London's most iconic hotel, The Savoy opened in 1889 and has hosted everyone from Monet to Winston Churchill. The Thames-facing rooms have spectacular views, the American Bar is legendary, and Kaspar's Seafood Bar & Grill overlooks the river. The Savoy combines Edwardian opulence with contemporary luxury.
The Savoy stands on the Strand in central London, one of the capital's most iconic addresses, positioned midway between Covent Garden and the Thames Embankment. The hotel opened in 1889, financed by impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte using proceeds from his Gilbert and Sullivan opera productions, and the original building has been extended and refined over more than a century. Its architecture combines Edwardian grandeur with Art Deco interiors, the latter dating largely from a 1920s renovation and lovingly restored during a three-year refurbishment completed in 2010. The forecourt — famously the only road in Britain where traffic drives on the right — has welcomed guests from Claude Monet and Oscar Wilde to Winston Churchill and Marilyn Monroe. The hotel's 267 rooms and suites divide into Thames-facing and Strand-facing categories; Thames Deluxe rooms command river views stretching to Waterloo Bridge and the South Bank, and rank among the most sought-after hotel rooms in England. Standout amenities include the Savoy Spa, which covers 17,000 square feet and incorporates a 15-metre indoor pool, steam rooms, and a full treatment menu. The fitness centre is open to guests around the clock. Dining centres on the American Bar — regarded as London's oldest surviving cocktail bar, whose menu draws on the 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book — and Kaspar's Seafood Bar and Grill, which occupies the restored Art Deco Thames Foyer space and specialises in sustainably sourced British seafood. The concierge team has deep connections with London's West End theatres and the hotel's dedicated butler service is available to all suite guests. The Embankment Underground station is a three-minute walk, providing fast connections to the City, the West End, and Heathrow via Paddington. The hotel is suited to both leisure and business travellers, with event spaces accommodating up to 500 guests in the River Room and Lancaster Ballroom.
Location
51.5104, -0.1204 View on map
Highlights
- River Thames views
- American Bar
- Art Deco and Edwardian rooms
- Savoy Spa
- Kaspar's restaurant
Tips for visiting
- Reserve Thames-facing rooms as far ahead as possible; they are in high demand year-round and particularly sought-after for New Year's Eve.
- The American Bar accepts walk-in guests early in the evening but fills quickly by 7 pm; same-day reservations are advisable.
- Ask the concierge about complimentary hotel limousine transfers, available within a short local radius on request.
- Check availability for Kaspar's Sunday Roast, which is a popular weekly event and books out quickly.
- Fairmont President's Club membership (free to join) earns points on every stay and can unlock room upgrades at check-in.
Accessibility
The Savoy provides lift access to all guest floors and offers accessible rooms with widened doorways, roll-in showers, and adapted fittings. The main Strand entrance is step-free from the forecourt level. Guests requiring specific mobility accommodations are encouraged to contact the reservations team prior to arrival to confirm suitable room assignment and discuss individual needs.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the dress code at The Savoy?
Smart-casual dress is expected in all public areas, including the American Bar and Kaspar's restaurant. Jackets are not required but beachwear and casual sportswear are not appropriate after midday. The American Bar maintains a slightly more formal ambience in the evenings.
Is The Savoy family-friendly?
The hotel welcomes families, offering interconnecting rooms and suites, children's menus in the restaurants, and a concierge service that can arrange approved babysitting through vetted agencies. The Thames Foyer afternoon tea is particularly popular with families visiting London.
How close is The Savoy to Covent Garden and the West End?
Covent Garden is a five-minute walk from the hotel entrance. Leicester Square and the West End theatre district are approximately ten minutes on foot, and Embankment Underground station is three minutes away, providing District and Circle Line connections.
Does The Savoy have parking?
The hotel does not operate its own car park but has arrangements for valet parking at a nearby facility. The Strand falls within the London Congestion Charge zone, which applies Monday to Friday during daytime hours; guests should factor this into travel planning.