Skip the Savoy
by TripAdvisor Member Beckyf
This hotel was listed as a "splurge" in a guidebook, so we chose it, really looking forward to the view of the Thames. There is no place in this hotel, even public rooms, that have a decent view. The room was nice, very big bathroom and comfortable bed. The location was good as well. But overall the hotel was cramped, confusing to get around in, dated, and rundown. The elevator smells like a dumpster. The prices are ABSURD. We read the room service menu and laughed like it was a joke book. Most staff were friendly with the exception of a french guy at the desk who checked us out. He was almost rude enough to write a letter about. Would never stay here again.
Room was great, hotel was okay
by TripAdvisor Member IntrepidfromMontreal
Stayed for 3 nights at the Savoy. The hotel location on the Strand is unbeatable. You are also sheltered by street noise since the actual building is inset from the street.
As other reviewers have commented, the hotel common areas do look rather dated (carpets, elevators, furniture). The dim lighting doesn't help either. On the other hand, the ladies' cloakroom on the 1st floor is big, bright, and well-appointed. Worth a visit (women only).
Our standard room had a king bed; a long mirrored writing/dressing table; generous wardrobe w/ mirrored doors; TV/mini-bar cabinet.
The bathroom was a large, rectangular room that included a luxurious bathtub and rain showerhead, towel heating rack, beautiful pedestal sink, bidet, and of course, toilet. Toiletries by Floris were very welcome. The window could be opened and provided more illumination.
The employees were friendly but not too knowledgeable (of Harrods closed on Sun., the Savoy pool hours). Overall, service was good. We were allowed to check in early at 11am. When we complained about a problem w/ our room, it was promptly resolved. The porter and doormen were professional.
We had drinks in the American Bar (live pianist). Nice but overpriced.
We did enjoy our stay at the Savoy. The only reason it didn't get a 4-star rating is because the hotel could do a bit more to modernize the older areas.
Enjoyed the Savoy
by A TripAdvisor Member
I really enjoyed the Savoy. I paid 75 pounds for a car to pick me up which was very convenient and the driver was very nice and informative. When I arrived they had upgraded my room and somebody showed me around the hotel and made sure everything was in order. The hotel is pretty much in the center of London. I took a cab or walked everywhere. And take a boat ride on the Thames. I took one to the Tower of London and you can get some great pictures. At the Savoy everyone was very friendly from the doormen to the front desk. The only drawback I had was at the cashier's desk when they said something was wrong w/my credit card. It was actually a debit card and they made a big deal about it, not sure why. Might be b/c they couldn't take out the money all at once, I don't know. But it really annoyed me and upset me b/c they made it out to be my problem which it wasn't. And also watch out for the phone charges. I had a phone card and still got charged an arm and a leg. My longest call, 17 min., cost me 198 pounds. But besides those couple of snags the Savoy is really very nice and you might see a couple of famous people. I had just missed seeing Nicholas Cage by 10-15 minutes.
Nice location, rooms on the shabby side
by TripAdvisor Member 4MarathonGirl
I stayed at the Savoy in London for two nights in September, 2004.
The location was great. It was right across from Covent Garden, close to many attractions, and in the Theatre district for those that are interested.
The staff was excellent. Quiet, efficient, polite.
Room service was efficient, the food was good, and for London, the cost was reasonable.
My complaint about that hotel is not that anything was wrong with it really, it is just such an expensive hotel with this reputation for being one of the finest, and it simply isn't that. The rooms are a fair size and there is high-speed internet access for those that would like it. However, the ceilings and walls are dirty, and the paint is peeling in some areas.
If you are thinking of treating yourself to a top notch hotel, I wouldn't recommend this hotel. If you want a hotel in a great location with good staff, I would say you might love your stay.
Over Priced
by TripAdvisor Member Robjackie
The Savoy is well situated for most attractions. However The Savoy is really living on a past reputation of 20 years ago or more. The hotel is very tired looking with thread bare carpets and depressing decoration.
The good points about the hotel apart from location is that the staff are very friendly and efficient and the food in all the restraunts was also very good.
It is not a hotel that I would recomend or go back too as I think you can get better deals at far better hotels in London. We stayed there in October 2004.
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