Review: Afternoon Tea, Thames Views & Thoughtful Luxury at The Savoy

There are few hotels in the world as synonymous with luxury as The Savoy. For over 130 years, this grande dame on the banks of the River Thames has set the gold standard in hospitality—hosting everyone from royalty to rockstars. But today, what makes The Savoy stand out is not just its heritage, but its bold steps into the future. This is luxury with a conscience.

We recently had the pleasure of spending a night at The Savoy, immersing ourselves in the kind of gracious hospitality that has defined this hotel for generations—while also discovering the depth of its sustainability efforts, which now place it at the forefront of eco-conscious travel in the heart of London.

A Warm Welcome & First Impressions

From the moment we stepped inside, The Savoy felt like a world apart. The marbled entrance, gleaming chandeliers, and iconic Art Deco interiors whispered of history—but every member of staff we encountered made us feel completely at home.

After a smooth check-in, we made our way to the Residents’ Lounge for a quiet cup of tea. Teng, a member of the guest services team, looked after us with such care and professionalism that the experience felt as comforting as it was elevated. The lounge, softly lit and thoughtfully furnished, offered a rare tranquility just moments from the bustle of the Strand.

We stayed in a Luxury King Room—spacious, serene, and impeccably appointed. From the fine linens and classic furnishings to the large windows offering views across central London, the room was a seamless blend of traditional design and contemporary comfort.

But what impressed us most were the subtle signs of sustainability woven into the experience. Still and sparkling water was served in beautiful reusable glass bottles from The Savoy Well, the hotel’s own in-house water-bottling lab. Toiletries were thoughtfully packaged in refillable, eco-friendly containers. Even the lighting throughout the hotel uses energy-efficient bulbs.

There was a feeling that every decision—from amenities to housekeeping—had been carefully considered to enhance guest comfort without compromising the planet.

Our Room: Classic Comfort Meets Contemporary Sustainability

Afternoon Tea: An Icon Reimagined

Afternoon tea at The Savoy is more than a meal—it’s a ritual. Served in the breathtaking Thames Foyer beneath a domed glass ceiling, this is one of the most refined tea experiences in the world.

We were treated to a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, and an exquisite array of patisserie—each more beautiful than the last. The selection of teas was extensive, and the staff guided us through each blend with thoughtful recommendations. It was the kind of experience that lingers, both in memory and flavour.

And behind the scenes? The hotel’s kitchens are guided by principles of food sustainability, with locally sourced, Fairtrade, and organic ingredients. Their AI food waste system, Orbisk, tracks and reduces food waste daily. Even used kitchen oil is recycled into renewable energy and biofuel.

Evening at the American Bar

Later that evening, we headed to the American Bar—arguably London’s most legendary cocktail venue. Here, Chloe took care of us with a warmth and friendliness that defined our experience at The Savoy.

We opted for wine and delicious cocktails, and were delighted by how complex and creative the menu was. The bar is also one of the first in London to collaborate with ecoSPIRITS, a low-carbon, low-waste distribution platform that reduces the carbon footprint of spirits by up to 90%.

Sustainability That’s More Than Surface-Level

In 2024, The Savoy earned the prestigious Green Key UK certification, one of the leading international eco-labels for sustainable hospitality. But their efforts go far beyond badges.

The hotel is also Impact Certified by FuturePlus, verifying its measurable environmental and social impact. Here are just some of the highlights from The Savoy’s sustainability journey:

• Single-use plastic eliminated in all departments

• Orbisk AI food waste monitoring system

• Kitchen oil recycled into renewable energy

• 98%+ recycling rate throughout the hotel

• 100% renewable energy supply and carbon-offset gas usage

• ecoSPIRITS partnership for low-emission drinks service

• Klimato carbon-labelling on menus

• On-site bottling plant (The Savoy Well) to reduce water waste

• Ethical and local sourcing of food and amenities

• Savoy Bee Hotel initiative to support biodiversity

• Community engagement through charity support and local green spaces

And importantly, they’ve also aligned with Accor’s Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility Charter, emphasizing their dedication to ethical procurement, child safety (through their WATCH program), and colleague diversity at all levels of the business.

Location Tag: London, UK

A Legacy That Looks Forward

Our stay at The Savoy was unforgettable—not just because of the flawless service, world-class food, or beautiful surroundings—but because it represents a new kind of luxury. One where sustainability and sophistication go hand-in-hand.

The Savoy is proof that historic hotels don’t have to live in the past. Instead, they can lead us into a better future—gracefully, consciously, and with style.

For travellers looking to indulge and make better choices, The Savoy is a destination that delivers on both counts. It's a true beacon of conscious luxury in the heart of London.

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