Why The Savoy Remains As One Of London’s Best Hotels

A lifestyle destination for those looking for the best of London, The Savoy truly has everything to offer. Food, fashion, heritage, service and comfort are at the heart of their operation. As the only five-star hotel on the river, The Savoy goes above and beyond to bring luxurious and fresh (in all manners of senses, from their delectable pastries by Executive Pastry Chef Nicolas Houchet to floral decorations by their own in-house florists) experiences to their guests.

One such example of this is the phenomenal Royal Suite by Gucci, which is the main attraction for my stay at The Savoy. The house’s founder, Guccio Gucci, was employed as a young boy at The Savoy as a luggage porter and lift boy, where he gained direct access to the tastes and needs of traveling customers, escorting them from floor to floor. Seeing the luxurious luggage and elegant clothes of guests was a major impetus in his desire to start his own leather goods company, shortly after his return to Italy from London.

A century later, The Savoy and Gucci have come together in a remarkable way to celebrate their shared history in a host of creative ways, from design features to exceptional experiences for guest and clients. The highlight of their ongoing collaboration is he transformation of The Savoy’s Royal Suite into a reflection of the Gucci world, featuring furniture, furnishings and decorative items from the Gucci Décor collection. In addition, art and antiquities from auctioneers Christie’s have been carefully chosen to complement the aesthetic, which has been conceived to harmonise with the design and heritage of The Savoy. The relationship between the two was first under the spotlight upon the reveal of Gucci’s Aria Collection in April 2021, privately screened locally at The Savoy. The Collection and its presentation included numerous nods to the hotel and its role in shaping Gucci’s mythology. To this day, the latest Gucci Valigeria campaign photos featuring JungJae Lee was also taken at The Savoy.

Adrien Meyer, Global Head of Private Sales at Christie’s, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to partner with two iconic luxury brands and bring our Private Sales service to guests of this great London hotel. At Christie’s, the ultimate luxury is to be surrounded by art. Together with Gucci, the Royal Suite at The Savoy will become the most exclusive place to stay in London.” All of the items in the Royal Suite added by Gucci and Christie’s will be available for purchase; making the Royal Suite an exceptionally exclusive showroom, as well as one of the most luxurious hotel suites in London, with its parade of rooms spanning the entire length of the fifth floor, giving unrivalled views over The Thames. The Royal Suite offering includes a dedicated butler, use of The Savoy’s Rolls Royce within a three-mile radius, return transfers, bespoke in-room amenities and Gucci experiences.

Franck Arnold, Managing Director at The Savoy commented, ‘I’m so delighted that The Savoy is partnering with Gucci in such a creative way in the fashion house’s centenary year. It’s wonderful to bring alive our shared history to contemporary audiences, and we’re excited to unveil a transformed Royal Suite, as well as providing guests with charming experiences and exceptional service that befit two brands with such global renown.’

This collaboration, I must say, is truly the best of both worlds of fashion and hospitality.