Dear First name / friend:

 

Last week I returned from London and a stay at The Savoy, and I’m still buzzing with the magic of this iconic hotel. As a luxury travel designer, I’m always chasing unique experiences, and The Savoy delivered a treasure trove of history, glamour, and Subtle Splendors. Let me take you inside this 135-year-old legend, where each detail whispers a legacy of glamour.

 

 

When The Savoy opened in 1889, it was a game-changer. Built by theatrical impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte, it was Britain’s first purpose-built deluxe hotel, dazzling Victorian London with electric lighting and the Red Lift (called the “Ascending Room”)—London’s first electric elevator.

 

I felt the thrill of history, knowing Victorian guests once hesitated to trust it. And honestly, it still runs just fine. And let's face it, you just don't see this kind of pizazz in modern elevators.  From Oscar Wilde to The Beatles, this hotel has hosted legends, and you’re next.

 

My room was a sanctuary of Art Deco elegance—silk wallpaper, plush velvets, and a marble bathroom with a clawfoot tub prepped with Penhaligon’s Savoy Steam bath salts. Paired with a chilled Perrier, it was my post-flight ritual. And an expression of my sincere gratitude.

 

Virtuoso Perks for my clients: Book through me for a guaranteed upgrade at check-in (subject to availability) and daily full breakfast for two. Families will love interconnecting suites with child-sized slippers and robes that make kids feel like royalty.

 

My mornings began in the Thames Foyer, where sunlight streams through a stained-glass dome, and live piano music sets a lovely tone for the day. The eggs Benedict was perfection—silky hollandaise, perfectly poached eggs—and the croissants melted in my mouth. For a unique treat, I visited Scoff, the hotel’s scone shop, where they craft delicious treats in flavors like passionfruit and earl grey. They drop at exactly 12:04 p.m. daily and sell out fast, so you might want to set an alarm.

 

Our dinner at Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill was a highlight. The Beef Wellington, was rich and unforgettable. I also learned about Kaspar, the hotel’s bronze cat who joins dining parties of 13 to ward off bad luck—a quirky tradition born from a 1898 incident. For drinks, the American Bar, London’s oldest cocktail bar, serves a zesty White Lady.

 

I'm here to tell you the staff is what makes The Savoy truly shine- Impeccable service at every level. The doorman’s cab whistle could stop traffic, and the concierge worked miracles, securing a last-minute table at a local favorite for our dinner after the theatre, to arranging a chauffeured Mercedes S Class to Cliveden House. Turndown service left surprises like a hand lotion, or bath salts, making every night special. Virtuoso Perks for my clients: Enjoy early check-in, late check-out (subject to availability), and a welcome amenity, like a bottle of champagne, to start your stay in style.

Perched on The Strand, The Savoy puts Covent Garden’s boutiques and West End theaters right at your doorstep, across the street. We were close to multiple tube stations (and yes, we used these all the time).

What truly struck me was the hotel’s deep connection to Londoners; many locals I met shared a personal story, from their grandparents’ wartime dances in the ballroom to their own celebratory dinners at the Savoy Grill, weaving a rich tapestry of community and legacy that makes The Savoy a living legend.