The Savoy: Back to its best!
What do Coco Chanel, Whistler, Winston Churchill, Manet and Marilyn Monroe have in common ? They have all, at some point or other, taken up residence at London’s reigning hotel, The Savoy. More a myth than a hotel, the legendary Savoy is well and truly back to its best after 3 long years of refurbishments !
The myth lives on…
It is without a doubt the most ambitious hotel refurbishment in British history, but the stakes were high… : the aim was to give the hotel, that had welcomed members of Royalty, world leaders and screen and stage legends as its guests, back its sparkle and let its myth live on. The Savoy, with its electric lighting and lifts and speaking-tubes connecting the rooms with the valet, maid and floor waiter, as well as to other parts of the hotel, was London’s first luxury hotel. Perhaps more surprisingly, it was also the first hotel to introduce en-suite rooms…The ‘Savoy bathroom’ became synonymous with cascading showers and quick-filling baths and set a precedence for top of the range personal hygiene facilities that inspired the entire hotel industry. With the Savoy a myth was born, a myth that catered to every whim of its illustrious guests.
Although César Ritz and Auguste Escoffier, the most famous chef of his time, were among the first distinguished clients, we are soon reminded of such guests as Sarah Bernhardt, Whistler and Monet, as well as Oscar Wilde, Josephine Baker, the Beatles and Bob Dylan, all of whose works were, at one point or another, inspired by the views from the Savoy. But the Strand residence was not ready to enter the 21st Century without making some drastic changes and so on the 15th December 2007 the hotel shut for the first time in its history to undergo a complete refurbishment, not to reopen until the 10th October 2010. A risk, but also a fantastic opportunity to regain its rightful place in the hearts of London’s residents.
The Savoy in 2011
Without a doubt The Savoy of 2011 does not disappoint. Although its vintage feel remains, the clever combination of English Edwardian and Art Deco, decorative mouldings, woodwork and original accessories, all wonderfully preserved and integrated into the hotel’s design scheme is certainly appreciated. The use of exquisite materials and fabrics such as Italian linens, marble floors, Murano glass chandeliers and silk wall hangings ensure that the architectural beauty of the place is extended even to the guest rooms and suites. The quintessential service offered is illustrated by the amenities provided in each suite ; 24-hour butler service, unpacking service on arrival and packing service on departure, complimentary clothes pressing service upon arrival, seasonal fruits, fresh-cut flowers and mineral water provided on a daily basis. The Savoy certainly belongs with the best in terms of personal service: and what is more, this is all provided with careful consideration to the environmental impact since the hotel has invested more than £2.4 million in sustainable development and renewable energy. Who could ask for more ?
Elsewhere, the River Restaurant with its new Art Deco design and exquisite chef and the Savoy GrillRestaurant, undoubtedly one of London’s most legendary eateries since Sir Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde, Frank Sinatra and Her Majesty the Queen Mother dined on grilled porterhouse steak there. The American Bar, the meeting place in London, is also worth a special mention. The Savoy of 2011 exceeds even the highest of expectations and its legendary address means its reputation is safe.
