The Savoy Hotel

The story of The Savoy begins in 1889, when theatrical impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte set out to create a hotel as impressive as London’s stages. Inspired by modern American hotels he encountered while touring, he introduced comforts and technology the city had never seen before. When it opened, The Savoy boasted electric lighting, lifts, private bathrooms, and central heating, where guests could control their own lights, a striking novelty at the time.

From day one, the hotel became the place to stay. Royalty, society figures, and performers filled its rooms and public spaces. Edward, Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, dined here often and helped cement its reputation as the center of fashionable London life. Around the same time, chef Auguste Escoffier arrived and quietly transformed hotel kitchens by introducing the modern brigade system, securing the hotel’s place in culinary history.

Following Richard D’Oyly Carte’s death in 1901, his son Rupert took over as Chairman. The hotel expanded soon after, with architect Thomas Collcutt redesigning the new Strand facing blocks in 1903. This marked a visual shift for The Savoy, replacing much of its Victorian style with lighter Edwardian interiors inspired by 18th-century design. The Front Hall dates from this period, as does the Lancaster Ballroom, designed in 1910 by French architect René Sergent, and it is still remarkably intact today.

As the decades passed, The Savoy kept pace with cultural change. Opera stars gave way to film icons and music legends. Marlene Dietrich became a devoted regular, Marilyn Monroe followed, and figures such as Charlie Chaplin, Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles all became part of the hotel’s ongoing story.

Design continued to evolve, too. Edwardian elegance was joined by bold Art Deco statements in the 1920s, including the iconic Savoy sign and interiors that remain to this day. In 2007, The Savoy closed for a full restoration, reopening in 2010 with its historic character carefully renewed. Today, it remains a living hotel, shaped by technology, performance, royalty, and generations of unforgettable stories along the Thames.

The Savoy’s design today shows how the hotel has grown over time while staying true to its Edwardian and Art Deco roots. As a Grade II listed building, renovations are done carefully so the original character isn’t lost. The most recent redesign of the rooms and suites, led by award-winning studio G.A. Group, feels more like a gentle refresh than a complete overhaul. Edwardian-style rooms are light and calming, with warm silvers, ivory silk, marble, and antique brass. Hints of ochre and amber add a cozy touch, while carpets feature subtle Edwardian-inspired patterns.

Artwork in the rooms quietly nods to performances once held at the Savoy Theater. Art Deco rooms are more glamorous, with geometric shapes in headboards and mirrors, and the hotel’s signature green running through the color palette. Across the 268 guestrooms, no two are the same. Many have views of the Thames, particularly the River View Suites, where new window seating frames scenes that once inspired artists like Claude Monet.

The public areas have also been refreshed. At the center of the hotel is a new winter garden, filled with natural light from a frosted glass dome. From here, spaces flow easily into lounges, tea and chocolate areas, the historic River Room, the American Bar, and the bold black and gold Beaufort Bar.

Original features like fireplaces, decorative cornices, and chandeliers have been carefully restored, with a strong focus on British craftsmanship. This latest phase builds on the hotel’s major restoration completed in 2010, with further updates planned through 2027. With these ongoing changes, The Savoy continues to evolve, staying true to its heritage while remaining fresh and relevant.

Gallery

The Gallery sits right in the heart of The Savoy and works at any time of day. Whether you’re popping in for breakfast, having lunch, or enjoying dinner. The menu gives a modern twist to classic British dishes, using top seasonal ingredients. Breakfast has everything from a nicely plated full English to delicate pastries and good coffee. Lunch is simple but refined, showing off the chefs’ creativity. In the evenings, the Gallery turns more romantic, and guests can enjoy cocktails alongside expertly made dishes.

Opening Hours:
All Day Dining: 12:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Breakfast: 7:00 am to 10:30 am
Twilight Tea: 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm

American Bar

The American Bar is a real London icon. Opened in 1893, it’s the longest-running cocktail bar in the city and has hosted everyone from Winston Churchill to Ernest Hemingway. Legendary bartenders like Harry Craddock, who wrote The Savoy Cocktail Book, and Ada Coley Coleman helped put the bar's name on the map. Today, classics sit alongside inventive drinks on the Liquid Moments menu, with each cocktail carrying its own story. The atmosphere is polished but relaxed, and smart casual is all that’s needed. It’s the kind of place where you can feel the history while making your own memorable night.

Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 12:00 pm to 12:00 am
Sunday: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Beaufort Bar

The Beaufort Bar is all about glamour and drama, with its striking jet-black and gold décor setting the scene. Open Tuesday to Saturday, the bar comes alive after dark with a DJ spinning sultry tunes, making it one of London’s most charismatic spots for creative cocktails, prestige spirits, and rare vintages. The menu is a celebration of indulgence, inspired by fashion, music, art, and the timeless glamour of cocktail culture. From perfectly mixed martinis to must-have champagne, every drink invites guests to enjoy life a little more luxuriously.

Opening hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 5:00 pm – 1:00 am
Live Entertainment: 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Note: Over 18s only

Restaurant 1890 by Gordon Ramsay

Restaurant 1890 by Gordon Ramsay is a Michelin-starred dining destination overlooking The Savoy’s iconic entrance. It offers an intimate and exclusive fine dining experience, paying tribute to culinary legend Auguste Escoffier. The menu features contemporary dishes crafted from the finest ingredients sourced worldwide, including premium British suppliers, paired with a carefully selected vintage wine list. With seating for just 26 guests, every meal feels personal and special, perfect for an elevated dining experience.

Opening Hours:
Lunch: Friday – Saturday 12:30 pm to 2:45 pm
Dinner: Tuesday – Saturday 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Bar: Tuesday – Thursday 3:30pm to 10:45pm | Friday – Saturday 12:00pm to 10:45pm

Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay

Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay is a legendary dining destination in London, recently refreshed to feel even more special. Rich in history, it has welcomed some of the world’s most famous names—Winston Churchill, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Oscar Wilde, and even Queen Elizabeth II have all dined here.

The menu combines classic British and French-inspired dishes. Highlights include the famous Beef Wellington for two, wood-fired grilled meats, and fresh fish like lobster Thermidor and Dover sole. The tasting menu, 'Taste of Savoy Grill', offers a full culinary journey for those seeking something extra. The restaurant also features a new bar, a chic Chef’s Table overlooking the kitchen, and a private Wine Room Experience.

Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am

The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay

The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay sits in the heart of The Savoy, offering stunning panoramic views of the River Thames. The restaurant also features an elegant private dining room for 8–12 guests, ideal for special occasions. Seafood is the star here, from oysters, ceviche, and caviar at the central raw bar, to dishes like tandoori monkfish curry, grilled Cornish lobster, and whole dayboat fish on the à la carte menu. For a memorable treat, guests can also enjoy an oyster and wine tasting experience.

Opening Hours:
Breakfast: Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 10:30 am | Saturday – Sunday 7:30 am – 10:30 am
Lunch & Dinner: Monday – Sunday 12:00 pm – 12:00 am

Afternoon Tea

The Savoy’s Afternoon Tea is a celebrated tradition dating back to 1889. Guests can try over 30 teas paired with classic sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, jam, and lemon curd, and a variety of delicate pastries. For an extra indulgence, a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne or Nyetimber sparkling wine can be added. Vegan and Vegetarian options are also available. Afternoon Tea once featured Thames views and thés dansant with live music, and today it honors that heritage with an elegant experience.

Opening Hours:
12:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Twilight Tea

Twilight Tea transforms teatime into a chic evening ritual. Guests can enjoy elegant finger sandwiches, seasonal savory bites, and two Scoffs from the hotel’s scone shop. A glass of Nyetimber’s Classic Cuvée Multi-Vintage adds a sparkling touch, all served under the soft glow of Gallery’s stained glass dome. Twilight Tea is perfect for post-work mingling or a late-night indulgence.

Opening Hours:
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Weddings have taken place at The Savoy for decades, everything from large formal ceremonies to smaller, more private gatherings. Arrivals are grand, arranged with chauffeur-driven cars from the hotel’s fleet, including Rolls-Royce, Range Rover, and Mercedes. Cakes are usually created by GC Couture, known for detailed custom designs and dessert displays, while floral arrangements are managed by The Savoy’s in-house team, covering everything from table settings to bridal bouquets depending on the space and scale of the event.

Lancaster Ballroom
Venue type and style: This is the largest wedding space at The Savoy. It has an open floor plan with no pillars, which makes it easier to set up dining and dance areas. The room also includes a stage, which is uncommon in London venues.

Capacity: Up to 700 guests.

River Room
Venue type and style: The River Room overlooks the Thames and Embankment Gardens. It is lighter and more relaxed in feel compared to the ballroom and is often used for receptions or drinks before moving to another space for dinner.

Capacity: Up to 300 guests.

Abraham Lincoln Room
Venue type and style: This room mixes Edwardian and Art Deco design and is used for both ceremonies and evening receptions. It is often connected with the Manhattan Room, which works well for drinks and dancing later in the evening. The rooms share a private foyer and entrance.

Capacity: Up to 200 guests.

Pinafore Room
Venue type and style: One of the hotel’s original private dining rooms, designed in 1926. The space features wood paneling and looks out towards the Thames. It is usually used for smaller receptions and is often paired with the Princess Ida and Patience Room for a smooth flow between events.

Capacity: Up to 60 guests.

Princess Ida and Patience Room
Venue type and style: Originally two rooms when the hotel opened in 1889, these were later joined into one. Much of the original design remains. The room works well for ceremonies or drinks receptions before moving into the Pinafore Room.

Capacity: Up to 50 guests.

Gondoliers Room
Venue type and style: This is a small, Venetian-inspired private dining room. The décor is based on early 1900s photographs from the hotel archives. It is usually used for very small wedding breakfasts or intimate ceremonies.

Capacity: Up to 20 guests.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

A stay at The Savoy naturally comes with plenty to do, both inside the hotel and just outside its doors. On the third floor, the Beauty and Fitness area offers a calm break from London’s energy. The swimming pool sits under a bright atrium and includes a jet stream for guests who want to swim properly. There is also a sauna and steam room, along with separate changing areas. The gym is split into two spaces with a good mix of cardio machines and weights, and there is a smaller pool designed for children. Health and beauty treatments are available daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm.

Elsewhere in the hotel, a few thoughtful touches add to the experience. Boodles has a private jewellery showroom in the Front Hall, where guests can browse fine British pieces in a relaxed setting. The Savoy Shop brings together fresh flowers from The Florist, handcrafted scones from Scoff, and a small collection of gifts and souvenirs that are easy to take home.

Once you step outside, London feels close and easy to explore. The concierge team can help arrange outings for all kinds of interests and ages. Families can go on private city tours designed for children, travelling by chauffeur-driven car and stopping at iconic spots like Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London, with fun stories along the way. Another option takes you through the oldest streets of the Square Mile, uncovering London’s rich history.

There are also playful experiences, like a private treasure hunt turning the city into a live game, or a guided visit to the Natural History Museum, where dinosaurs, fossils, and space exhibits keep everyone entertained. For a mix of sightseeing and casual wandering, start with a stroll through Covent Garden and soak up its lively atmosphere. Art lovers can spend time at the National Gallery, while Trafalgar Square makes a perfect spot for photos. You can take in the views from the London Eye, admire the iconic Big Ben, or explore the treasures of the British Museum. The Houses of Parliament are also nearby, making it easy to tick off some of London’s most famous sights while leaving room for hidden corners and little discoveries along the way.

At Christmas, The Savoy really comes alive. The Front Hall and public spaces are decked out in festive decorations. The festive season isn’t just about the decorations. There are special touches everywhere, from seasonal Afternoon Tea to holiday treats and drinks in the bars. New Year’s Eve is a highlight. The hotel throws a glamorous gala inspired by the 1920s, with champagne, entertainment, and a sense of occasion throughout. As midnight approaches, guests can watch London’s famous countdown, with Big Ben chiming and the city lighting up, all from the heart of The Savoy. Visiting at this time also means being close to London’s seasonal sights.

The Savoy has been a go-to spot in London for all kinds of events, from corporate meetings to private parties and family celebrations. The team here helps plan everything, making sure each gathering goes smoothly. For something more personal, there are private dining options, perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion where you want a bit of privacy. Rooms like Mikado and Manhattan offer flexible setups for small to medium groups, while Iolanthe and Sorcerer are ideal for very intimate gatherings. There are also unique experiences such as the Chef’s Table at Savoy Grill, the Savoy Grill Wine Experience Room, and private dining at The River Restaurant. Each space has its own character, whether you’re after a bright, airy room, or a more intimate atmosphere.