Savoy Hotel

The Savoy Hotel

Company type	Private
Industry	Hospitality
Founded	August 6, 1889 (1889-08-06) in London, England
Founder	Richard D'Oyly Carte
Headquarters	London , England, United Kingdom
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Rupert D'Oyly Carte (former chairman), César Ritz (former manager), Auguste Escoffier (former chef)
Products	Luxury hotel services, accommodations, dining
Owner	Fairmont Hotels and Resorts
Website	www.fairmont.com/savoy-london/

The Savoy Hotel is a luxury hotel situated on the Strand within the City of Westminster, central London. Conceived by impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte using earnings from his successful Gilbert and Sullivan operas, it officially opened its doors on 6 August 1889. This marked the inauguration of the Savoy group of hotels and restaurants, which remained under the Carte family’s ownership for more than a hundred years. The Savoy was pioneering in Britain as the first hotel to feature full electric lighting, electric elevators, bathrooms in most guest rooms, and uninterrupted hot and cold running water. Carte enlisted César Ritz as the hotel's manager and appointed Auguste Escoffier as chef de cuisine, establishing new benchmarks in hospitality, entertainment, and gourmet cuisine that attracted an elite clientele including royalty.

This establishment became Carte’s most lucrative enterprise. Its musical ensembles, notably the Savoy Orpheans and the Savoy Havana Band, earned widespread acclaim. The hotel also hosted numerous renowned performers such as George Gershwin, Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, and Noël Coward. Distinguished guests included figures like Edward VII, Oscar Wilde, Enrico Caruso, Charlie Chaplin, Babe Ruth, Harry Truman, Joan Crawford, Judy Garland, John Wayne, Laurence Olivier, Marilyn Monroe, Humphrey Bogart, Elizabeth Taylor, Barbra Streisand, Bob Dylan, and the Beatles. Additionally, Winston Churchill frequently convened cabinet lunches at the venue.

Currently operated by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, the Savoy is widely recognized as "London's most famous hotel". It provides 267 guest accommodations offering sweeping views of the River Thames across Savoy Place and the Thames Embankment. The structure itself holds protected status as a Grade II listed building.

Site

The ruling dynasty known as the House of Savoy traces its lineage to Humbert I, Count of Sabaudia (also called "Maurienne"), who assumed the countship in 1032. The name "Sabaudia" gradually transformed into "Savoy" (or "Savoie"). In 1246, Peter (deceased 1268), who was the maternal uncle to Queen Eleanor of Provence—the consort to King Henry III—accompanied her to London.

King Henry III granted Peter the title of Earl of Richmond along with land stretching between the Strand and the River Thames. On this land, Peter constructed the grandiose Savoy Palace in 1263. Subsequently, he donated both palace and manor to the Congregation of Canons of the Great Saint Bernard, establishing what became known as the "Great Hospital of St Bernard de Monte Jovis in Savoy". Later on, Queen Eleanor acquired ownership of this manor and bestowed it upon her son, Edmund, Earl of Lancaster. The estate was eventually inherited by Edmund’s great-granddaughter, Blanche. Her husband, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, erected an impressive palace on this site which was later destroyed during the 1381 uprising known as the Peasants' Revolt by supporters of Wat Tyler. At that time, young King Richard II was still a child while John of Gaunt effectively governed England, making him a prime target for rebel forces.

Around 1505, King Henry VII initiated plans to establish a hospital for impoverished individuals on the ruins of the former palace. This institution was funded and received official approval by 1512. It comprised dormitories, dining facilities, and chapels but endured centuries marked by poor administration. The historian Stow criticized its exploitation by "loiterers" and "vagabonds". The hospital was ultimately dissolved in 1702; thereafter its buildings were repurposed and partially utilized as a military prison during the eighteenth century. Demolition during the nineteenth century cleared space for new developments.

In 1864 a fire ravaged all structures on the site except for stone walls and the surviving Savoy Chapel. The location remained undeveloped until impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte purchased it in 1880 with plans to construct the Savoy Theatre dedicated to staging productions by Gilbert and Sullivan.

Early years

Motivated by the opulence of American hotels, Carte set out to establish a luxury hotel in Britain that would appeal to both domestic and international guests. The Savoy opened its doors in 1889, with architect Thomas Edward Collcutt responsible for its design. Its name paid homage to the site's historical background. Among the investors were Carte’s family members and prominent individuals such as Carl Rosa, George Grossmith, François Cellier, George Edwardes, Augustus Harris, and Fanny Ronalds. Composer Sir Arthur Sullivan also held shares and served on the board.

The hotel was built on a plot adjacent to the Savoy Theatre, originally acquired for an electrical generator—the first public structure in London to be fully illuminated by electricity. The funding primarily came from the success of the Gilbert and Sullivan collaborations, especially The Mikado. The Savoy was a pioneer in Britain, being the first hotel equipped with electric lighting and elevators. It featured modern conveniences such as en-suite marble bathrooms with hot and cold running water in most of its 268 rooms, glazed brickwork designed to withstand London's polluted atmosphere, and its own artesian well.

Despite an initially positive reception, the hotel began incurring losses within six months. To address this, the board replaced the original management with César Ritz, who would later establish the Ritz Hotel. Ritz recruited chef Auguste Escoffier and maître d'hôtel Louis Echenard, assembling a talented team that elevated the Savoy’s standing. Their leadership attracted affluent patrons including the Prince of Wales, and the hotel became renowned for its sophisticated cuisine. This turnaround allowed Carte to expand his portfolio with additional luxury hotels.

Although Ritz achieved significant improvements, he remained involved in other European enterprises and was seen as less dedicated to the Savoy. In 1897, Ritz and his associates were dismissed amid accusations of financial misconduct involving missing wine and spirits valued at over £3,400, as well as Escoffier accepting gifts from suppliers. Contrary to later narratives suggesting Ritz resigned voluntarily, company auditors and legal advisors recommended termination for "gross negligence" and mismanagement. Ritz threatened legal proceedings but was persuaded against pursuing them to prevent public scandal; these details remained confidential until 1985.

In 1898, the Savoy group expanded by acquiring Simpson's-in-the-Strand. The following year, Carte appointed M. Joseph—formerly proprietor of Paris’s Marivaux Restaurant—as maître d'hôtel. In 1900, George Reeves-Smith was named managing director of the group, a position he retained until 1941.

Following Richard D'Oyly Carte’s passing in 1901, his son Rupert D'Oyly Carte assumed chairmanship in 1903. He oversaw significant expansions including new east and west wings and shifted the main entrance to Savoy Court off the Strand. These developments introduced steel frame construction techniques to London hotels. The Savoy also launched Britain’s first serviced apartments offering full hotel services, attracting long-term residents such as Sarah Bernhardt and Sir Thomas Dewar. The hotel hosted notable events like George A. Kessler’s 1905 "Gondola Party," which featured elaborate Venetian-themed festivities.

Rupert D'Oyly Carte commissioned a custom luxury bed—the Savoy Bed or No. 2 Bed—with ticking design credited to his stepmother, Helen Carte. In 1924, the hotel acquired James Edwards Limited, the manufacturer of this bed. This company evolved into Savoir Beds in 1997 but continues producing beds exclusively for the Savoy.

An interesting historical note: in 1899, Guccio Gucci worked at the Savoy as a luggage porter before founding his renowned fashion brand in 1921.

1913 to WWII

Following Helen Carte's passing in 1913, control of the hotel group passed to Rupert D'Oyly Carte as the principal shareholder. In 1919, he divested the Grand Hotel in Rome, which his father had acquired in 1894. For the Savoy, he appointed chef François Latry, who remained in service from 1919 until 1942. Throughout the 1920s, Rupert undertook modernization efforts at the Savoy to retain its elite clientele. He introduced dancing in spacious dining areas and implemented pioneering features such as air conditioning, steam heating, soundproof windows, round-the-clock room service, and telephones installed in every bathroom. The hotel also produced its own mattresses internally. A significant incident during this era was the 1923 shooting of Prince Fahmy Bey by his wife at the premises; she was found not guilty due to evidence of mistreatment.

Up until the 1930s, the Savoy group refrained from advertising; however, under Carte and Reeves-Smith's leadership, they initiated international promotional campaigns aimed at markets including the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Europe. Hugh Wontner joined as Reeves-Smith’s assistant in 1938 and ascended to managing director by 1941.

During World War II, Wontner confronted numerous obstacles such as bomb damage, rationing limitations, workforce shortages, and a decline in foreign visitors. Business improved after America entered the war as the hotel attracted U.S. officers, diplomats, and correspondents. The Savoy became a central meeting place for wartime figures—Winston Churchill frequently held cabinet luncheons there; regular Grill Room guests included Lord Mountbatten, Charles de Gaulle, Jan Masaryk, and General Wavell. The hotel’s air-raid shelters were regarded as among London’s most sophisticated. Additionally, Wontner collaborated with government regulations by helping to implement a five-shilling cap on restaurant meal prices.

1946–2007

Post-World War II, the Savoy Group encountered a major staff strike following the dismissal of a waiter, which led to a governmental investigation. Despite this turmoil, the hotel continued to be a magnet for celebrities. In 1946, Wontner founded "The Savoy Management Scheme," a hospitality training program that operated for half a century. During Rupert D'Oyly Carte's tenure as chairman, notable personnel included general manager Wyllie Adolf Hofflin (1941–1960) and head chef August Laplanche (1946–1965). After Carte’s death in 1948, his daughter Bridget declined the chairmanship but accepted the vice-chair role; meanwhile, Wontner became chairman and managing director—the first individual since founder Richard D'Oyly Carte to hold both positions simultaneously. Wontner remained managing director until 1979, chairman until 1984, and president until 1992.

To mark Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, the Savoy hosted an extravagant Coronation Ball attended by approximately 1,400 guests including Hollywood celebrities and members of royalty. The celebration featured opulent decorations orchestrated under Bridget D'Oyly Carte’s guidance with artistic contributions from Cecil Beaton and Ninette de Valois; cabaret performances were directed by Laurence Olivier, Noël Coward, and John Mills.

Under Wontner’s stewardship, Silvino Trompetto became the first British head chef at the Savoy (1965–1980). Giles Shepard succeeded Wontner as managing director (1979–1994), successfully fending off Charles Forte’s takeover bid during the 1980s despite Forte acquiring majority shares. Shepard introduced competitive remuneration for staff, expanded global marketing efforts, and oversaw centenary festivities. Ramón Pajares served as managing director from 1994 until 1999. Throughout this period, the Savoy maintained its status as a premier venue attracting film stars, business executives, and political figures.

Bridget D'Oyly Carte died without heirs in 1985, bringing her family line to an end. In 1998, The Blackstone Group acquired ownership of the Savoy hotel group. Quinlan Private purchased it in 2004 and subsequently sold the Savoy hotel along with Simpson's-In-The-Strand restaurant eight months later for approximately £250 million to Al-Waleed bin Talal; his affiliate Fairmont Hotels and Resorts manages these properties. Quinlan retained other hotels under the Maybourne Hotel Group brand.

2010 Renovation to Present Day

The Savoy closed its doors in December 2007 to undergo an extensive refurbishment initially estimated at £100 million. During this period, the hotel auctioned off 3,000 items of its iconic furnishings and memorabilia. Due to structural challenges and system upgrades, the reopening was postponed until October 2010, with total expenses escalating to £220 million, largely because of significant façade reinforcement. The redesign focused on enhancing energy efficiency, reducing electricity consumption by roughly half, while also boosting recycling and reuse initiatives.

Among the updates was the creation of the Thames Foyer, which features a winter garden gazebo beneath a stained-glass dome—previously concealed since World War II—now hosting late-night dining and the hotel's renowned afternoon tea. Additional additions include Savoy Tea, a newly established teashop and patisserie; a rooftop fitness gallery enclosed in glass housing a pool, gym, and spa located above the Savoy Theatre; and the Beaufort Bar, boasting an Art Deco black-and-gold interior that offers nightly cabaret performances. The River Restaurant (currently Kaspar's) preserves its Art Deco design, while the American Bar remains largely intact. Guest accommodations showcase a blend of Edwardian décor on the Thames-facing side and Art Deco style on the Strand side, maintaining original built-in wardrobes and cabinetry. Butler service was reinstated as part of the luxury offerings. Culinary operations at the Savoy Grill are led by Gordon Ramsay along with Chef Director Stuart Gillies and Head Chef Andy Cook. Six private dining rooms pay tribute to Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Near the American Bar, a small museum displays rotating exhibits from the hotel's archives. Guests can also embark on champagne river cruises departing from the hotel’s private pier.

The refurbishment received favorable reviews: The Daily Telegraph remarked that "The Savoy is still The Savoy, only better," emphasizing tranquil rooms designed around guest comfort. The Guardian praised personalized service, the Savoy Tea experience, afternoon tea within the Thames Foyer, and the Beaufort Bar’s ambiance, though it found the spa somewhat lacking. Despite such acclaim, the Savoy Grill lost its Michelin star and reopened to mixed reactions. Three years after reopening, owners reported underwhelming financial results that threatened potential closure. In 2014, celebrating its 125th anniversary, The Savoy earned positive coverage from the London Evening Standard.

Distinguished Visitors

Throughout its history, The Savoy has welcomed many prominent figures. Artists such as Claude Monet and James Whistler created artworks from rooms overlooking the River Thames. The hotel played a role in Oscar Wilde's trial for gross indecency. Early illustrious guests included future King Edward VII, Sarah Bernhardt, Enrico Caruso, Lillie Langtry, H. G. Wells, George Bernard Shaw, Nellie Melba, Charlie Chaplin, Al Jolson, Errol Flynn, Fred Astaire, Marlene Dietrich, Lionel Barrymore, Harry Truman, Audrey Hepburn, and Noël Coward. The hotel meticulously documented guests’ preferences—famously photographing Coward’s toiletries to replicate his bathroom arrangement and providing Barrymore with a fireproof eiderdown quilt due to his smoking habits.

In 1965, Bob Dylan stayed at The Savoy while filming his "Subterranean Homesick Blues" video nearby. It was also where Laurence Olivier met Vivien Leigh. Over recent decades, other celebrity guests have included Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Louis Armstrong, Humphrey Bogart, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Maria Callas, Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Sophia Loren, Julie Andrews, Lena Horne, Marlon Brando, Jane Fonda, Barbra Streisand, Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Elton John, U2, Led Zeppelin, The Who, George Clooney, Whoopi Goldberg, and Stephen Fry.<ref>Richard Harris resided at the hotel during his final years, famously commenting on the food as he was carried out on a stretcher shortly before his passing.<ref>

Fine art

The Savoy boasts a long-standing connection to the visual arts. In 1896, Whistler resided at the hotel and produced lithographs depicting the Thames from his accommodation. Monet was the first artist-in-residence, visiting in 1899, 1900, and 1901, during which he created scenes of Charing Cross and Waterloo Bridges; 26 of his pastels from these visits remain. Monet's actual rooms were numbered 610–611 and later 510–511, although the establishment promotes rooms 512 and 513 as the "Monet Suite."

This artist-in-residence tradition remains active today. In 2012, British artist David Downes crafted a large drawing commemorating the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant, which is exhibited in the lobby. The following year, South African sculptor Jonty Hurwitz designed an anamorphic piece titled "The 14th Guest," representing Kaspar—the hotel's feline mascot—positioned at the entrance of Kaspar's Seafood Bar & Grill. The figure of Kaspar stems from an 1898 tale about a dinner for fourteen guests; to prevent misfortune, a black cat sculpture was introduced as the symbolic "14th guest." Winston Churchill was known to appreciate Kaspar’s presence during his dinners at the Savoy.

Music

Dinner dances were pioneered at The Savoy beginning in 1912, leveraging the tango craze of the era. Post-World War I, William de Morny spearheaded entertainment initiatives that gave rise to prominent ensembles such as the Savoy Havana Band and Savoy Orpheans, both frequently featured on BBC radio broadcasts from nearby studios. Notably, George Gershwin debuted Rhapsody in Blue at the hotel in 1925.

In 1929, Rupert D'Oyly Carte introduced cabaret performances; Carroll Gibbons directed music until 1954, followed by Ian Stewart through to 1978. The venue hosted British premieres for artists including Lena Horne and welcomed performances by Frank Sinatra. During the 1960s and 1970s, cabaret entertainers like Cilla Black and Sandie Shaw performed there. Although dinner dances ended in 1980, they were reintroduced in 2013 with Alex Mendham & His Orchestra providing period-style music as the resident band.

In films and novels

The Savoy has been utilized as a filming location for various productions such as Notting Hill (1999), Kipps (1921), The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981), Entrapment (1999), and Gambit (2012). It also appeared in Duran Duran’s music video "Girl Panic!" (2011).

Arnold Bennett’s novel Imperial Palace (1930) fictionalizes hotel operations based on his investigative research conducted there. Additionally, Michael Morpurgo authored children's stories featuring Kaspar, the hotel's mascot.

Restaurants

The Savoy hosts three dining establishments managed by Gordon Ramsay: Savoy Grill on the north side, The River Restaurant facing south with views of the Thames, and Restaurant 1890. The River Restaurant’s culinary lineage dates back to Auguste Escoffier’s tenure beginning in 1890; he created classic dishes such as pêche Melba (1893) and Melba toast (1897). Another notable signature dish is omelette Arnold Bennett, crafted by chef Jean Baptiste Virlogeux.

During Ritz and Escoffier's era, formal evening attire was mandatory; Ritz innovated by employing musicians to enhance dinner ambiance and introducing printed daily menus. Today, refined dining experiences continue with formal afternoon teas featuring live performances during Christmas and special occasions like New Year's Eve dinners. Distinguished chefs over time include August Laplanche (1946–1965), Silvino Trompetto (1965–1980), and Anton Edelmann (1982–2003).

After an Art Deco renovation completed in 2010, The River Restaurant was transformed into Kaspar's Seafood Bar & Grill in 2013, focusing on oysters, cured fish dishes, and panoramic views of the Thames. Its design pays homage to the hotel's style from the 1920s era. Critical reception has notably improved since its reopening.

Savoy Grill earned its inaugural Michelin star under Marcus Wareing, a former protégé of Ramsay. Initially a modest luncheon venue near theatre districts, it has been under chef patron Stuart Gillies’ leadership since 2010. Kim Woodward made history as its first female head chef between 2015 and 2017. The Thames Foyer provides breakfast offerings, light meals, and afternoon tea accompanied by live piano music. Within the complex, Simpson's-in-the-Strand serves traditional British fare with a focus on aged Scottish beef and classic dishes.

Restaurant 1890 launched in February 2022 under Ramsay’s direction and earned a Michelin star by February 2024.

Bars

The American Bar was an early pioneer in introducing American-style cocktails to the European scene. Its lineup of notable head bartenders includes Frank Wells (1893–1902), Ada Coleman (1903–1924), who invented the "Hanky-Panky" cocktail, Harry Craddock (1925–1938), author of The Savoy Cocktail Book, Eddie Clark (1939–1942), known for creating military-inspired drinks during World War II, Reginald "Johnnie" Johnson (1942–1954), and Joe Gilmore (1954–1975), recognized for crafting celebratory cocktails such as one commemorating Neil Armstrong’s lunar landing. The current head bartender, Angelo Sparvol, has held the position since 2024.

Designed with a warm Art Deco aesthetic, the American Bar showcases cream and ochre walls complemented by electric blue and gold seating. The space is adorned with photographs of distinguished visitors and features live jazz piano performances daily.

Introduced during the 2010 refurbishment, the Beaufort Bar focuses on champagne and cocktail offerings. Its interior presents a sleek black-and-gold Art Deco theme and hosts nightly cabaret shows.

The Savoy Cocktail Book

First published in 1930 by Harry Craddock of the American Bar, The Savoy Cocktail Book features Art Deco illustrations by Gilbert Rumbold. Containing 750 cocktail recipes, it has remained in continuous publication with multiple editions, including expanded versions released as recently as 2014.

Savoy Court

At Savoy Court, vehicles travel on the right-hand side—a tradition originating from the hackney carriage era when drivers could open the passenger door (which swung backward) without exiting their cabs. The hotel's compact roundabout necessitated vehicles to have a turning radius of , a specification still required for all London taxis today.

See also

• The Other Club (a dining club) which formerly convened in the hotel’s Pinafore Room.

External links

• Fairmont Hotels – The Savoy
• Pathé footage capturing a 1947 cocktail party with film stars
• Purr 'n' Fur: Kaspar, the Savoy’s resident cat
• Review by The Critics Guide