The Classicist: London's Famed Savoy Hotel Back After $350 Million Revamp

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed)
Oct 18th 2010 at 9:02AM

London's renowned Savoy hotel has just reopened following a massive $350 million revamp encompassing one of the most ambitious restorations in British history. The world famous landmark, built by impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte with profits from his Gilbert and Sullivan operas, originally opened in August 1889. Originally managed by Swiss hotelier César Ritz and Maitre Chef Auguste Escoffier, the hotel quickly became known for impeccable service and cuisine as well as glittering parties and famous patrons. Over the decades George Gershwin, Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire and Noel Coward entertained there, while famous guests included King Edward VII, Harry Truman, Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Elizabeth Taylor, Coco Chanel, Bob Dylan, The Beatles and numerous others. The property, now managed by Fairmont, has been closed for nearly three years while the impressive restoration project took shape.

120 years later the hotel's two main design aesthetics, Edwardian and Art Deco, have been carefully revitalized under the direction of world-renowned designer Pierre Yves Rochon. More than 1000 craftspeople, artists and artisans worked tirelessly to create interiors that are in keeping with the hotel's original and much-loved spirit. 38 new River Suites and guestrooms have been added, offering the same stunning views over the River Thames that inspired Whistler and Monet. Nine Personality Suites pay tribute to a few of the artists and well known figures who made the legendary hotel their London home away from home including Sinatra, Maria Callas, Charlie Chaplin and Marlene Dietrich. The suites contain art, literature, photographs and artifacts that evoke the time and spirit of the stars including the 12 pink roses in the Marlene Dietrich Suite that the actress always requested upon arrival.

The reopening also includes the addition of a stately $16,000-per-night, 325-square meter Royal Suite featuring two bedrooms, a study, sitting room, dining room, master bathroom, dressing room (with a specially ventilated shoe closet) and a master bedroom with a bespoke Savoir bed. The suite has been specially designed so that all the rooms enjoy one of the finest views of London. The legendary River Restaurant meanwhile gets a contemporary interpretation of Art Deco décor, and the famed cocktail mecca the American Bar is back in business while Savoy Grill returns under the operation of Gordon Ramsay Holdings with Chef Patron, Stuart Gillies and Head Chef, Andy Cook. [continued]

Gallery: The Savoy Reborn

New to the hotel is The Beaufort Bar, a glamorous Art Deco bar built on the hotel's original cabaret stage that will offer champagne, cocktails and cabaret and Savoy Tea, a bijou teashop selling Savoy tea, accessories and patisserie. Within the Thames Foyer, the re-introduction of a gazebo beneath an ornate glass dome provides the perfect ambience for afternoon tea. The Savoy is also introducing world's first Green Butler. In addition to providing all the traditional 'butler' services such as unpacking and packing (using recycled tissue paper), serving morning coffee and arranging receptions, The Savoy's Green Butler will also have an in-depth knowledge of 'all things green' around London. New technology was added during the renovation work as well ensuring the hotel is now environmentally efficient; even cooking oil from the hotel restaurants will be recycled and turned into biodiesel.

Tags: Art Deco, bar, cocktails, Coco Chanel, Elizabeth Taylor, Fairmont, Fairmont hotels, Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, Gilbert and Sullivan, Gordon Ramsay, hotel, hotel suites, London, luxury hotels, Maria Callas, Marilyn Monroe, Monet, Ritz, Savoy, Savoy hotel, tea, Thames, The Beatles, UK

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Architecture & Design

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Dawn Oct 19th 2010 10:49AM

I thought Chef Holli Uglade winner of Hell's Kitchen was supposed to be the Head Chef here? Are we being bamboozeled?

yogibair87 Oct 19th 2010 5:00PM

There is more than one restaurant in the Savoy. Holli is the head chef of one of them.

joel rambaud Oct 19th 2010 2:02PM

I worked at thre Savoy , long , long time ago , seing the fairmont group in charge is simply like have Mc Donald running it..

Frenchie5344 Oct 19th 2010 9:20PM

$16,000 a night??? What a ripoff.

LillieFaerie Oct 19th 2010 7:47PM

There are hotels that have more expensive suites than that. People who book them can afford it. It's like me, staying at, say, Motel 6. I can afford that, but I will not get the beautiful architecture, history, and fantastic service, nor would I expect it.

Deborah Slavena Oct 19th 2010 9:01PM

$350 million dollars would have fed alot of our homeless men, women & yes, children!! What a waste.

Frenchie5344 Oct 19th 2010 9:25PM

@LILLIEFAERIE, it's still overpriced for stupid reasons. It's a hotel. Who cares about the history, architecture, and service? It's a place to lay your head for godsakes. I bet the beds aren't even worth that much. And, I can name far lesser priced places where you can see history, architecture, and good service while still being satisfied.