The iconic Savoy Hotel in London will reopen this Sunday after
almost three years of closure for renovations.
The hotel, the result of a bright idea by Gilbert and Sullivan
impresario Richard D'Oyley Carte back in 1889, has long been a
byword for glittering urban sophistication and has hosted everyone
from European royalty to Hollywood superstars during its
reign.
Some 38 new River Suites and guestrooms have been added to the
Edwardian and Art Deco hotel, all with Thames views.
There will also be nine Personality Suites named after some of
the hotel's past famous guests including Maria Callas, Charlie
Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich and Sinatra.
Each of the suites will be filled with pictures, photos and
books that evoke the period, with added touches such as 12 pink
roses in the Dietrich suite - a rider the starlet always insisted
upon.
Other additions include a 325-sqare metre Royal Suite with two
bedrooms, a study, dining room, master bathroom, dressing room with
specially ventilated shoe cupboard and a master bedroom.
In the public areas, the famous American Bar is still in tact
while the River Restaurant has had an Art Deco-inspired makeover.
The Savoy Grill is now under the auspices of Gordon Ramsay
Holdings.
A new addition is the Beaufort Bar, built on the original
cabaret stage serving champagne and cocktails.
With an eye on the 21st century, guests will also
now be able to avail themselves of the hotel's "green butler", who
has an extensive knowledge of all matters environmental around the
capital.
Said general manager Kiaran MacDonald: "It is fair to say that
this project has not been without its challenges, but we are
looking forward to unveiling the results of nearly three years of
hard work and dedication."
