News from London: Update on the Renovations at The Savoy

May 20, 2009 By: Mary Winston Nicklin

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London's iconic hotel is undergoing what's been called "the most expensive restoration in British hotel history." The Savoy, aka the "palace on the Thames," has been closed since the end of 2007 for a thorough, top-to-bottom overhaul. Leading the design team is Pierre-Yves Rochon, the man behind the refurbished Four Seasons George V in Paris. There's been lots of buzz about the brand new fitness center and rooftop pool- one of only two in the city.

Expected to last 17 months and cost GBP 100 million (a pretty penny for the hotel owner, Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal), the renovation is taking longer than anticipated. Originally slated to reopen in June, The Savoy is now expecting to dazzle its guests sometime after fall we are told. Up-to-date information can be found on the restoration website, which includes a diary from the general manager.