The Savoy is a prestigious luxury hotel that has been an icon of opulence since it first opened in 1889. Set along the Thames River, this landmark hotel boasts Art Deco interiors and a rich history of renowned guests. Each room is elegantly designed, offering modern comforts combined with classic elegance. The hotel is home to numerous dining venues, including the famous Savoy Grill, which showcases British cuisine. Guests can also enjoy the stunning views from the riverside terrace or unwind in the hotel's glamorous American Bar, renowned for its exceptional cocktails.
What each source says
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Exceptional customer service The staff consistently provide attentive, personalized, and professional care, often going above and beyond to make guests feel valued and special, particularly during special celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries.
- Iconic historic atmosphere The property beautifully preserves its historic character with stunning Art Deco design, grand common areas, and a luxurious, timeless ambiance that creates a sophisticated and memorable experience for every guest.
- Luxurious room amenities Guests frequently praise the spacious, well-appointed rooms featuring comfortable, high-quality bedding and elegant decor, providing a relaxing and refined environment that serves as a sanctuary within the bustling city center.
- Prime central location Situated in the heart of London, the hotel offers unrivaled convenience with easy walking access to West End theatres, major tourist attractions, and premier shopping, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.
- Renowned food and drink The hotel features highly regarded dining options, specifically the iconic American Bar for cocktails and a celebrated breakfast experience, which many guests highlight as a major, unforgettable part of their stay.
Criticised
- Crowded public areas Due to the hotel's popularity, public spaces and bars can feel congested, making it challenging for guests to find quiet seating or receive prompt service without securing reservations well in advance.
- High costs and fees The premium pricing is substantial, and several guests expressed frustration regarding unexpected service charges or additional daily fees that were not clearly communicated prior to booking or at final checkout.
- Inconsistent service speeds Guests occasionally report frustrating delays, particularly regarding luggage delivery, check-in wait times, and difficulties securing restaurant tables, which can occasionally disrupt the seamless luxury experience expected at such a high-end property.
- Mixed restaurant experiences While some dining is celebrated, specific Gordon Ramsay-led venues receive criticism for being overpriced and inconsistent in food quality, with some dishes failing to match the high standards associated with the hotel's reputation.
- Varied room quality Not all accommodations offer the same level of luxury; some guests report small room sizes, dated bathroom features, or noise disturbances from nearby street traffic and mechanical lifts that impact sleep quality.
The longer read
The Savoy offers a quintessential, high-end London experience that leans heavily on its rich historical heritage, Art Deco elegance, and unrivaled location on the Strand. Travelers consistently praise the hotel’s atmosphere, which effectively blends old-world glamour with modern comfort. The location is a standout feature, providing guests with convenient walking access to Covent Garden, West End theatres, and major attractions like the Thames, making it an ideal base for sightseeing and cultural outings. While the property is grand and iconic, guests should be aware that the area can be busy and occasionally noisy, though sound insulation within the rooms is generally noted as effective. Visitors often highlight the Christmas decorations and the welcoming, magical ambiance as particular seasonal strengths.
Service is the hotel's defining feature, with the vast majority of guests describing the staff as professional, attentive, and genuinely warm. From doormen to housekeeping and reception, the team is frequently commended for their ability to anticipate needs and add personal touches, such as notes or gifts for special celebrations, which significantly enhances the guest experience. However, a minority of reviews note occasional inconsistencies in service speed or attentiveness during peak hours, particularly in dining venues or during check-in, suggesting that even a top-tier establishment can experience lapses in coordination. Guests are encouraged to book dining reservations well in advance, as popular venues like the American Bar and on-site restaurants can be difficult to access without prior planning, even for residents.
Regarding accommodations, the consensus is that rooms are beautifully decorated, clean, and luxurious, though opinions on size and layout vary. Some guests find the rooms perfectly spacious, while others—particularly those accustomed to more modern, sprawling hotel designs—perceive them as slightly compact for the price point. The bedding is widely celebrated as exceptionally comfortable, and the bathrooms are often described as elegant and well-appointed with quality amenities. Dining is a major draw, with many guests praising the breakfast and the iconic atmosphere of the restaurants, though some reviewers express mixed feelings regarding the value and execution of specific menus, occasionally criticizing aspects of the Gordon Ramsay-led dining options. For travelers seeking a historic, service-oriented luxury experience in the heart of the city, The Savoy remains a premier choice, provided they account for the high price point and the need to proactively manage reservations for the hotel’s popular amenities.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +442078364343
- Website
- thesavoylondon.com
- Check in
- 15:00 · out 12:00
Facilities
- 24 Hours
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Accessible
- Activities
- Air Conditioning
- Babysitting
- Bar
- Concierge
- Currency Exchange
- Dining Area
- Evening Entertainment
- Family Rooms
- Gym
- Heating
- Housekeeping
- Internet
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.7 against a median of 4.3 across the 44 venues we hold for Covent Garden, and the most-reviewed of them.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What amenities and services does The Savoy provide to guests?
- What kinds of rooms and suites are available at The Savoy in London?
- What restaurants and bars can guests enjoy while staying at The Savoy?
- How convenient is The Savoy’s location for sightseeing and public transport in London?
- What type of guest experience and atmosphere can I expect at The Savoy in London?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.