The Savoy London Review 2026: Is London’s Most Legendary Hotel Still Worth the Price? An Honest Assessment

The Savoy London review by London Reviews is the most thorough independent assessment available of London’s most legendary luxury hotel.

Last updated: April 27, 2026 — Independently researched and written by the London Reviews editorial team. We do not accept payment from the businesses we review.

Looking for an honest Savoy London review? This is the most thorough independent assessment of The Savoy — London’s most iconic luxury hotel on the Strand at WC2R 0EZ. Below we cover rooms, pricing, afternoon tea, the American Bar, the spa, Thames views, 7,900+ TripAdvisor reviews, comparisons with rival luxury hotels, and our final verdict.

At a Glance

Hotel: The Savoy
Address: Strand, London, WC2R 0EZ
Phone: +44 (0)20 7836 4343
Website: thesavoylondon.com
Built: 1889 (135+ years)
Founder: Richard D’Oyly Carte
Classification: 5-star luxury hotel (AA rated)
Rooms: 267 rooms and suites across Edwardian and Art Deco wings
Managing Director: Franck X Arnold
Owner: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts (Accor group); property owned by Kingdom Holding (Prince Alwalid bin Talal)
Nearest Tube: Embankment (2 min walk), Charing Cross (3 min walk), Temple (5 min walk), Covent Garden (5 min walk)
Restaurants: The Savoy Grill (Gordon Ramsay), Kaspar’s Seafood Bar & Grill, Gallery Restaurant; Simpson’s-in-the-Strand (reopening under Jeremy King, 2026)
Bars: American Bar (London’s oldest surviving cocktail bar), Beaufort Bar
Afternoon Tea: Gallery (from ~£90pp)
Spa: BEAUTY AND FITNESS spa — pool, sauna, steam room, gym (24-hour), treatments
Pool: Indoor swimming pool
Room Prices: From approximately £500/night (standard) to £15,000+/night (Royal Suite)
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5 (7,906 reviews)
Unique Feature: Only luxury hotel on the River Thames
Famous Guests: Claude Monet, James McNeill Whistler, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Marilyn Monroe, Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde, Charlie Chaplin
Filming: Numerous film and TV appearances
Renovation: Phased refurbishment of rooms and suites (2025–2027, by G.A Group)
Loyalty Programme: Fairmont President’s Club (free to join)
Pet-Friendly: Dogs welcome (contact hotel directly)

---

Introduction: Why We Chose The Savoy

After reviewing a City dentist, a Wandsworth dental practice, a Covent Garden hair salon, a Clapham luxury gym, London’s most famous Indian restaurant, and Shoreditch’s most extraordinary arts venue, we wanted our seventh review to tackle the category that generates more search traffic than any other: hotels. And in London, one hotel stands above all others — not necessarily as the most expensive or the most exclusive, but as the most storied.

The Savoy has existed since 1889. Monet painted the Thames from its windows. César Ritz was its manager before being sacked for fraud and opening his own hotel. The American Bar — London’s oldest surviving cocktail bar — gave the world The Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930. Stephen Fry was first through the door when it reopened in 2010 after a three-year, £220 million restoration. The hotel has 7,906 TripAdvisor reviews. The waiting list for afternoon tea stretches weeks into the future.

Yet The Savoy is not without criticism. Some rooms feel dated (a phased renovation is underway through 2027). The prices provoke genuine debate. The concierge, according to one detailed comparison with Claridge’s, doesn’t always match the competition’s attentiveness. This Savoy London review examines everything — the rooms, the restaurants, the bars, the spa, the history, and the honest shortcomings — to answer the question every potential guest asks: is it still worth it?

---

Location & Getting There

The Savoy sits on the Strand, between Covent Garden and the Thames — arguably the most desirable hotel location in Central London.

By Tube: Embankment station (District, Circle, Northern, and Bakerloo lines) is approximately two minutes’ walk. Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines, plus National Rail) is three minutes. Temple (District and Circle lines) and Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) are both around five minutes on foot.

By Train: Charing Cross station is a three-minute walk and provides National Rail services to south-east England. Waterloo, with Eurostar connections, is a short taxi ride across the river.

By Taxi: The Savoy is the only London building where traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road — the short forecourt driveway was designed this way so passengers could alight from the correct side of horse-drawn carriages. It’s a small detail, but it tells you everything about how this hotel thinks.

Nearby: Covent Garden’s theatres, shops, and restaurants are steps away. The National Gallery and Trafalgar Square are a five-minute walk. The Thames embankment — with views toward the South Bank, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament — runs directly below the hotel. The Royal Opera House, Somerset House, and the Courtauld Gallery are all within comfortable walking distance.

Why the Location Matters: The Savoy is the only luxury hotel in London directly on the River Thames. River-view rooms — painted by Monet and Whistler — offer a panorama stretching from Canary Wharf to Big Ben. Time Out described the view as “awe-inspiring.” For many guests, these Thames views are the single most compelling reason to book The Savoy over its Mayfair competitors.

---

First Impressions & Atmosphere

Arriving at The Savoy feels like an event. The right-hand-drive forecourt, the uniformed doormen, the revolving doors into the lobby — it’s theatrical in the best sense. One TripAdvisor reviewer described it as making you “feel like a film star.” Another, a repeat guest, confessed to being “convinced they pump something into the air to get you hooked.”

The lobby is warm, inviting, and immaculately maintained. Staff greet guests by name where possible — a touch that multiple reviewers highlight as distinguishing The Savoy from more impersonal luxury hotels. The architecture blends Edwardian grandeur with Art Deco precision, a duality that runs through the entire hotel and gives it a character that is neither wholly traditional nor wholly modern.

Time Out described the hotel as “an icon and an institution” — “a grand, vast, irregular warren of bedrooms, ballrooms, bars, boutiques and corridors.” That sense of scale is real. The Savoy is not a small, intimate boutique hotel. It’s a 267-room institution that has been operating for 135 years, and it wears that history confidently.

---

Rooms & Suites: Edwardian vs Art Deco

The Savoy has 267 rooms and suites split across two architecturally distinct wings — and the wing you choose will shape your entire experience.

The Edwardian Wing (closest to the Strand) is warm, traditionally English, and rich with period detail — cream and gold tones, classic proportions, and a sense of restrained, old-world luxury. This is the wing for guests who want The Savoy to feel like stepping back in time.

The Art Deco Wing is sharper, more graphic, more dramatic — dark wood, dove grey tones, subtle flourishes of red-orange leather and brassy gold. Time Out described it as “an updated take on the classic Edwardian townhouse style, with a touch of art deco.” This wing tends to appeal to guests who prefer a more contemporary feel within a historic setting.

The River View: This is the single most consequential booking decision. River-facing rooms offer the Thames panorama painted by Monet and Whistler — a view stretching from Canary Wharf to Big Ben, taking in the City, Tate Modern, the National Theatre, the London Eye, Cleopatra’s Needle, and Parliament. River-view rooms have the highest ceilings, window seats, and full-length plate glass. They cost more. They are worth it.

Renovation Note (2025–2027): A phased refurbishment by design studio G.A Group is currently underway. The first newly renovated rooms became available from mid-2025, with the programme continuing through 2027. Depending on your booking date and category, you may receive a renovated or unrenovated room. If this matters — and it should — call the hotel directly and ask.

Room Categories: Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Junior Suite, One-Bedroom Suite, Speciality Suite, Two-Bedroom Suite, and the Royal Suite. Butler service is available for suite guests.

---

Dining & Bars

The Savoy houses four restaurants and two bars, each with a distinct character:

The Savoy Grill — Gordon Ramsay’s outpost at The Savoy. Classic British and French cuisine in an Art Deco dining room. Expect traditional grill dishes, tableside carving, and prices that reflect the setting and the name.

Kaspar’s Seafood Bar & Grill — Named after Kaspar the cat, a carved wooden feline that has sat at tables to make up a fourteenth guest since the 1920s (avoiding the bad luck of dining thirteen). Seafood-focused, with Thames views.

Gallery Restaurant — The most accessible dining option. A glass atrium with live pianist, serving breakfast, lunch, and the hotel’s celebrated afternoon tea.

Simpson’s-in-the-Strand — One of Britain’s oldest restaurants, predating The Savoy by half a century. Due to reopen in 2026 under restaurateur Jeremy King (previously responsible for The Ivy, Le Caprice, and The Wolseley).

The American Bar — London’s oldest surviving cocktail bar, and previously named the world’s best. Art Deco accents, live piano, and cocktails served in a room that invented the format. Harry Craddock arrived here in 1920 fleeing US Prohibition and compiled The Savoy Cocktail Book — 750 recipes, still in print.

Beaufort Bar — Black-and-gold, nightlife-oriented, with a more contemporary cocktail programme. Where the American Bar is old-school sophistication, the Beaufort is glamorous edge.

One TripAdvisor reviewer summarised it neatly: dinner for three at Gallery came to £250. This is not a hotel where you dine on a whim — but the quality, by most accounts, justifies the occasion.

---

Afternoon Tea at The Savoy

Afternoon tea at The Savoy is served in the Gallery Restaurant and costs approximately £90 per person. The setting — a glass atrium with a live pianist — is one of the finest afternoon tea rooms in London.

The menu includes finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and pastries from a kitchen that takes the format seriously. Multiple TripAdvisor reviewers describe it as “simply superb” and “the epitome of excellence.”

At £90 per person, you’re paying for the room and the ritual as much as the food. If that trade appeals, it’s worth every pound. Book two to three weeks ahead for weekends — availability fills quickly.

---

Spa & Fitness

The Savoy’s BEAUTY AND FITNESS spa includes an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and treatment rooms offering aromatherapy, massages, and hydrotherapy. The gym operates 24 hours and is well-equipped for a hotel fitness centre. Complimentary bicycle rentals are also available — a pleasant surprise for guests wanting to explore the Thames path or nearby parks.

---

Pricing & Value for Money

There is no gentle way to address this: The Savoy is expensive. For The Savoy London Review, the key question is whether the price is justified — and the honest answer depends on what you choose and when you book.

Indicative Room Rates (2026): Standard rooms from approximately £500 per night. Junior suites from approximately £800. One-bedroom suites from approximately £1,500. Speciality and royal suites from £5,000 to £15,000+.

Afternoon Tea: Approximately £90 per person.

American Bar cocktails: Approximately £20–£25 per drink.

Dinner: Approximately £80–£120 per person at the Savoy Grill; £60–£90 at Gallery or Kaspar’s.

What Guests Say About Value: TripAdvisor reviews are divided. The majority describe The Savoy as “worth every penny” and “the epitome of excellence.” A significant minority question whether the price represents genuine value compared to competitors — particularly noting that some unrenovated rooms feel dated for the cost, and that the concierge service doesn’t always match Claridge’s or The Connaught.

Our Assessment: The Savoy is a once-or-twice-in-a-lifetime experience for most people, and judged on that basis, it delivers. The river views alone are unmatched. The American Bar is a London institution. The service, at its best, is genuinely exceptional. But at £500+ per night, guests have every right to expect perfection — and the ongoing renovation means not every room currently meets that standard. Our advice: call the hotel directly, confirm you’ll receive a renovated room, and request a river view. That combination is The Savoy at its finest.

---

What Guests Actually Say: Review Analysis

TripAdvisor

Rating: 4.5/5 | Volume: 7,906 reviews

The overwhelming majority of reviews are glowing. Guests praise the staff (frequently named individually — Josh at the American Bar, Tony, Genci, Kayleigh, Georgina, Isaac, Belinda, and Robyn all receive specific mentions), the river views, the lobby, the American Bar, and the sense of occasion. The managing director, Franck X Arnold, personally responds to reviews — a detail that signals genuine engagement with guest feedback.

Hotels.com

Tone: Positive

Hotels.com highlights the helpful staff, proximity to Trafalgar Square, free WiFi, four restaurants, and two bars. Guests consistently praise the American Bar and breakfast.

Time Out

Tone: Highly positive

Time Out described The Savoy as offering “the very best in luxury, legacy and location,” calling the Thames view “awe-inspiring” and praising the recently refurbished rooms. They noted the clear commitment to sourcing sustainable, ethical, predominantly British ingredients across all restaurants.

Specialist Press

DineWithJP published a detailed paid-stay review describing The Savoy as “one of the very few hotels in the world where the building performs for you, not the other way around.” The review praised the American Bar, the room design, and the hotel’s confident relationship with its own history — whilst noting that the concierge service didn’t quite match the competition.

---

What Guests Love Most (Positive Themes)

1. The Thames View Nothing else competes. River-facing rooms offer a panorama that Monet considered worth painting repeatedly. Multiple reviewers describe sleeping with the curtains open to avoid missing the view. This is The Savoy’s single greatest asset.

2. The American Bar London’s oldest cocktail bar lives up to its reputation. Reviewers describe the cocktails as “superb,” the atmosphere as having “real atmosphere,” and individual bartenders — particularly Josh — by name. The live piano adds to the sense of occasion.

3. Staff Who Remember Your Name Across 7,906 TripAdvisor reviews, the consistency of praise for individual staff members is striking. Guests don’t just say “the staff were good” — they name specific people, describe specific acts of kindness, and return specifically to see the same team members. Repeat guests describe The Savoy as “my hotel” rather than “a hotel.”

4. The Sense of Occasion Multiple reviewers describe feeling “like royalty” from the moment of arrival. The right-hand-drive forecourt, the uniformed doormen, the handwritten birthday notes, the complimentary cake — these touches transform a hotel stay into an event.

5. Afternoon Tea Consistently described as “simply superb” and among the finest in London. The Gallery setting with its glass atrium and live pianist creates an experience that justifies the £90 price tag for most guests.

6. The Renovation (Newly Refurbished Rooms) Guests who receive renovated rooms describe them as “fresh, bright, and immaculate.” The G.A Group refresh has modernised the aesthetic whilst preserving the historical character — a balance that many hotel renovations fail to achieve.

7. Location Steps from Covent Garden, five minutes from Trafalgar Square, directly above the Thames embankment. The Savoy’s position at the intersection of theatreland, the Strand, and the river is practically unbeatable for Central London access.

---

Areas for Consideration (Constructive Feedback)

1. Unrenovated Rooms Feel Dated The phased renovation (2025–2027) means some rooms have been refreshed and some haven’t. Guests in unrenovated rooms — particularly bathrooms — note that they don’t feel consistent with a £500+/night price point. One TripAdvisor reviewer noted the “bathroom/shower could do with some modernisation” and described the shower as “a bit small.” This is the most significant current criticism.

2. External Renovation Noise Multiple reviewers mention noise from renovation works. One guest noted they “could have been warned” about construction noise outside their window. For a hotel charging these rates, proactive communication about ongoing works is reasonable to expect.

3. Concierge Service Inconsistency A detailed TripAdvisor comparison between The Savoy and Claridge’s described the Savoy concierge as showing “a lack of general knowledge and experience” compared to Claridge’s team, who were described as “always one step ahead.” Another guest reported the concierge promising priority seating and complimentary champagne at Simpson’s, neither of which materialised.

4. Pricing Provokes Genuine Debate Whilst the majority consider The Savoy worth the cost, a meaningful minority question the value — particularly when unrenovated rooms, external noise, or inconsistent service are factored in. At £500+ per night, guests rightly expect flawlessness.

5. Spa Could Be Stronger The same Claridge’s comparison rated Claridge’s spa as superior. Several reviewers describe The Savoy’s pool as pleasant but not exceptional by five-star standards. The spa is functional rather than memorable.

---

Who Is The Savoy Best For?

✅ Anyone celebrating a milestone — birthdays, anniversaries, engagements. The Savoy turns occasions into memories.
✅ Theatre-goers — Covent Garden and the West End are steps away
✅ Cocktail enthusiasts — the American Bar is a pilgrimage
✅ Guests who prioritise river views — no London hotel matches the Thames panorama
✅ Those who value personalised service — staff who learn your name and remember your preferences
✅ History and architecture lovers — 135 years of stories in every corridor
✅ International visitors wanting an iconic London experience — The Savoy is London, distilled

It may be less suitable for:

⚠️ Budget-conscious travellers (rooms start at £500/night)
⚠️ Guests who prioritise spa facilities above all else (Claridge’s and The Connaught may be stronger)
⚠️ Those sensitive to construction noise (renovation ongoing through 2027)
⚠️ Guests expecting uniformly modern rooms (unrenovated rooms remain until refurbishment completes)

---

How The Savoy Compares to Rival Hotels

Verdict: The Savoy wins on river views (unique among London’s grand hotels), pool (neither Claridge’s, The Ritz, nor The Connaught has one), and the American Bar. Claridge’s edges it on spa, concierge, and food. The Ritz offers stronger afternoon tea value. The Connaught is more intimate and design-forward. The Savoy’s distinguishing quality is scale and story — no hotel in London carries more history per square foot.

---

A Brief History: 135 Years of The Savoy

1889: Richard D’Oyly Carte opens The Savoy, funded by profits from Gilbert and Sullivan operettas at the adjacent Savoy Theatre. It features electric lighting, electric lifts, and en-suite bathrooms — all firsts for a London hotel.

1889–1898: César Ritz serves as General Manager and Auguste Escoffier as head chef. Escoffier creates Pêches Melba and Melba Toast during his tenure. Both are sacked in 1898 for fraud and embezzlement. Ritz opens his own hotel the same year.

1899–1904: Claude Monet stays at The Savoy repeatedly, painting the Thames from his window. The resulting series of paintings are now among the most celebrated Impressionist works.

1920: Harry Craddock arrives at the American Bar, fleeing US Prohibition. He compiles The Savoy Cocktail Book (1930) — 750 recipes, still in print.

2007–2010: The Savoy closes for its first comprehensive restoration — a three-year, £220 million project. It reopens at exactly 10:10am on 10 October 2010. Stephen Fry is first through the door.

2025–2027: Phased room refurbishment by G.A Group brings rooms and suites into the modern era whilst preserving historical character.

---

How to Book

Step 1: Visit thesavoylondon.com or call +44 (0)20 7836 4343
Step 2: Choose your wing (Edwardian or Art Deco) and view preference (river or Strand)
Step 3: Call directly to confirm whether your room has been renovated (2025–2027 refurbishment)
Step 4: Join Fairmont President’s Club (free) for benefits including complimentary WiFi and potential upgrades
Step 5: Book afternoon tea 2–3 weeks in advance for weekends

Guest Checklist:

• Request a river-view room — this is the single best decision you can make
• Ask whether your room is renovated or unrenovated
• Mention any celebrations — the team are known for personalised touches
• Visit the American Bar — book or arrive early for the best seats
• Bring your dog if applicable — pets are welcome (confirm when booking)

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a room at The Savoy London hotel cost per night in 2026? Standard rooms start from approximately £500 per night. Junior suites from approximately £800. One-bedroom suites from approximately £1,500. Speciality suites and the Royal Suite range from £5,000 to £15,000+ per night. Prices vary by season, demand, and room type.

Is afternoon tea at The Savoy London worth the price and how much does it cost? Afternoon tea costs approximately £90 per person and is served in the Gallery Restaurant with a live pianist. The majority of guests describe it as “simply superb” and among the finest in London. Book two to three weeks ahead for weekend availability.

What is the difference between The Savoy’s Edwardian and Art Deco wings in London? The Edwardian wing (closest to the Strand) is warm, traditionally English, with cream and gold tones. The Art Deco wing is sharper and more contemporary — dark wood, dove grey, with brassy gold accents. Both wings contain standard rooms through to suites. Your preference depends on whether you favour classic or modern aesthetics.

Can you visit The Savoy’s American Bar in London without being a hotel guest? Yes. The American Bar is open to non-guests. Reservations are available for in-house guests only; walk-in policy applies for external visitors. Arrive early for the best seats, particularly at weekends.

Is The Savoy London hotel better than Claridge’s for a luxury stay? Both are exceptional. The Savoy wins on Thames views (unique), pool (Claridge’s has none), and the American Bar. Claridge’s edges it on spa, concierge service, and food. The Savoy suits those who prioritise views and history; Claridge’s suits those who prioritise intimacy and service perfection.

Does The Savoy London hotel have a swimming pool and spa? Yes. The BEAUTY AND FITNESS spa includes an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, and treatment rooms. The gym operates 24 hours. Complimentary bicycle rentals are also available.

What is the nearest Tube station to The Savoy hotel on the Strand in London? Embankment station (District, Circle, Northern, and Bakerloo lines) is approximately two minutes’ walk. Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines, plus National Rail) is three minutes. Covent Garden (Piccadilly line) is five minutes.

Is The Savoy London hotel dog-friendly and can I bring my pet? Yes. The Savoy welcomes dogs. Contact the hotel directly when booking to confirm arrangements and any applicable fees.

---

London Reviews Verdict on The Savoy London Review

In The Savoy London Review by London Reviews, our overall conclusion is as follows. The Savoy is not merely a hotel. It is a 135-year argument that London hospitality, at its finest, is unsurpassed anywhere in the world.

The Thames view from a river-facing room is, quite simply, the best hotel view in London. The American Bar — where Harry Craddock mixed cocktails for a city recovering from Prohibition by proxy — remains one of the great rooms in the capital. The staff, judged across 7,906 TripAdvisor reviews, deliver a consistency of personalised service that borders on extraordinary. And the building itself — from the right-hand-drive forecourt to the marble lobby to the labyrinthine corridors — carries its history with a confidence that never tips into arrogance.

It isn’t perfect. Some rooms need the renovation they’re currently receiving. The concierge doesn’t always match Claridge’s gold standard. The prices will make your eyes water. And the spa, whilst pleasant, isn’t the reason to book.

But perfection isn’t really the point. The Savoy exists to make you feel that the evening has real stakes, that the morning light on the Thames matters, that a well-made cocktail in a room with a hundred years of stories is worth more than its price in pounds. On that measure — and it is the only measure that truly counts — The Savoy succeeds magnificently.

Book a river-view room. Ask for the renovated wing. Visit the American Bar on your first evening. Sleep with the curtains open. You won’t regret it.

---

Related London Reviews

• Bow Lane Dental Group Review — City of London Dentist
• The Neem Tree Dental Practice Review — Wandsworth Dentist
• Brooks and Brooks Salon Review — Covent Garden Hairdresser
• Third Space Clapham Junction Review — Luxury Gym
• Dishoom King’s Cross Review — Indian Restaurant
• Shoreditch Town Hall Review — Theatre & Arts Venue
• More hotel reviews in London
• Other Strand business reviews
• Submit your own review

Summary: Our Savoy London Review

---

Disclaimer:  London Reviews has not received payment or sponsorship from The Savoy. All opinions expressed are our own editorial assessment based on verifiable data. Room prices, restaurant menus, and availability may change — always confirm directly with the hotel.

---

Have you stayed at The Savoy, visited the American Bar, or enjoyed afternoon tea? Share your experience in the comments below or submit your own review to help fellow Londoners and visitors make informed choices.