One of the world’s most luxurious hotels – the London Savoy – is planning the final stages of it’s grand reopening on the 10th October 2010 after a 2 year £220m ($348m) total refurbishment.
The hotel which originally opened in 1889, has been redesigned and sympathetically modernised by the world famous designer Pierre-Yves Rochon who has previously been responsible for the design of many of the top European luxury hotels. Sneak previews of the hotel suggest that Pierre-Yves Rochon has brought influences from the George V hotel in Paris and Four Seasons hotel in Florence to the London Savoy.
Of course the real critics of the hotel design will be it’s guests with advance bookings opening back in August 2010. The Savoy has a special opening offer of 2 night stay from a mere £495 for the two nights (exclusive of VAT). Normal room prices will be from £350 per room per night.
As a guest, you will have the choice of 268 rooms and suites designed 2/3 in Edwardian and 1/3 Art-Deco styles, or 62 suites with river views or perhaps you would prefer the 2 bedroomed 3,350sq/ft Royal Suite featuring pale-yellow silk wall-coverings, Murano chandeliers, marble bathrooms and £24,000 English-made Savoir beds. The latter does have a special tariff too of around £10,000 a night!
Not everything in the hotel will be changing. The Savoy Grill will remain headed up by Gordon Ramsay although it has received an updated art-deco modernisation. Churchill’s table will also remain as will the famous American Bar.
Some things however are a distinct improvement such as the new way guests don’t check-in and out. Rather than the usual procedure of walk up to the reception desk to sign the book, guests will simply wander through into the Reading Room and to check out they will make their way to a room described as reminiscent of a gentleman’s-club bar. According to the published information from the hotel general manager, there will be non of the usual signing of books, bar bills and such either, so it seems the Savoy are taking guest discretion to a whole new level.
If the hotel lives up to the artists images, then this will be one very special place to stay and truly take the Savoy well into the next century. If you want a sneak preview of the hotel, have a look at the “First again” section on their web site – even the standard bedrooms are quite something.
More information on the Savoy Hotel web site.
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