Savoy originals

For over 135 years, The Savoy has represented the height of glamorous hospitality. With London’s West End on its doorstep and those acclaimed views over the River Thames, our storied hotel attracts the discerning; those who truly appreciate the authenticity of an original.

The Savoy has always been, and continues to be, a London home from home for the original thinkers, who create, inspire, and elevate the ordinary to extraordinary.

This is the place where the most fabulous stories unfold. To pay tribute to some of our favourite moments that have taken place at The Savoy throughout the decades, we’ve invited some of The Savoy’s friends to recreate them in their own unique style.
We invite you to indulge in a nostalgic journey of stories, glamour and innovation as each month we reveal some of our original moments seen through the eyes of today’s originals.

Monet enjoyed three long stays at The Savoy between 1898 and 1901, and began his Views of the Thames series of paintings from his suite, so inspired was he by the dramatic river views that still captivate our guests today. The next moment in our ‘Savoy Originals’ series sees Savoy friend, the incredibly talented Rich McCoy pay tribute to the impressionist artist, recreating Monet’s Houses of Parliament from the very same spot it was painted over 125 years ago. Image courtesy of The Courtauld

The iconic Red Lift was the first electric lift in London and used to take up to nine minutes to reach the top of the hotel... thankfully, it’s a quicker ride up to the top floor these days. Here, Savoy original Lucien Laviscount takes some time out in one of the world’s most famous lifts - celebrating moments from the hotel's storied past.

Marilyn Monroe visited The Savoy for a press conference to announce production of The Prince and the Showgirl on 15 July 1956. Paying tribute to Marilyn Monroe is Savoy friend Grece Ganham, who recreates this moment perfectly, wearing a recreation of the famous black ‘wiggle’ dress Marilyn wore to the press conference with its sheer midsection that was much talked about at the time.