Taylor Swift’s music for her single ‘End Game’ begins with the American pop star opening cream curtains to reveal a view of the Eye. As she sings ‘I want to be your end game’ over a slow beat, she stands in a bedroom at The Savoy hotel, gazing at ’s flickering lights. Taylor is one of the latest in a long line of A-listers and Hollywood stars who have walked the halls of The Savoy.
From the late 19th century to today, it has hosted everyone from Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe to Oscar Wilde, Bob Dylan and Winston Churchill. Opened in 1889 by former impresario and builder of the adjacent Savoy theatre, Richard D’Oyly Carte, inspired by the luxurious hospitality of ’s finest hotels, The Savoy was London’s first purpose-built deluxe hotel and the first with unlimited hot water and electric lighting. Built on the sight of the 14th century Savoy Palace, erected by John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, which was burned down by Wat Tyler's followers in the Peasants' Revolt of 1381, it sits just off , on the edge of London's .
The hotel was designed by Nouveau designer A.H. Mackmurdo, opened as a highly glamorous gold-plated destination for the smart set, which offered the luxury of alfresco dining with a view of the River Thames.
It wasn’t until the 1920s that the hotel would become synonymous with the Art Deco movement and The Savoy’s steel sign, which runs the width of Savoy Court, was erected. To elevate the hotel’s glamour, Carte enlis.