In short: Tripplo’s analysis covers a sample of 63 guest reviews of The Savoy. Guests in the sample highlight Service & staff, Location and Food & restaurants. The most common complaints: Drinks and the à la carte breakfast quickly add up, even a second coffee costs extra. Some rooms are small, tired or look onto an inner shaft.
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Originally opened in 1889, the world-famous Savoy Hotel is situated on the banks of the Thames and less than 5 minutes' walk from The British Museum and The Royal Opera House. The hotel was once visited by the likes of Sir Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra and Katherine Hepburn.
Perfectly situated in heart of the exciting city of London, The Savoy is only 5 minutes’ walk from Covent Garden, the hotel is just 20 minutes’ journey by public transport from the ultimate designer shopping destinations of Knightsbridge and Mayfair.
With elegant marble bathrooms, The Savoy’s 195 guest rooms and 73 suites are decorated in either Edwardian or Art Deco style, blending comfort and elegance with discreet technology. Many rooms afford breath-taking views over the River Thames.
At The Savoy you will find some of the London’s best-known restaurants and bars. Gallery, a vibrant space at the heart of the hotel is perfect for drinking and dining. The beautiful space seamlessly integrates contemporary style whilst remaining true to our much loved heritage. Innovative menus, carefully crafted by our talented culinary team, entice you in showcasing traditional recipes with a modern twist. Take the Savoy’s legendary afternoon tea in Gallery, in addition to breakfast, coffee, lunch, cocktail hour and dinner. During your visit, experience one of our three Gordon Ramsay restaurants, with a choice from Savoy Grill, The River Restaurant and Restaurant 1890. And make sure to spend time in the American Bar (widely regarded as one of the world’s best hotel bars) for a classic cocktail, or enjoy a character cocktail in the theatrical Beaufort Bar.
Tripplo’s hotel summary
Tripplo’s analysis · Updated 20 October 2026 · How we review hotels
The Savoy is for travellers who want a stay in London to feel like an occasion. Since 1889 it has stood on the Strand beside the Thames, and its Edwardian and Art Deco rooms, marble bathrooms and famous bars still carry that sense of history. Guests speak most warmly about the staff, starting with the welcome at the door, and about the food and drink, from breakfast to the American Bar and the Beaufort Bar. Covent Garden and the Royal Opera House are five minutes away on foot, and an indoor pool with a swim machine and a spa are there for quieter hours. The main trade-off is cost. Even delighted guests call it expensive, and the à la carte breakfast adds to the bill. Some rooms are compact, and at least one looked onto a noisy service yard, so it pays to ask for a river-facing room. Couples celebrating and first-time visitors after classic grandeur will be well looked after; budget-minded travellers will find better value elsewhere.
Guests score it 9.4 out of 10 — the average across the 31 hotels we list in London is 9.3.
- Guests describe the opulence of the public rooms and the classic decor as breathtaking, and the history of a building that opened in 1889 is part of the appeal. Rooms are decorated in either Edwardian or Art Deco style and have marble bathrooms.
- The welcome from the door staff comes up again and again, and guests describe the service as impeccable, cheerful and attentive to detail. Several say they were completely spoilt on an anniversary stay.
- Price is the most common criticism. Even guests who loved their stay call it expensive, and breakfast is served à la carte, which adds up quickly over several mornings.
- Not every room is generous: some guests found space tight, and at least one room looked onto a noisy service yard with blanked-out windows. Many rooms have river views, so it is worth asking which way yours faces.
Free PDF: what guests really say about The Savoy
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- Pros and cons in every category guests mention
- The complaints that come up again and again
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Should you book it?
The Savoy is worth booking for couples marking a special occasion — but pick somewhere else if you are keeping a close eye on the budget.
Book it if you want
- Couples marking a special occasion
- Travellers who want history and classic grandeur in central London
Pick somewhere else if
- You are keeping a close eye on the budget
- You would rather have breakfast included than order from a menu
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What guests actually say
Tripplo’s analysis uses a sample of 63 guest reviews. Texts may be shortened. Mentions are counted after automated classification and describe the sample, rather than every guest’s experience.
The sample follows how Booking.com and Google sort reviews, which puts satisfied guests first, so criticism is under-represented. Read the drawbacks below and the latest reviews on Booking.com before you book.
Food & restaurants
- +Meals at the Savoy Grill are perfectly cooked and beautifully presented
- +The American Bar is a favourite
- +Breakfast in the room overlooking the Thames is a special experience
- –Breakfast can be slow and disappointing, with lukewarm food or wrong orders
- –Guests sometimes have to wait for a table at breakfast
- –A limited menu and few reasonably priced wines at the Grill on a quiet day
”Our lunch in the Savoy Grill was excellent, perfectly cooked and beautifully presented.” — guest, translated
Service & staff
- +Polite, attentive staff from the doormen to the butlers
- +Staff who know about anniversaries and birthdays and make them special
- +Thoughtful extras, such as airport pick-up and valet parking
- –Billing errors and charges that took effort to put right
- –Inconsistent service, with slow check-in and some unhelpful staff
- –Late room cleaning, and staff entering despite a do-not-disturb sign
”Every member of staff we met knew it was our anniversary and went out of their way to make it special.” — guest, translated
Pools, beach & aquapark
- +An indoor pool with a counter-current for a proper swim
- +A peaceful pool and spa away from the bustle outside
- –The pool is sometimes closed
- –Some found the pool area and saunas small or disappointing
”The jet wave machine in the pool was great for a full workout and an enjoyable swim.” — guest, translated
The rooms
- +Very comfortable beds and good-quality linen
- +Well-equipped rooms with excellent amenities and a large bathtub
- +Upgrades for special occasions
- –Some rooms are small, tired or look onto an inner shaft
- –Several guests felt their room did not match the photos or description
- –Faults such as a leaking shower or loose fittings
”The bed was so comfy and the facilities in the room were perfect.” — guest, translated
Condition & cleanliness
- +A beautiful building, well kept throughout
- +Spotlessly clean, down to the carpets
- –Some rooms and corridors feel dated or tired
- –Small details out of place, such as a crooked chandelier or worn fittings
”The building was beautiful and well kept throughout.” — guest, translated
Location
- +On the Thames, with lovely river views from some rooms
- +Walking distance to theatres, Covent Garden, the opera and the National Gallery
”Location was fantastic, and the river view is superb.” — guest, translated
Value for money
- +Some guests feel it is worth every penny
- –Drinks and the à la carte breakfast quickly add up, even a second coffee costs extra
- –Extra charges that were not clear when booking
- –Several guests feel the stay did not match the price
”Very pricey, but expected given the location and the name.” — guest, translated
Noise levels are mentioned too rarely in the sample for an honest picture — we don't guess.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is The Savoy from Heathrow Airport (LHR)?
The Savoy is approximately 24 km from Heathrow Airport (LHR) in a straight line, calculated from map coordinates. This is not a road distance or transfer time; check the route and transport options before booking.
How do guests rate The Savoy?
On Booking.com it scores 9.4/10 from 1,439 guest reviews.
How many stars does The Savoy have?
The Savoy is a 5-star hotel.
What amenities does The Savoy offer?
The Savoy offers indoor Pool, spa, fitness Centre, free Wifi, bar and restaurants.
Weather & sea temperature — London
Right now: 9°
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Strand, Westminster, London, WC2R 0EU, United Kingdom