There are only really a couple of names that spring to mind when thinking about luxury hotels in London. And even I (someone who’s never so much as poked their head around the door of an ultra-fancy hotel) know that in the world of lavish places to have a snooze, The Savoy is a pretty big deal. One of the city’s most sought-after spots, it’s long enticed the wealthy, famous, glitzy, and glamourous with its sumptuous allure and timeless elegance. But how did it come to be quite so famous, I hear you ask? Well, sit back and relax, folks – because I’m about to tell you.
The history of the Savoy Hotel
The Savoy Hotel was built by theatre producer and talent agent, Richard D’Oyly Carte, using the money he’d made from producing various Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Having seen and stayed in many opulent American hotels over the years, Carte saw a gap in London’s hotel offering, and decided to fill it with a luxurious place for people to stay in London, that mirrored what he’d seen in the States. Five years of construction (and a whole lot of cash) later, the Savoy Hotel opened its doors on August 6, 1889; levelling up London’s hotel scene for good. Over the past 135 years, the Savoy has faced many trials, tribulations, refurbs, and renovations; but has still managed to triumph as one of London’s most distinguished and desired hotels.
Credit: @thesavoylondon via Instagram
The first purpose-built luxury hotel
From the moment it swung open its doors, the Savoy Hotel began to redefine London‘s understanding of a luxury hotel, introducing a whole new calibre of comfort and service. The Savoy Theatre next door – which was actually built before the hotel, back in 1881, and also owned by Richard D’Oyly Carte – was the first public building in the country to be completely lit by electric lights. Carte had the bright idea of introducing those lights to the hotel, too, and the Savoy Hotel became the first hotel in Britain to have electric lights running throughout. But this was the first luxury-built hotel in the city, and so naturally the innovations didn’t stop there. It was also the first hotel in the UK to have electric lifts, many ensuite bathrooms, and hot and cold running water throughout most of its rooms. When they said luxury; they really meant it.
The Savoy Hotel has welcomed an abundance of notable clientele over the years, with the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Louis Armstrong, Coco Chanel and Elton John all having stayed there. Claude Monet and James Whistler both painted or drew the view from their rooms there, and the hotel is also supposedly where Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh first met. The hotel is said to have kept records of each guest’s preferences, so that they could prepare the in advance. Lionel Barrymore, for example, liked to smoke in bed, so Savoy staff made sure to provide him with a fireproof quilt on his bed.
Credit: @thesavoylondon via Instagram
The Savoy Hotel today
Still standing proudly on The Strand, boasting sweeping views across the River Thames, the Grade II listed building continues to attract visitors from near and far. There are 267 rooms within the hotel. And, don’t fret: they all still come with running water and electric lights, because – well… luxury and all that. So luxury, in fact, that prices to stay at the Savoy start at around a rather eye-watering £850 night.
There are three restaurants within the hotel, ran by none other than Gordon Ramsay. There’s the Savoy Grill, the River Restaurant, and Restaurant 1890 (which also boasts a twinkling Michelin star). There’s also plenty of options if you’re looking to whet your whistle at the hotel. The American Bar is one of the first spots to have brought American-style cocktails to Europe, having opened in 1893. It’s still going as strong as its cocktails to this day, and even has a teeny-tiny museum inside. There’s also the ultra-glam Beaufort Bar, and the Savoy Lounge – which is reopening this week after a fancy makeover. The hotel entrance’s small roundabout requires vehicles to have a turning circle of just 25 feet to navigate it – a turning circle that still remains the requirement for all London cabs, FYI.
Credit: @thesavoylondon via Instagram
So, there you have it – a bit of history about one of the fanciest spots in the city. If you do happen to have a spare £850 kicking about, you know where to go..
Find out more and plan your visit here.
📍 The Strand, WC2R 0EZ.