Is The Savoy London worth it?
The short answer is YES.
Having been to London a dozen times, The Savoy was always on my husband’s and my bucket list. Opened in 1889, it has long been considered one of the most famous luxury hotels in London.
We finally got to cross it off the list when we got tickets to the women’s semifinals in the Wimbledon lottery (another bucket list item!). With its central location, historic reputation, and classic London glamour, The Savoy felt like the perfect hotel for a special trip.
Service with History
One of the things that immediately sets The Savoy apart is its sense of tradition. A unique quirk of the hotel is that no luggage is allowed in the lobby at all. I’m not sure what magic happens behind the scenes, but when we checked in and out, somehow our bags were in the room before we got there and outside in the car before we were.
This type of seamless, almost invisible service is something The Savoy is known for. The hotel has been refining its guest experience for well over a century, and the staff clearly take pride in maintaining those standards. From the morning delivery of the Financial Times to noting which side of the bed needed smaller slippers during turndown service, everything was perfect.
Dining at The Savoy
The Savoy is as much a dining destination as it is a hotel. The property is home to several well-known venues, including the Savoy Grill, Simpson’s in the Strand, and the iconic American Bar.
We were particularly excited to try out the American Bar. Consistently ranked among the best cocktail bars in the world, it has a long history of innovative drinks and classic cocktails. Even though we were only staying on weeknights, it was always busy, and you could not walk in. Phone the concierge to make a reservation in advance.
The bar itself has a beautiful Art Deco design and a lively atmosphere. We enjoyed live jazz music and some small bites over a few drinks. I quite enjoyed “The Player,” a gin-based cocktail with a plum wine float.
Another highlight of staying at The Savoy is the opportunity to enjoy its famous afternoon tea in the Thames Foyer. With its glass dome and elegant setting, it’s widely considered one of the most beautiful places in London to experience this classic British tradition.
While we did not have time to book in for afternoon tea, we did enjoy breakfast daily in the Thames Foyer. If you aren’t going to have a meal there, it is worth simply walking through to view the iconic ceiling and décor. I’m sure they rotate thousands of stems daily in the floral arrangements.
Best Room at The Savoy
Traveling as a couple, we booked a Deluxe King and it was great. The room was larger than many London properties offer. We did not pack light on this trip, and the extra square footage was appreciated. If we were to go back, I would opt for a Junior Suite to enjoy the extra space and the famed butler service, which is available for many of the suite categories.
The Savoy’s rooms are split between two main design styles. Some are decorated in an Edwardian style, reflecting the hotel’s original heritage, while others feature a sleek Art Deco design inspired by the property’s 1920s renovation. Both styles feel elegant and timeless rather than trendy.
Regardless of the room type you are looking to book at The Savoy, I highly recommend opting for a room with a river view. We had an amazing corner view that included the London Eye on the River Thames.
Please note the hotel is currently under a multi-year refurbishment, and the rooms listed as “heritage” have not yet been updated – expect updates later in 2026.
Location
One of the best things about The Savoy is its location. The hotel sits right where the Strand meets the Thames, making it incredibly convenient for exploring central London.
Within a short walk you can reach:
· Covent Garden
· The West End theatre district
· The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square
· The South Bank via nearby bridges
For travelers who love walking cities, this location makes it easy to see many of London’s highlights without constantly relying on taxis or the tube. There are two nearby Underground stations (Charing Cross and Embankment) if you prefer public transit.
Planning Your Stay
Booking with a Preferred Partner, like O’Reilly Global Travel, can offer extra benefits that make the trip even more special, at no additional cost to you. Benefits often include:
· Daily breakfast for two
· A dining or bar credit
· Room upgrades when available
· Early check-in and late check-out when available
These perks are particularly valuable for London trips, especially early check-in after overnight transatlantic flights.
Contact us here if you are interested in booking a stay at The Savoy or any of London’s other fabulous properties.