 per person and there’s veggie and vegan options.
Is The Savoy family friendly?
Surprisingly so! There are family rooms and interconnecting suites and very cute little child-sized slippers and bathrobes. There are also dedicated children’s swimming hours in the pool and special kids menus in the restaurants.
Does The Savoy have a spa?
There’s a swimming pool under a light-filled atrium with a jet-stream to swim against the current. There are also two gym areas, a sauna and steam room and a big range of treatments on offer.
Where is The Savoy?
Straddling the bustling Strand and the river Thames, The Savoy is right by the theatres of Covent Garden and the Strand and a short walk from cultural happenings at Somerset House and the Southbank Centre.
What is the nearest tube to The Savoy?
Temple tube station is a short walk away.
Time Out tip:
Once you’ve had your fill of The Savoy spa (and if you still have money to splurge), book a slot at the nearby Aire Ancient Baths, a subterranean oasis of hot pools, steam rooms and a salty floatation pool.
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