The Creation of The Savoy

The story of the timeless hotel began with Richard D’Oyly Carte, the visionary behind the opening of Savoy Theatre in 1881 as the world’s first public building fully lit by electricity. Carte’s Gilbert and Sullivan operas were hugely popular with American theatregoers and he wanted to bring a touch of American luxury to London. With a new hotel complete with restaurants and public spaces, travellers could enjoy refined accommodation alongside the authentic Savoy Opera experience. A theatre and hotel so intertwined that it is the only road in the UK where you drive on the right, designed perfectly for carriages to drop guests to the theatre and hotel door without having to walk around.

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The Opening

In 1889 The Savoy Hotel opened its doors, with electric lights, ascending rooms and constant hot and cold running water, the hotel was a beacon of innovation for London.

D’Oyly Carte secured the best of the best for the opening of this magnificent hotel, with Cesar Ritz taking the helm, a Swiss hotelier of impeccable credentials. Ritz brought with him the great Auguste Escoffier who became The Savoy’s Maître Chef des Cuisines. The Savoy’s management team laid the foundations for the gold standard of true excellence and innovation.

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The Savoy Today

The Savoy today still embodies many of the same principles D'Oyly Carte instilled when the hotel first opened. Whether it's Savoy chefs creating innovative new menus in the kitchen, or guests coming from all parts of the world to enjoy Paddington: The Musical at The Savoy Theatre, or stars getting ready in our river view suites before the 2026 BAFTA awards, The Savoy continues to be synonymous with glamorous luxury in the heart of London.