Coralie Aude Grassin takes a tour of the iconic, newly re-opened Savoy Hotel…
The name itself evokes the utmost elegance; glamorous rooms, ladies in furs and jewels, gentlemen in tuxedos… the exact definition of chic. This is not just another 5 star place, you see. To us French, The Savoy is supposed to be the most beautiful palace in the world, as iconic as Big Ben.
Built in 1889, it made quite an avant-garde start: the first luxury hotel in Britain with electric light in each room, constant hot and cold water and even electric lifts. The place to be from the start!
Newspapers even posted what was called a Savoy Correspondent who was posted there full-time, to keep an eye on celebrities. Cesar Ritz and the famous chef Escoffier were part of the original staff.
It has seen its share of stars: Charlie Chaplin, Fred Astaire, Audrey Hepburn, Coco Chanel, Christian Dior… the list goes on and on. Some, Sarah Bernhardt for example, even lived there for decades. Not even the war slowed it down.
Of course, there was food rationing and bombing but it remained as distinguished as ever – the shelters were said to be the smartest in the capital and Churchill regularly took his cabinet to lunch there.
After three years of closure, the hotel has just reopened its doors and I could not resist getting a glimpse. What has changed? With a sigh of relief, its regulars will admit, nothing. It has been renovated, not modernised.
I have seen my share of beautiful places but was just taken aback at how gorgeous everything looked, reflecting its glorious past with just a touch of contemporary. The balance of Art Deco details and Edwardian atmosphere is amazing.
There are now two bars to enjoy – the American Bar is all glittery, silver and white and the new Beaufort bar is in contrast with a glossy black and gold leaf setting – the perfect place for a glass of the finest champagne.
You will also find a boutique selling delicate pastries and chocolates and even the Savoy’s teas. You can even spy on the chef preparing his ganache or the latest treats.
Step in a little further to discover the Thames foyer, the heart of the hotel. The cupola had been shadowed since the Blitz and has been reopened for the occasion, bringing natural light to the room. A pianist regularly plays adding to the exceptional atmosphere. This is just the place for an afternoon tea!
It will be difficult to leave this palace – you only want to sit and sip a cocktail while watching the elegant ballet of staff (it takes 600 to run it smoothly) and guests – but do visit their small museum. The room is dedicated to pictures of its past, New Years Eve menus, dances and events… further proof that it remains as glamorous as ever.