The Savoy is to close its doors for 16 months as it undergoes a £100m refurbishment programme.
The London hotel will revamp its guest rooms, public area, restaurants and The Savoy Court, the cul de sac entrance off the Strand.
A new champagne bar, The Beaufort, and a conservatory where guests can enjoy the traditional Savoy afternoon tea will be built.
The project is being managed by designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, best known for his work on the Four Seasons George V in Paris and L’Hermitage in Monaco.
The Savoy is closing on December 15 and will be holding a three day auction from December 18 to 20 where the public can purchase items from the hotel’s past. Some of the proceeds will go to the Farms for City Children Charity.
The hotel is due to re-open in May 2009.