The Savoy

I was looking forward to the CIO 100 event at The Savoy. Got my best dress on, took a train to London and the setting could not be more magical. We were in the ballroom - which is just gorgeous. The food and the service are another story. I had pre-ordered the vegetarian menu. Mains arrived with no sign of my main meal. 40 minutes later, after all the other plates had been cleared, the waiting staff plonked my dinner in front of me. I couldn't eat it and the head waiter apologised, and asked if he could get me another plate. I said yes. He brought another plate of ravioli which was like chewing leather. They apologised and gave me a bottle of British sparking wine. Not the experience I had hoped. Very disappointing.

The majority of the reviews that describe this hotel as a splurge worth experiencing are spot on. The service is perfect. The rooms (we stayed two separate times in September) were beautifully appointed and very clean. Join the free loyalty program. A benefit is a free newspaper delivered to your door each morning. Another benefit is a free welcome beverage-beer, select wine, coffee or soft drink-one per guest per stay. With just a couple of nights at this property you will jump up to the next category for more perks during your next stay at any Accor property. I got two upgrades as a result of my participation. Free mini bar consisted of two diet cokes, two regular cokes, two bags of crisps, milk, orange juice, apple juice and two lemonades. Replenished daily. In the Reading Room enjoy cookies, fruit, coffee/tea and colas, all included. Here you can purchase alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees. The American Bar was too stuffy for us-not a good vibe. We bought some alcohol from a great store very nearby and had happy hour in the room with our own music, at a fraction of the cost.

Arthur and the staff went above and beyond to accommodate a guest with disability, even removing the legs off the bed to lower it 4 inches to make transferring from a wheelchair more accessible. The accessible bathroom is top notch. To add to the experience the breakfast is fantastic. The staff, from the doorman to the management, made all the difference.

Tea at the Savoy. Need I say more. How decadent - a glass of champagne and delicious finger sandwiches, scones and little cakes. Yes, it is very expensive, but if you want to go all out it is worth it. A once in a lifetime treat. What an extensive tea menu - just delicious.

The service at The Savoy was absolutely outstanding and consistently friendly, which isn’t always a given at top hotels where I sometimes find the service slightly cold. The lady who checked us in (I can't remember her name but she was Italian and from Bologna) was wonderful: so friendly, and she kindly arranged a glass of champagne for my birthday. That really set the tone. Throughout our stay, the team was second to none. When we asked for firmer pillows, they arrived almost instantly. We loved our evening at the American Bar - seated right by the piano, never rushed in the slightest, with genuinely friendly service. The only very small disappointment, and admittedly this is probably a niche point, was the mattress. I had anticipated that it would be from Savoir Beds, given the historic connection so often mentioned, and was really looking forward to experiencing one. In our room, the mattress was Sealy. Perfectly comfortable, of course, but I couldn't help but feeling disappointed having heard so much of Savoir Beds and The Savoy. Overall, though, it was a great stay, but I wish I'd known ahead of time that at least some beds are Sealy. I can't imagine many people travel just for the mattress though!