The Savoy Hotel

Introduction: One of a handful of London hotels that can claim to be truly known throughout the world, The Savoy Hotel is located in central London on the Strand. While this is a busy main road its also within a short stroll from the heart of London's nightlife. Indeed the Strand itself is home to some of the capitals best known theatres such as the Adelphi Theatre, Vaudeville Theatre and the Novello Theatre (was the Strand Theatre). Just behind the hotel is the River Thames which separates London into North and South halves. The River is great to walk along its dedicated walking routes, sit and watch the views and working boats passing by or to use its River taxi service and river sight seeing tours. At the far end of the Strand (West) is the mainline station of Charing Cross. Just past the station is Trafalgar Square. On the opposite side of the Strand is the popular Covent Garden, with music to do both by day and night. During the day the area has a host of sops and restaurants centred around the amazing Piazza which hosts two markets. By night the area is buzzing with clubs and bars among London's top venues along with many theatres such as Drury Lane the Royal Opera House. The Ritz hotels location is also great for access to the City of London (square mile) as its on the eastern border of central London and the start of the City at Fleet Street. Its also ideal for Waterloo and its many rail connections as the station is just on the other side of the River Thames with access via the adjacent Waterloo Bridge. In fact just on the other side of Waterloo bridge is where you will find the South Bank centre which includes places such as Haywards Gallery and the Royal Festival Hall. A selection of other nearby attractions include the London Transport Museum (0.1 miles), Theatre Museum (0.1 miles), Cleopatra's Needle (0.1 miles) and the National Gallery (0.3 miles).

Hotel:
The Savoy hotel London has always been a favourite place for the rich and famous looking for the ultimate in exclusive establishments with the very best of traditional English service with the best in modern amenities and technology. Blending the original features with the new styled hotel with its English Edwardian and Art Deco interiors lending a feel of timeless elegance. Its location offers good access to the city of London (1.5 miles) while being on the doorstep opf the bustling West End. Its also just 180 yards from the banks of the River Thames.
In the late 1800's and early 1900's the famous artist Clause Monet created over 70 paintings from within the Savoy looking out over its views in including the now famous sweep of the Thames. Today the hotel has an artist-in-residence scheme whereby some of today's best artists combine a stay at the hotel with creating new works. These works of art can be seen in an exhibition at the hotel.

Bedrooms:
Bedrooms remain true to the hotels Edwardian past and retain much of their original character. Quite simply the rooms are the ultimate in style and luxury and fitted with the latest high tech amenities.
All rooms feature Individually controlled air conditioning, flat screen TV with digital channels, Ipod dock and radio, armchair, writing desk, wakeup calls, dual line telephone, well stocked bar, internet access (wired and wireless) and safe. Beds come with Mascioni bed linen. The en-suite bathrooms are finished in marble with large showerheads, chrome fittings, have a hairdryer, luxury Miller Harris toiletries, bathrobes and slippers and shaving/makeup mirror.
Services include 24 hour in-room dining, daily newspapers and a selection of magazines plus maid service twice a day including turndown service.
Guests can request the following items:
Personal computer, Iron & ironing board, Fax machine, Connecting rooms, Cots, Printer, Bed Boards, DVD & CD players (with advance notice), Coffee makers and Microwave.
Six bedrooms are adapted for wheelchair access.

Room Types:
Savoy Room: Suited to the single traveller, they have queen beds and are decorated in either Edwardian or Art Deco style with views over the courtyard or the city.
Size: 30 sq. m.
Savoy Superior Room: A choice of either a king or twin beds, suitable for either single or double occupancy. Decorated in either Edwardian or Art Deco style, they overlook the courtyard or the city.
Size: 32 sq. m.
Savoy Deluxe Room: Choice of either a king-size or twin beds, larger than standard and superior rooms. Edwardian or Art Deco style, overlooking the courtyard or the city.
Size: 35 sq. m.
Grand Deluxe Room: King bed. Again larger but also have some of the hotels most unique and distinctive features, special views or additional space. The rooms are decorated in either Edwardian or Art Deco style and quietly overlook the courtyard, the city or have partial river views. Bathrooms have a separate walk-in showers
Size: 40 sq. m.
River View Deluxe Room: The hotels largest rooms with views out over the River Thames.King-size bed and are decorated in Edwardian style. Can connect to another River View Deluxe Room or a Riverview One Bedroom Suite.
Size: 43 sq. m.

Suites:
All of the suites at the Savoy Hotel London come with the same amenities as the bedrooms but also with:
Personal 24 hour Butler Service
Unpacking service on arrival and packing service on departure
In-suite check-in
Tea and coffee served in-suite upon arrival and daily with wake-up call
Two items pressed complimentary upon arrival
Daily seasonal amenity and mineral water
Fresh flowers
DVD players
Liberty sewing kits
Complimentary shoeshine service

Suite Types:
Savoy Family Suite: Designed with families very much in mind offeing two bedrooms sharing a bathroom. Decorated in elegant Edwardian style and overlook the courtyard.
Size: 55 sq. m.
Junior Suite: Spacious, open-plan suites with a sitting room and sleeping alcove located in a very quiet location of the hotel. The suites are decorated in elegant Edwardian style and have king-size beds.
Size: 42 sq. fm.
Deluxe Junior Suite: Large open-plan with distinct sitting and bedroom areas in addition to a walk-in closet and dressing area. The suites are decorated in Art Deco style with king-size beds and garden views. Claw foot baths.
Size: 58 sq. m.
River View Junior Suite: Panoramic views of the River Thames. Individually decorated in Edwardian style offering additional living space and one offering a large furnished terrace. Separate walk-in showers.
Size: 45 sq. m.
Edwardian Suite: One-bedroom suites individually decorated in elegant Edwardian style with a sitting room, bedroom and bathroom separated by an entrance foyer. Edwardian Suites offer either a king-size or queen-size bed and quietly overlook the courtyard or the city.
Size: 55 sq. m.
Art Deco Suite: One-bedroom suites individually decorated in Art Deco style with a separate sitting room, large bedroom with en-suite bathroom, entrance foyer and guest cloakroom. King-size bed and overlook the gardens, the city or the River Thames. Separate walk-in shower.
Size: 68 sq.m.
Art Deco Two Bedroom Suite: Decorated in Art Deco style with an impressive master bedroom suite, separate sitting room, second bedroom suite, entrance foyer and guest cloakroom. King-size bed in the master bedroom and either a king-size or twinned beds in the second bedroom and overlook the gardens or the city.
Size: 156 sq. m.
River View Deluxe Suite: Large, one-bedroom suites offering panoramic views of the River Thames from both the sitting room and bedroom. Decorated in elegant Edwardian style, the suites offer a separate sitting room, large bedroom with en-suite bathroom, entrance foyer and guest cloakroom. King size bed.
Size: 80 sq. m.
River View Deluxe Two Bedroom Suite: Generously proportioned and offer panoramic views over the River Thames views from both the sitting room and the bedrooms. Decorated in elegant Edwardian style, the suites have a king-size bed in each bedroom (one of which can be made up as twin beds), large en-suite bathrooms, sitting room, a marble entrance foyer and guest cloakroom. Freestanding, claw foot bath, separate walk-in showers. King bed.
Size: 125 sq. m.
Personality Suite: 9 suites dedicated to honouring famous past guests. These suites are in either Art Deco or Edwardian styles and have been furnished with special pieces, artwork and antiques associated with their namesake.
Personality Art Deco Suites: Marlene Dietrich Suite, Frank Sinatra Suite, Richard Harris Suite, Noel Coward Suite.
One-bedroom suites in an Art Deco style, they offer a separate sitting room, large bedroom with en-suite bathroom, separate dressing area, marble entrance foyer and guest cloakroom. Overlook the quiet gardens, the city or the River Thames. All feature a freestanding, claw foot bath and separate walk-in showers.
Size: 68 sq. m.
Personality Deluxe River View Suites: Winston Churchill, Maria Callas, Claude Monet, Charlie Chaplin, Katharine Hepburn.
One-bedroom suites offering panoramic River Thames views. Decorated in elegant Edwardian style, they feature a marble entrance foyer, freestanding claw foot bath and separate walk-in shower.
One Personality River View Suite can connect to a River View Junior Suite. King size bed.
Size: 80 sq. m.
Royal Suite: £2.5 million refurbishment in 2010. Takes up the entire 5th floor with dramatic views over the River Thames as well as views of Canary Wharf, Houses of Parliament and 7 of Londons bridges visible. Sumptuous furnishings and beautiful artwork of the Edwardian interior to create a Royal Suite that is literally fit for a king. Guests enter through a marble foyer, off which opens a beautiful wood-panelled office with inspiring views of London and stylish office equipment. Guests then proceed through to a comfortable sitting room and a separate dining room that seats up to 8 people and has a light, airy interior influenced by English formal gardens. The master bedroom is positioned adjacent to a large, walk-in dressing room with cedar-lined wardrobes & a spacious, ensuite, his & hers bathroom with a deep, soaking tub and a steam shower. Includes a climate controlled wardrobe.
The suite also includes a service kitchen, ideal for those travelling with a personal chef. For those travelling without staff, a Savoy butler is on hand 24 hours a day exclusively for guests staying in The Royal Suite. Combining the skills of a traditional private butler with the efficiency and knowledge of a 21st century personal assistant, the Savoy butler will ensure seamless, dedicated, personalised service. The latest in
entertainment technology is provided by a bespoke multi-room media system.
Bed Type: King bed (second bedroom can be twinned)
Size: 325 sq. m.

Dining:
River Restaurant: Contemporary, Art Deco influenced setting with a view of the River Thames and Embankment Gardens. Modern French menu with an emphasis on serving the very best local and seasonal produce and a style of simplicity. Private dining room that seats up to 12 guests is available. Smart casual dress code.
Open: 07.00 till 10.30 (Sunday 07.30 till 11.00), noon till 14.30 (Sunday 12.30 till 15.00), 17.30 till 22.30 (Sunday 18.00 till 22.30).
Savoy Grill: Long acclaimed as one of London's top restaurants with an Iconic status that dates back to 1889. Known as the second House of Lords and "the place where the deals are done". In the style of classic Escoffier-inspired grill rooms of old. Dishes include charcoal grilled chateaubriand with pommes souffle, king crab and prawn cocktail, lime and chocolate souffle and iced Peach Melba. The 2010 restoration preserved the original table plan which features the favourite tables of famous former diners such as Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde, Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe. Featuring Gold leaf ceilings, 1920's Art Deco lighting, lustrous wood panelling, bespoke silk and velvet fabrics and handmade dining chairs. A signature Chefs Table is located in the heart of the kitchen. Private dining room will be available for up to 40 guests. Smart casual dress code
Open: Noon till 15.00 (weekends till 16.00), 17.30 till 23.00.
Simpson's In The Strand: Serves the finest quality British ingredients cooked in classic British style. The restaurant's speciality is Scottish beef on the bone that has been aged for 28 days for maximum flavour. The beef is carved at guests' tables from antique silver-domed trolleys, which is a practice that began over 150 years ago and for which Simpson's is world-renowned. Other Simpson's signature dishes include classics such as potted shrimps, roast saddle of lamb and steak and kidney pie.
Guests can also enjoy classic cocktails in Knight's Bar, an art deco cocktail lounge located on the first floor. It is the perfect place to enjoy either a pre-dinner cocktail or after-dinner aperitif.
Restaurant Open: 07.15 till 10.30, 12.15 till 14.45 (Sunday till 15.00), 17.45 till 22.45 (Sunday 18.00 till 21.00).
Bar Open: 11.00 till 23.00 (Sunday noon till 21.00).
American Bar: This is where the White Lady Cocktail was invented in the 1920's by Harry Craddock and dates right back to the 1890's. All through this long history it has retained a reputation as stylish drinking venue. One of the worlds great hotel bars with an atmosphere of timeless elegance. With its electric blue and gold chairs and constant buzz its a throw back to the golden age of cocktails in the 1920's. All cocktails are made with the finest spirits, an imaginative twist and a passion for perfection. Intimate but still vibrant ambience with a live American Jazz pianist seven days a week.
Open: 11.30 till 00.30 (Sundays noon till 23.00).
Beaufort Bar: Built on the hotel's original cabaret stage with a real sense of splendour and opulence. The theatrical setting of the Art Deco jet-black and burnished gold décor features an onyx leather bar offering guests a true feeling of indulgence. This is the place to enjoy the world's finest champagnes and offers an extensive champagne menu by the glass. Also serving both classic and new cocktails in a setting of unashamedly old-fashioned glamour. Nightly live music and entertainment performances.
Open: 17.30 till 01.30. (Sunday till midnight).
Thames Foyer: Where Noel Coward and Caruso used to perform. Located in the heart of the hotel and the perfect venue for light, informal dining. Furnished with low tables and armchairs and decorated with murals and art deco mirrors. Its glass cupola, based on a guest's drawing, allows natural daylight to flood in. The centrepiece of the room is the wonderful winter garden gazebo. The Thames Foyer is open for breakfast, morning coffee, light lunch and supper. Guests can also indulge in Afternoon Tea in this comfortable and intimate spot accompanied by the hotel's resident pianist. Afternoon Tea at The Savoy is an enduring custom dating back well over 100 years and guests can choose from a range of speciality teas from around the world served with finger sandwiches, homemade scones with clotted cream & jam and a selection of cakes and pastries.
Open: 08.00 till 23.00, Afternoon Tea 14.30 till 18.30, Lunch 10.30 till 14.30, light dinner 18.30 till 23.00.
Savoy Tea: On the reception level this bijou tea store in the style of an Edwardian shopping arcade and pays homage to the Savoy's tradition of afternoon tea. Here you can purchase from a wide selection of teas, handmade jams, biscuits as well as The Savoy's bespoke china cups & saucers and tea accessories. You are also able to view the hotel's pastry chefs and chocolatiers at work.
Open: 10.00 till 20.00.

General Hotel Information:
The Savoy Hotel uses a local agency to provide babysitting services. There is a full concierge/ball staff team and service. There is a dedicated concierge desk in the main lobby that is manned from 07.00 till 23.00. Dedicated floral design manager to help with floral arrangements. same day dry cleaning and laundry, shoeshine and 24 hour pressing services. The hotel has 4 lifts as well as a separate lift for the Thames Foyer, Beaufort Bar and River Restaurant.
The front desk can supply complimentary safety deposit box facilities.
Pet Policy
Cats and dogs less than 20lbs are permitted to stay in the hotel and there is a charge per day per pet. Guide dogs are always welcome and are exempt from the charge. Confirm policy direct with hotel.
There is a business centre that is open 24 hours and is found on the 2nd floor level. Access is via room key card. Here you will find computer workstations, high speed internet access, scanner/printing facilities, CD/DVD player and Microsoft applications.
On the 3rd floor is the hotels fitness gallery. Located under the central atrium the area features an indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna, lounge area, gymnasium and treatment rooms. The gym is fitted with cardio machines, resistance machines and free weights.
Open: 06.30 till 21.00. (Weekends 08.00 till 20.00)(hours subject to change).
Green Policy:
Investment in sustainable solutions and a carbon reduction strategy to reduce 3,000 tonnes of CO2 per year and energy consumption by at least 40%. Use of high efficiency heating and cooling systems intelligent energy building controls. Installation of a combined heat and power plant, heat from all kitchen appliances is recycled for domestic hot water. Smart guestroom thermostats in all rooms and suites are designed to control lighting and room temperature and use natural ventilation to regulate the temperature inside the room.  Food waste is recycled into renewable energy.
Butler Service:
The Savoy lays claim to being the first hotel to establish its own school to train hotel professionals. The hotels in-house butlers assist guests with In-Suite check-in/check-out and orientation, Welcome drink on arrival, Packing service, Complimentary pressing of 2 items, Personalised wake-up call with tea & coffee, Serving in-suite dining, Expense Compiling, Secretarial & Technological Services, Personal Shopper, Dressing Service, Travel Consultant including arranging appointments & itineraries, Facilitate and manage in-suite receptions or dinner parties and Airport transfers.
The hotels concierge team are mostly members of Les Clefs d'Or which signifies they are considered as having attained the highest criteria in their field.

Extensive meeting and conference facilities with 19,000 sq ft of space across 10 rooms accommodating up to 800 reception style.

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Parking: Adjacent car park with valet parking option (charges apply)
Room Numbers: 268
Check-in: 14.00 (2 pm)
Check-out: 12.00 noon

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Awards:
Savoy Grill Restaurant is an AA 3 rosettes holder and a Michelin One Star holder.
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts environmental Hotel of the year 2006.
AA:
2012: London Hotel of the Year
Visit London Awards:
2006: Silver for Sustainable Tourism
Tea Council:
award for excellence 2011, 2012
Telegraph:
favourite UK hotel 2011

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Background: The Savoy hotel first opened on the 6th August 1889 following 5 years of construction. The hotel was the result of Richard D'Oyly Carte being determined to build a hotel that could accommodate the audience from the (now adjacent) Savoy theatre, which he also owned. The Savoy name originates from the Savoy Palace which stood at this spot until 1381. Designed by Thomas Edward Collcutt, the hotel included the latest innovations of its time such as full electric lighting, 2 lifts (ascending rooms as they were called at that time) and far more baths than had been the norm, sixty seven. It was also the very first building to be totally fireproofed and the first in London to have en-suite bedrooms.
In the mid-1990s the front hall, first built in 1904, was fully restored to its original splendour. A mezzanine floor that had been added after the War was removed and the interior was renovated to the original style and look. Notable for being placed on the only road in the country where cars drive on the right hand side of the road, albeit just the short length of the forecourt named Savoy Court.
In late 2006 the hotel took a lead in the new wave of environmentally friendly London hotels by announcing a scheme to recycle 350 tonnes of glass with a knock on affect of reducing co2 emissions due to the recycling. The hotel is also home to the annual 'Awards for Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management' event.
Fairmont Hotels and Resorts have owned the hotel since 2005. Its previous owners were the Maybourne Hotel group.
In January 2007 the hotel banned smoking in all its public areas.
Prior to its closing for major renovation in 2007 it sold off some 3000 items, many with a rich history, from the hotel. These included a mahogany bureau from the Monet Suite (named after the French impressionist artist who painted here) and a George III chest of drawers from the Richard Harris Suite (famous British actor).
The refurbishment of 2007/10 at £200 million pounds was the most expensive ever refurbishment by a London hotel at the time. Expected to re-open originally in May 2009 but continued delays saw the original £100 million pound estimate double. Eventually the Savoy Hotel London reopened on 10th October 2010 having been closed since December 16th 2007. International designer Pierre-Yves Rochon directed the refurbishment. Making a big play of its green credentials after spending £2.4 million pounds on green tech during the 2007/10 refurbishment the Savoy appointed a green ambassador as a new position and innovation. They also announced plans for a green butler who would give green advice to guests.
Officially re-opened by Prince Charles and Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal on 2nd November 2011.

Trivia:
A nice bit of trivia is that the Savoy hotels chef, Georges Auguste Escoffier, became the creator of Peach Melba when he put it together for an Australian guest, Dame Nellie Melba in 1892. Escoffier is also credited with turning the hotels kitchen into one of the first to be run on a truly professional basis. Savoy Court, leading to the Strand entrance of The Savoy, is the only road in Britain where traffic drives on the right hand side. Guglielmo Marconi made the first wireless broadcast to the United States from The hotel in 1923.
Fred Astaire danced on the hotels roof. Marilyn Munroe drank at the hotels bar. The original piano that Stravinsky played is still located within the hotel.

The Savoy has been at the forefront of world hotel services and development since the day it opened and established many firsts. These have included:
first hotel to: be totally fireproofed, to generate its own electricity supply, to provide the majority of its rooms with en-suite bathrooms (67), have its own artesian well, (420 ft), install electric lifts, provide constant hot and cold running water in each bedroom, offer 24 hour room service, run fully serviced apartments in Britain (1904), lay a 1/2 acre area carpet (foyer and restaurant 1925), install air-conditioning, steam-heating and soundproofed windows, have its own laundry service (Address, Unblemish, London)

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