The Savoy — Hotel in London

This was a special holiday and a special holiday deserves a special venue. The Savoy was the perfect choice. We were not just celebrating our golden anniversary, it was much more than that. My wife has terminal cancer and though we do not know how much longer she has got storm clouds are definitely gathering. Restricted mobility meant she was mostly confined to the hotel (what a hardship!) though we did venture out once to the theatre and that was in the Savoy Rolls. What a star Victor the chauffeur was - good humoured, entertaining, a superb driver and so solicitous. In the hotel the Savoy provided the invaluable assistance of a wheelchair. ||Having booked a junior suite we were delighted and grateful to be upgraded to a newly refurbished one bedroomed River View suite. It was nothing short of perfection. A magnificent view, supremely comfortable beds, quality toiletries, plush sofas and chairs and every possible cupboard, drawer, wardrobe, dressing table etc sufficient to accommodate a six month stay. The apartment oozed style and class.||We stayed four nights, each time sharing meals with London based friends. Booking restaurant and bar tables was done effortlessly by the team, as was accommodating last minute changes of plan. At every meal the front of house staff achieved a perfect balance between concern and being discreet. They were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful; never were they overbearing or judgemental. The food was of the highest quality. At the Savoy Grill my wife, due to her condition, could not eat much and cheekily our guest asked if the uneaten lamb could be wrapped for her dog. This was done without demur and I am sure there was not a dog in all London that ate better that night nor had a meal so well presented in a stylish Savoy Grill bag.||On arrival in our room we were overwhelmed by the free treats on offer - chocolate dipped strawberries, home made bonbons, a bowl of fruit, a jar of home made biscuits and so much more. There was a beautiful anniversary card waiting for us and anniversary greeting treats in the restaurants. Gordon Ramsay even provided complimentary glasses of champagne. In advance the Savoy asked what special room amenities we’d like and all were provided, including scissors to help unwrap anniversary presents. I had a book by my bed; next night a Savoy bookmark was placed on top of it. Room staff were exceptional and as there was an optional 5% gratuity built into the bill there was no awkwardness about whether to tip staff, when or how much. There is no getting away from it, the Savoy is not cheap and 5% added to the bill is a lot of money but I just factored it into the price of the holiday and was very grateful to have a 10% discount through being an Accor member.||As this is highly likely to be our last ever holiday I wrote to several celebrities my wife admires asking if they’d be kind enough to write to her at the Savoy with a goodwill message in her final days. Most replied, usually with heartfelt words. My wife was overwhelmed by this surprise. Coordinating the collection and delivery of letters fell to the concierge team and we were blessed to be allocated Isaac. He was a huge hit with all our guests and, even more so, with us. Discretion runs through the veins of Savoy staff so it is no good trying to pump him for the peccadilloes of the famous. He gave nothing away. What he did give was his undivided attention. The holiday arrangements worked perfectly and Isaac was the hub of this faultless efficiency.||I want to say we will return but my wife’s deteriorating health means we won’t. What cannot be taken away is a plethora of memories that will stay with me forever....

From the moment you approach The Savoy via its famed private road, you know you’re entering a world apart. Nestled on the Strand, in the heart of London’s West End, The Savoy Hotel is one of the most iconic luxury hotels in the world—steeped in history, elegance, and timeless sophistication.

A Grand Entrance

Accessed via Savoy Court, a private road that holds the rare distinction of allowing right-hand side driving, the approach to The Savoy is unlike any other in the UK. This thoughtful detail was introduced to let guests alight directly at the hotel's entrance, a nod to the days of carriages and liveried doormen.

Savoy Court is more than a convenience—it’s part of the hotel’s pageantry. Famous guests from Winston Churchill to Marilyn Monroe and, more recently, the likes of George Clooney and Beyoncé, have made their entrances here, stepping into the hotel’s art deco elegance from its red-carpeted forecourt. The road provides not just privacy, but a sense of occasion that sets the tone for your entire stay.

The Savoy offers 267 rooms and suites, designed in a mix of Edwardian and Art Deco styles. River View Suites are particularly stunning, with sweeping vistas of the Thames and London’s skyline. All rooms feature state-of-the-art amenities, plush bedding, marble bathrooms, and optional butler service. Every detail—from the scent of fresh flowers to the immaculately pressed linen—reinforces the hotel’s commitment to five-star service.

Dining at The Savoy is an experience in itself. The Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay channels the grandeur of the early 20th century, offering refined British fare with modern flair. The River Restaurant, also by Ramsay, focuses on sustainable seafood in a more contemporary setting.

For drinks, The American Bar is legendary. It’s one of the oldest cocktail bars in London and has long been a destination in its own right. Alternatively, the Beaufort Bar, with its theatrical Art Deco design, offers opulent cocktails in an intimate atmosphere.

The service at The Savoy is flawless. Staff are discreet, polished, and intuitive—always on hand but never intrusive. Whether it’s concierge assistance, in-room dining, or a perfectly-timed coffee in the Thames Foyer, everything runs with seamless precision.

The atmosphere blends heritage with vitality. History is everywhere—photographs, architecture, stories whispered by the staff—but the hotel also feels lively and relevant, frequented by discerning travellers, creatives, and global icons.

Location

Perfectly located for theatre, shopping, and riverside strolls, The Savoy offers effortless access to Covent Garden, the National Gallery, and London’s vibrant dining scene. Despite its central position, the hotel's secluded entrance ensures a surprising sense of calm and exclusivity.

Conclusion

Staying at The Savoy is not just a hotel visit—it’s an immersion into a rich cultural legacy. From the moment you turn into Savoy Court to the last sip of champagne at the Beaufort Bar, everything is exquisitely curated. It remains, without question, one of London’s grandest and most...

A 21st Anniversary to Remember – The Savoy, London

Our 21st anniversary stay at The Savoy was nothing short of magical – a weekend full of elegance, warmth, and unforgettable memories. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed like old friends. A special thank you to Rob the doorman, whose genuine charm made us feel at home right away – the perfect start to a truly special celebration.

The hotel itself is a masterpiece. The Art Deco décor is timeless – elegant, opulent, and full of character. Every space, from the grand lobby to the bars and restaurants, is immaculately maintained and steeped in history. You don’t just stay at The Savoy – you step into a living, breathing storybook of luxury and tradition.

The surprise upgrade to a suite absolutely took our breath away. We hadn’t expected anything like it – the room was stunning, full of grandeur and comfort, and so beautifully designed. It genuinely brought us to tears. As two ordinary people celebrating a special milestone, we felt incredibly seen, valued, and cared for. It was a gesture we’ll never forget.

We explored many of The Savoy’s most iconic offerings. Afternoon Tea in The Gallery was a serene, indulgent experience – beautifully presented and served with grace. The Beaufort Bar was pure glamour with its bold Art Deco style and theatrical cocktails – so good we returned more than once. The American Bar offered timeless charm, rich history, and cocktails that told stories – like the one inspired by Tony, the legendary head doorman. The atmosphere, staff, and drinks made each visit unforgettable.

Dinner at Gordon Ramsay’s River Restaurant was another standout. My curry monkfish was rich and full of flavour, and my wife’s roast halibut was equally impressive – perfectly cooked and delicate. The setting was relaxed yet refined, and the service was flawless.

The highlight of our dining was the Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay. We were thrilled to see Thierry, who we’d seen on TV – and his presence made our evening even more special. When he said, “It’s all about creating memories,” it couldn’t have been more fitting. From the beef Wellington to the venison and salmon starter, each dish was crafted with care and packed with flavour. It wasn’t just dinner – it was a memory we’ll treasure for life.

What left the deepest impression on us was the people. From the restaurants to housekeeping, the team went above and beyond. The staff are the true stars of The Savoy – passionate, professional, and genuinely committed to creating moments that matter. They helped us make memories that will last a lifetime, and for that, we’re truly grateful.

It’s easy to see why guests return to The Savoy year after year – it offers something truly rare: timeless beauty, heartfelt hospitality, and an atmosphere that lingers long after you leave. We’ll absolutely be back next year to celebrate my 50th birthday, and honestly, I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be – especially with my wife by my side.

Highly recommended – a true five-star experience in...