Reopening date set for The Savoy

(Fairmont Hotels)

London's iconic Savoy hotel is to reopen October 10 after a closure of nearly three years, the hotel's operator Fairmont confirmed June 17.

The Savoy, one of the world's best-known luxury establishments, was closed in December 2007 for an extensive renovation headed by Pierre Yves Rochon, the man behind parts of the famed Four Seasons George V hotel in Paris.

It is set to reopen on 10/10/2010 (October 10, 2010) with the addition of the Beaufort Bar, a champagne, cocktails and cabaret bar, and Savoy Tea, a bijou teashop and patisserie.

The hotel's famous Savoy Grill (operated by British celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey) will return, as will the remodelled River Restaurant which offers stunning views across London's river Thames and Embankment Gardens.

Rochon has also restyled all of The Savoy's 268 rooms, as well as overseeing the addition of a new two-bedroom Royal Suite - in total, there will be 38 River Suites and Guestrooms that offer views across the Thames.

Kiaran MacDonald, The Savoy's general manager, said that the work had not been without its challenges - perhaps referring to the delays and cost overruns which have plagued the project - but he was looking forward to welcoming guests back.

"We are very aware of the place that The Savoy holds in many people's affections and we firmly believe that the hotel will exceed people's expectations and reclaim its position as one of the world's great hotels," he said.

The Savoy has played host to some of the world's most famous people since its opening in 1889.

Managed by Cesar Ritz (who went on to found The Ritz Hotel) in the early years, The Savoy quickly became established with London's "bright young things" such as Oscar Wilde, Noel Coward, HG Wells and George Bernard Shaw.

During the Second World War, the hotel became a regular meeting place for diplomats and politicians (Winston Churchill and Charles de Gaulle were regular visitors to the restaurant) and after the war, the young Princess Elizabeth (now Queen Elizabeth II) first appeared in public with her future husband Prince Philip at a Savoy reception.

As the years went on, the hotel's fame grew, with Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Bob Dylan and the Beatles all visiting regularly.

Rooms at the remodelled Savoy will retain a stellar pricing suited to the stars that will undoubtedly visit - starting at £350 (€418) per night.

http://www.the-savoy.com