The Savoy

I live in London and have been to the Savoy Hotel on several occasions for afternoon tea and have always admired its beauty. It has long been a bucket wish list to stay there and this was granted last weekend when my husband surprised me with a stay for my big birthday! On walking through the revolving doors, you instantly notice the grandeur of the reception hall with the beautiful arrangement of flowers around the columns. At the bottom of each a glass, rectangular case with delicate, pink flowers in a sea of small twinkly lights that reflected and sparkled against the brilliant surface of the gleaming black and white tiled floor. We were greeted by the lovely Eleanor with a fast and efficient check-in and a lively chit chat which was informal and not stuffy. We were then met by the very charming and lovely Attila, the Head Butler who could not do enough for us during our two night stay. His delightful and eloquent manner made us feel like ‘A’ List guests as he walked us to our elegant room which had a stunning view of the River Thames. On the morning of my birthday, he wheeled in a champagne breakfast with an abundance of fresh pastries, ample toast, tasty cheeses and cold meats, along with a plentiful, cooked breakfast and the coffee hot! Our first evening was spent in the well-known American Bar where a fabulous array of cocktails are served. We then went on to The River Restaurant where our waiter, Vinny was charming and very attentive. The prawn cocktail was a little disappointing – too much lettuce, not enough prawns and little sauce. We were offered another, but declined. The sea bass was superb and flavoursome. We did not want any deserts and as it was not my birthday until the following day, I was completely taken aback when he presented and surprised me with a ‘Happy Birthday’ plate. On it, a small encased salted chocolate pastry which tasted divine. The Grill, however, on the next night was underwhelming in comparison. It started off well and we were very touched when the waiter poured us a glass of champagne which had come from The River Restaurant. However, throughout the evening there was no mention or even acknowledgment that it was my birthday. My husband had mentioned this on booking the hotel a few months before and it was to be celebrated as the ‘highlight’ of our stay. It was rectified at the end of the meal with a deduction on the bill of two glasses of wine and the deserts. On leaving, the manager gave us a bottle of champagne to take home. On our departure, we told Attila that we were slightly disappointed with the Grill and this must have been passed on immediately as we received an e-mail the following day, expressing their regret that our experience fell below expectations and looked forward to welcoming us back in the near future. No matter, it did not spoil our stay! The hotel’s attitude to service and its guests is second to none and we shall return to celebrate a next special occasion!

If you want to stay at a classic style hotel with the most amazing guest service stay here. On arrival we were greeted by Chris, who then escorted us to our room. Our room was very well appointed and tastefully decorated to the period of the hotel. The bedding was of excellent quality, and the bed was extremely comfortable leading to a wonderful night sleep. The savoy deserves all the hype it receives as staff literally cannot do enough for you which is sadly lacking at other hotels. They have hospitality and guest experience nailed. We experienced throughout our stay from the concierge, waiting staff at the American bar and the River restaurant. It was a wonderful birthday surprise for my husband’s birthday I would personally like to thank Chris, Max and Shannon We will certainly return ,

Amazing stay amazing hotel friendly staff. Nothing to fault at all. We were treated like royalty! Staff were amazing, service exceptional. We will definitely be going back again. Everything amazing and very comfortable and luxurious rooms