Hotel Review: The Savoy, London

Boasting a central location on The Strand (and stretching down to the Thames), its forecourt is notable for being the only street in Britain where traffic must keep to the right. The hotel is well placed for the West End theatres and the myriad of shops and restaurants in Covent Garden. The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery are at the other end of The Strand, while the National Theatre is just across the river.

By car: the hotel is over 4 hours from Manchester and 2.5 hours from Bristol. Parking costs £60 per day.

By train: Charing Cross tube is 5 mins walk away. Waterloo station is 10 mins by taxi. Book trains to London.

The stainless steel Savoy sign, redesigned Lalique glass fountain in the forecourt and beautiful marble entrance hall set the tone for the rest of the hotel. Elsewhere there's a distinctive blend of Edwardian and Art Deco styles enhanced by a sensitive restoration a few years ago.

As you might expect, the service here is exceptional but also very warm, while the concierge is an invaluable source of knowledge. The suites also offer a butler and a chauffeur service.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Swimming pool
• Spa
• Wellness suite
• Fitness centre
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

The hotel's rooms and suites come in numerous categories, with courtyard, city or river views; all are spacious, supremely comfortable and decorated in muted shades with either an Edwardian or Art Deco style. Bathrooms are equally impressive and the suites have rainforest showers and clawfoot baths.

Room types: Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Luxury Room, Family Room, Junior Suite, Deluxe Junior Suite, Suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, pillow menu, coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi

Gordon Ramsay's two restaurants are The Savoy's central attractions: the Savoy Grill and the newer River Restaurant. The former is an Art deco masterpiece with added glamour and with dishes such as swordfish schnitzel; they also serve a terrific à la carte breakfast. The River Restaurant (with views of the Thames) specialises in seafood and shellfish.

The River Restaurant: seafood restaurant. Panoramic river views. All-day menu, open daily.

The Savoy Grill: Art Deco dining room. Classic dishes including beef wellington and lobster thermidor. Open daily, lunch and dinner.