Visiting The Savoy Hotel London

[April Harris]

Over the years, if you travel as much as we do, some hotels become more than just somewhere you stay, they become part of your story. For us, The Savoy Hotel London is one of those places. Grand yet welcoming, steeped in history but never stuffy, it’s a hotel we’ve returned to time and again, enjoying each visit even more than the last.

Please note this is not a sponsored post, we have always stayed at The Savoy Hotel London at our own personal expense.

Ten years ago, I wrote here that I had waited my whole life to stay at The Savoy — it had been on my wish list for a very long time – and then, in one of those wonderful coincidences that make you feel as though God might be giving you a knowing wink, we stayed there twice in the space of a single month. Since that first flurry of visits, we’ve returned several times, most recently in October 2025.

Accommodation at The Savoy Hotel London​

On our earliest visits over a decade ago, we stayed in some of the hotel’s more modest rooms. They were beautifully finished, calm and comfortable, and very much in keeping with the Savoy’s understated elegance.

Over time, and on later stays, we’ve been lucky enough to experience more spacious rooms and, most recently, a suite with river views that included a butler (pictured above and below). Each room and suite has been beautiful, well laid out and a pleasure to stay in. The beds are extremely comfortable too.

The History of The Savoy Hotel London​

The Savoy’s history is woven through with artists, performers, politicians and royalty. Figures such as Claude Monet, Noël Coward and Marilyn Monroe were among its guests, while British monarchs and political leaders — including Winston Churchill — returned again and again. It has also been the setting for moments of historical significance, from Marconi’s first radio broadcast between the UK and USA in 1923 to meetings of Winston Churchill’s Cabinet and Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s first appearance as an engaged couple. One of the most famous cocktail bars in the world and the longest surviving cocktail bars in London, the Savoy’s American Bar opened in 1893.

Eating and Drinking at The Savoy​

A wonderful place to soak up the atmosphere of The Savoy Hotel London, The American Bar offers creative cocktails that really are delicious. My favourite is called Since 1986, a tribute to a well-loved, long-serving doorman. This delicious combination of Bacardi White Rum, White Port, Apricot and Lime is refreshing and has a real kick to it. They also serve light meals and snacks – I highly recommend the Lobster Roll! At a minimum of £27 per cocktail and £39 for the aforementioned lobster roll it’s not cheap, however The American Bar at the Savoy is a fun, slightly less expensive way of experiencing the hotel if an overnight stay is not realistic. It gets very busy though, so be sure to make a reservation in advance.

Temporarily closed at the time of writing (January 2026), The Beaufort Bar off The Thames Foyer is another one of my favourite place to enjoy a drink. The Art Deco style makes you feel like you are like stepping back into the era of the Great Gatsby, and while the atmosphere is elegant, it still feels cosy.

The Gallery Restaurant offers all day service, from breakfast to evening meals. I have dined alone here on occasion and always feel very comfortable. Breakfast (pictured above) is wonderful and they also serve the famous Savoy Afternoon Tea. And if popping into the hotel is not practical, you can always pick up coffee and a bite to eat or a treat at Melba, located directly on the corner of Savoy Court just outside the hotel.

There are lots of other dining options at The Savoy Hotel London including Gordon Ramsay’s famous Savoy Grill, The River Restaurant and Michelin-starred Restaurant 1890. We had a wonderful birthday dinner for our son at the Savoy Grill a number of years ago, and have enjoyed two wonderful meals at The River Restaurant more recently.

We love the fish dishes at The River Restaurant, whether we are enjoying a longer multi-course meal or their amazing fish and chips with a glass of champagne before the theatre. The photograph above is of the Mussels my husband enjoyed on our most recent visit when we enjoyed a long, leisurely meal before retiring to the American Bar for a cocktail.

One of My Favourite London Hotels​

The Savoy Hotel London has an unpretentious elegance that makes it everything I love in a hotel. What truly elevates a stay here is the thoughtful, personalised service. From the doorman’s warm welcome to the staff who seem to be able to anticipate your every need, I’m always impressed.

Located in The Strand, the Savoy Hotel is a good base for sightseeing, and it’s only a few minutes’ walk from Covent Garden. The hotel is close to many West End theatres, including The Savoy Theatre – which is literally next door.

You are also near The Coulthard Gallery in Somerset House, famous for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collections as well as visiting exhibitions. I have spent many happy hours here!

While The Savoy is expensive and definitely a treat, I feel it represents good value for money considering its location and the calibre of the accommodation and service. I highly recommend it for a short break, a special celebration, or an intimate weekend away.

This post contains my honest opinions and the advice I give to friends. None of our experiences were gifted and we paid all our own expenses on all occasions. Information is correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of writing, and every effort is made to ensure it remains up to date, however I am not responsible for any changes that may occur post publication or for your experience. Always visit restaurant and venue websites for opening times, their full terms and conditions, and to check prices, availability and payment terms.

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