The Savoy, England's first luxury hotel

The Savoy, England’s first luxury hotel

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On my last trip to Europe before the pandemic started, I stayed in the first luxury hotel in England. In fact, it’s everything we imagined and a little more! Founded in 1889, Savoy belongs to the Fairmont chain, has four restaurants and two bars, one of which is the fifth best in the world. With a splendid location, my experience at this luxury hotel in Covent Garden certainly exceeded all expectations! A sophisticated and discreet hotel, at the same time, which exudes history. After months of closure, The Savoy finally reopened its doors this month. All hygiene and safety protocols are being followed, such as the mandatory use of masks in common areas. In fact, it is worth remembering that the borders remain closed to Brazilians.

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Facade

Luxury hotel in Covent Garden

Location

The Savoy is located on the Strand, one of the main avenues in Covent Garden. A sublime location, close to Covent Garden Piazza, the heart of the neighborhood. You can walk to several theaters, restaurants and bars. In addition, it is also surrounded by shops and is a ten-minute walk from Chinatown.

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The Savoy Hotel

On the banks of the River Thames, the hotel has stunning surroundings. The lobby, super elegant, has high ceilings and beautiful flower arrangements. This is also where the hotel’s sweets and souvenir shop is located. Highlighting the discretion of the reception, which is in a room next door. In other words, the guest makes his own check-in in a more exclusive way. I also loved the charming black and white checkered floor.

O lobby do hotel

England's first luxury hotel

Candy store

In addition, the hotel also has a theater, the Savoy Theatre, which has a very discreet entrance.

The rooms

In total there are 267 rooms and suites. Mine was in the category One Bedroom Suite Rivew View, with a large living room, bedroom and bathroom. The dormitory was very elegant, with traditional decoration, in shades of yellow. It had a TV, dressing table, mini bar and coffee maker.

A hall

The fourth

E last but not least, large windows overlooking the River Thames and the London Eye! I confess that it was difficult to leave my room, you know? lol Both during the day and at night, a mesmerizing view of London.

England's first luxury hotel 25

Certainly a stunning view of London

The spacious bathroom had a very charming checkered floor and had a large countertop, two sinks, bathtub and amenities from the English brand Penhaligon’s. Furthermore, every suite has a butler service, ready to meet all our demands. A luxury!

The gastronomy

Certainly a separate chapter in this luxury hotel in Covent Garden. After all, there are four restaurants and two bars!

Kaspar’s

Considered one of the best restaurants in LondonKaspar’s has a decor inspired by art deco, and a beautiful bar filled with hanging crystals. In the menu, contemporary seasonal dishes from land and sea. I had a delicious dinner there, we ordered the Lobster Linguini, with garlic, lobster emulsion and parmesan, and the Angus and we left very satisfied.

Bar do Kaspar’s

Delicious dishes

Angus

Furthermore, it is there that breakfast is served, with an à la carte menu and a variety of options, such as, for example, avocado toastdifferent types of eggs, yogurts, cereals and juices.

Thames Foyer

It is there that one of the most traditional afternoon teas in the city is served, dating back to 1889! There are more than 30 teas, accompanied by classic sandwiches and a variety of sweets. The architecture is beautiful, especially the stained glass windows in the glass dome, which transport us back in time. At night, the place transforms into one of the hotel’s bars, complete with discreet but pleasant live music. Breakfast is also served in the Thames Foyer.

A stunning environment indeed

Simpson’s in the Strand

Opened in 1828 as aA chess club and a café, Simpson’s underwent a renovation in 2017. It is currently a renowned restaurant in London, serving classic British cuisine, with an elegant atmosphere.

Environment

American Bar

Number 5 on the list of the 50 best bars in the world and also the oldest bar in the UK. With a very cozy atmosphere, with live piano, the highlight is the menu, which is super original. O The Savoy Songbook brings together 20 cocktails that are listed as if they were sheet music. Furthermore, they were all ininspired by some of the most iconic songs played in the bar.

The bar during the day

At the bar, there is also a reserved space with photos of celebrities who have sat at that table, such as Mick Jagger, Emma Thompson and Paul Mc Cartney. I was shocked when I bumped into Johny Dep when I entered the bar!

England's first luxury hotel 3

Celebrity corner

Savoy Grill

With chef Gordon Ramsay at the helm and Ben Waugh as executive chef, the restaurant has an atmosphere inspired by art deco and in the rich history of Hollywood and England. After all, pImportant personalities have also passed there, such as, for example, Winston Churchill, James Dean and Marilyn Monroe. Therefore, the menu is inspired by heritage cuisine that dates back to the end of the 19th century, with lots of grilled dishes, side dishes and sauces. And the restaurant has an independent entrance from the hotel, directly onto the street.

Environment

The Spa

Certainly the first luxury hotel in England has a spa! On the third floor of the hotel, there are rooms for specialized treatments, sauna and indoor pool. There is also an equipped gym.

So, if you’re in London, follow my tip and stop by England’s first luxury hotel, which blends in with the country’s own history. Whether for lunch, dinner, drinks or tea, I guarantee you will be impressed!

By Renata Araújo.

Photos: Renata Araújo and Fernando