When it comes to luxury hotels in London, two names stand out above the rest: The Ritz and The Savoy. These iconic establishments have been synonymous with opulence, elegance, and impeccable service for over a century.
From royalty to Hollywood stars, both hotels have hosted the crème de la crème of society. But which one is the right choice for your luxurious London getaway?
In this guide from the Slingo Lifestyle blog, we delve into these two beautifully presented hotels to determine which is the jewel in the crown of London's hotel scene. But first, let's explore their histories.
The Histories Savoy and The Ritz Hotels
The Savoy, which opened its doors in 1889, boasts an impressive pedigree. As London's first luxury hotel, it pioneered many modern hotel amenities and has been a trailblazer in the hospitality industry ever since.
With a unique blend of Edwardian and Art Deco style, The Savoy offers a different kind of charm that has captivated guests for generations. From Oscar Wilde to Charlie Chaplin right through to the stars of today, a whole host of legends have stayed in one of the hotel's 267 rooms.
Meanwhile, the Ritz was opened in 1906 by Swiss hotelier César Ritz. Since then, the hotel has become a symbol of British high society and refinement, with its neoclassical facade and Louis the 16th-inspired interiors exude a timeless grandeur.
Interestingly, Ritz had previously managed The Savoy and tried to outdo his former employer when he opened his namesake hotel in the heart of Piccadilly.
Over 100 years after his passing, has César Ritz achieved his goal of owning the best hotel in Central London?
Our comparison will look at these two establishments' costs, amenities, locations, food, and sizes to see which takes the title of London's best luxury hotel.
The Ritz London vs The Savoy: Which Hotel is Best?
Which hotel is the least expensive?
The Ritz
Prepare to open your wallet wide if you're planning to stay at The Ritz. This palace of luxury comes with a princely price tag. Junior suites start at around £1,400 per night, while their Deluxe suites typically cost around £3,000 per night.
If you want to splash out, consider one of The Ritz's Signature Suites. A night in The Trafalgar Suite, which took a starring role in the film Notting Hill, can cost over £3,500. Meanwhile, rates for the Green Park Suite, a two-bed apartment that includes a butler service, start at £7,450.
For many guests, however, the experience of staying in an illustrious hotel such as The Ritz is priceless, and the venue's attentive staff and first-rate service and amenities justify the cost.
The Savoy
While not quite as eye-watering as The Ritz, The Savoy is still firmly in the luxury price bracket. Superior rooms begin at approximately £700 per night, with suites ranging from £1,300 to over £10,000.
The Royal Suite, The Savoy's most glamorous accommodation, boasts a private bar, panoramic views of the Thames, and, like The Ritz, a complimentary butler service.
Compared to The Ritz, The Savoy offers a wider range of room types, potentially providing more options for guests looking for luxury at a (slightly) lower price point.
The Ritz score: 7/10
The Savoy score: 8/10
Which hotel has the best amenities?
The Ritz
The Ritz offers a range of world-class amenities to ensure guests experience the height of luxury. The hotel features a stunning spa with ESPA treatments, a hair salon, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.
Guests in the hotel's most luxurious suites can even make use of chauffeur-driven trips in the Ritz's Rolls-Royce Phantom.
One of its most unique offerings is the Ritz Club, an exclusive casino for members and hotel guests. The hotel also provides a dedicated concierge service, 24-hour room service, and complimentary shoe shining.
The Ritz's most famous amenity is its afternoon tea service in the Palm Court, an institution that has been delighting guests for over a century.
The Savoy
The Savoy also offers plenty of amenities. The hotel boasts a beautiful indoor pool and the iconic Beaufort Bar. There's even a Boodles fine jeweller in the Front Hall of The Savoy.
The spa, Beauty & Fitness at The Savoy, offers a range of luxurious treatments, such as sensory immersion massages and diamond life infusion facials.
One of The Savoy's unique features is its dedicated Butler Service for suite guests, providing extra personalised care. The hotel also houses a museum showcasing its rich history and offers master classes at the renowned American Bar.
Like The Ritz, The Savoy also boasts a famous afternoon tea, served in the stunning Thames Foyer. The hotel also provides round-the-clock room service, same-day dry cleaning, and a florist.
The Ritz score: 9/10
The Savoy score: 9/10
Which hotel has the best location?
The Ritz
Situated at 150 Piccadilly, The Ritz is located right in the heart of London. It overlooks the manicured lawns of Green Park and is just a short stroll from Buckingham Palace.
Additionally, the hotel is within walking distance of high-end shopping areas like Bond Street and the bustling entertainment district of the West End.
The Ritz's central location is ideal for exploring London's most iconic sights. The Royal Academy of Arts, Trafalgar Square, and St. James's Park are all nearby. Green Park underground station is just a few minutes walk away for those using public transport.
The Savoy
The Savoy's location on the Strand, overlooking the River Thames, offers a different but equally impressive London experience. It sits on the border between the City of Westminster and the City of London, providing easy access to both the West End's theatres and the City's financial district.
From The Savoy, guests can enjoy riverside walks along the Victoria Embankment. Attractions like Covent Garden, the National Gallery, and Somerset House are all within walking distance. The hotel is also close to several underground stations, including Charing Cross and Covent Garden.
The Ritz score: 9/10
The Savoy score: 9/10
Which hotel has the best food?
The Ritz
The Ritz Restaurant, often described as the most beautiful dining room in the world, is the jewel in the hotel's culinary crown. Under the guidance of Executive Chef John Williams MBE, it has held a Michelin star since 2016. The restaurant offers modern British cuisine with classical French influences, using the finest seasonal ingredients.
The Ritz's afternoon tea is legendary, served in the magnificent Palm Court. It's so popular that bookings often need to be made months in advance. It's also the only hotel to have a certified Tea Master, Giandomenico Scanu, who travels the world sourcing tea for The Ritz.
For a more casual dining experience, the Ritz Club Restaurant offers all-day dining in an intimate setting.
The hotel's bars, including the Rivoli Bar and the Ritz Garden, provide sophisticated spaces for pre-dinner cocktails and nightcaps. The Ritz also offers private dining options in several of its opulent rooms.
The Savoy
The Savoy's culinary offerings are equally impressive and diverse. The hotel is home to several renowned restaurants, including Gordon Ramsay's Savoy Grill, which serves classic British and French dishes.
The Savoy is also home to Restaurant 1890, another Gordon Ramsay-helmed eatery. Here, you can enjoy contemporary fine dining with ingredients from all over the world.
The hotel's American Bar is the longest-surviving cocktail bar in London and was named the World's Best Bar at the 2018 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. While the Beaufort Bar offers innovative cocktails in a stunning Art Deco setting, the perfect place for an intimate evening with a partner.
The Ritz score: 9/10
The Savoy score: 9/10
Which hotel is bigger?
The Ritz
The Ritz is a relatively intimate hotel by luxury standards, with 136 rooms, including 23 suites. This smaller size allows for a more individualised service, with staff often knowing regular guests by name. While grand, the hotel's public spaces maintain a sense of exclusivity and privacy.
The Ritz can accommodate larger events, with several function rooms available. The Music Room can host up to 200 guests for a reception, while the William Kent House, a separate wing of the hotel, offers additional event spaces.
The Savoy
The Savoy is significantly larger than The Ritz, with 267 rooms and suites. This larger size allows for a wider variety of room types and potentially more availability. However, it may feel less intimate than The Ritz.
The Savoy excels in its event spaces and even hosts weddings. The Lancaster Ballroom can accommodate up to 800 guests for a reception. The hotel has 12 private dining and meeting rooms, making it an excellent choice for large events and conferences.
The Ritz score: 8/10
The Savoy score: 9/10
The Ritz vs The Savoy: The verdict
These two legendary hotels both offer travellers unparalleled luxury and service. But which one came out on top? Here's our verdict:
The Ritz's overall score: 42 out of 50
The Savoy's overall score: 44 out of 50
While both hotels have their own unique charm and strengths, The Savoy has earned a slightly higher position in our assessment thanks to its larger event spaces and somewhat more accessible pricing.
This also means that César Ritz, in this comparison at least, hasn’t quite surpassed The Savoy.
Having said this, you mustn't let our guide deter you from The Ritz, which is a grandiose institution that’s more than worthy of its luxury hotel status.
Whichever you prefer, you're guaranteed an unforgettable stay at one of London's most iconic hotels. Both The Ritz and The Savoy continue to set the standard for luxury hospitality, and a stay at either will undoubtedly be a highlight of your stay in the capital.
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