From the moment it opened its doors in 1889, the Savoy Hotel in London was a beacon of luxury. The grand opening was nothing short of spectacular, with a courtyard transformed into a Venetian canal and towering cakes pulled by baby elephants. The hotel’s opulence attracted a flood of American visitors, leading to its nickname, “the 49th state.”
A Theatre of Luxury
This wasn’t just any hotel; it was the first luxury hotel in Britain, and it quickly became a haven for the elite. Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Charlie Chaplin – the list of famous guests reads like a who’s who of 20th century icons. The Savoy became the place to be seen, where lavish dinners and glittering entertainment were the norm. But behind the facade of glamour, there were also dark secrets – even a murder.
The Legacy of Three Generations
The man behind this opulent vision was Richard D’Oyly Carte, a Victorian impresario. His passion for the performing arts led him to establish the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company and the Savoy Theatre, renowned for its Gilbert and Sullivan productions. He envisioned a hotel that would mirror the theatre’s grandeur and offer the same luxurious experiences to its guests.
Olivia Williams, author of a book on the Savoy and the D’Oyly Carte family, explains, “Like the theatre, Richard D’Oyly Carte wanted to bring to London something he thought was lacking.” His travels across Europe and America exposed him to a level of luxury that London lacked, and the Savoy was his answer to that need. He meticulously crafted his vision for the ultimate luxury hotel, and the Savoy became a reality.
A Star-Studded History
Over the years, the Savoy has hosted countless influential figures: The Beatles, Audrey Hepburn, Muhammed Ali, John Wayne, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and many more. Valentino and Dior staged fashion shows in its magnificent ballroom, solidifying its place as a London icon. The D’Oyly Carte family embraced the theatricality of the hotel, treating it like a grand stage.
“I think that’s part of its longevity and its success,” says Williams. “The banqueting department that dealt with all these one-off events and celebrations were so theatrical and well run.” This theatrical approach set the stage for lavish public celebrations, further cementing the Savoy’s reputation.
Spies, Scandal, and a Murder
The Savoy’s allure extended beyond the world of entertainment. Dusko Popov, a Serbian triple agent code-named Tricycle, was a regular visitor. His espionage activities led him to become a permanent resident of the hotel, adding a layer of intrigue to its already glamorous atmosphere.
“As could be expected with the Casablanca-esque cross-section of wartime guests, there were often spies about the Savoy, but all of the known ones were friendly,” Williams writes.
Even the famous James Bond’s code number, 007, is rooted in the Savoy’s history. Popov, when needing advice, would call his uncle in Belgrade, and the number he had to remember was 26-007. This connection to the legendary spy adds another layer of intrigue to the hotel’s narrative.
Oscar Wilde, the renowned Irish poet and playwright, was also among the Savoy’s early guests. Richard D’Oyly Carte had been instrumental in launching Wilde’s career, organizing his trans-Atlantic trip that propelled him to fame in America.
“He was already a family friend, so when Richard opened the Savoy hotel it was not surprising that Oscar was one of the guests,” Williams says.
But Wilde’s stay was marked by scandal. He brought with him a much younger lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, and their relationship led to a legal battle with Douglas’s father, who was against their union. Wilde was eventually sentenced to two years in prison for “gross indecency,” a reflection of the societal norms of the time.
The Savoy wasn’t just a stage for fame and fortune; it also witnessed a tragic murder. In 1923, Marguerite Fahmy, a Parisian courtesan, was accused of killing her husband, Ali Kamel Fahmy, after a heated argument in their hotel suite. Despite a night porter witnessing Fahmy discarding a gun, she was acquitted of the murder.
The scandal surrounding the trial, however, did little to deter the Savoy’s popularity. In fact, it seemed to draw more attention to the hotel, fueling its legendary status.
A Legacy of Detail and Discretion
For a century, the Savoy was managed by three generations of the D’Oyly Carte family. Richard’s son, Rupert, took over in 1901, carrying on his father’s tradition of meticulous attention to detail and the needs of their guests. The staff was expected to be intimately aware of their guests’ preferences, from their preferred porridge temperature to their preferred bathroom toiletries.
“They also made notes about people’s achievements and who the family members were who they usually came with,” Williams says.
This level of personalized service created a seamless experience for each guest, making them feel valued and cared for.
Rupert’s daughter, Bridget, took the reins in 1948. Known for her conservative nature, she maintained the Savoy’s tradition of excellence, ensuring its enduring appeal. However, her approach also meant a reluctance to share the family’s story with the world.
The D’Oyly Carte dynasty ended in the 1980s with Bridget’s death. Until Olivia Williams’ book, no one had attempted to document the family’s story, their privacy being a closely guarded secret.
“A few people have tried while they were alive over the 20th century, but because they were very private people, they batted off a lot of offers,” Williams says.
This desire for privacy led them to destroy much of their history, making Williams’ task even more challenging. Despite these obstacles, she was able to uncover a wealth of information about the family, their influence, and their legacy.
A Legacy of Luxury
The Savoy Hotel has left an indelible mark on the world of hospitality. It set the standard for what a luxury hotel should be, and its influence can still be seen in many hotels today. “A lot of the American 20th century hotels that followed, they asked advice from the Savoy management about what to do and how to run them,” Williams says. The Savoy not only provided opulent accommodations but also created a culture of luxury that continues to resonate today.
