Savoy group cuts room rates again

London's Savoy Hotel has slashed its rates for a second time this year - this time in an attempt to fill its bedrooms for August.

The Ritz hotel has also cut its prices dramatically for the next few weeks.

The Savoy Group denied that its latest half-price offer, which also applies to its other London hotels the Connaught, Claridge's and the Berkeley, had anything to do with business being bad.

A group spokesman said that August was traditionally quiet because many businessmen and women take their holidays then.

"All hotels in London have the same problem and we are thinking along the same lines by offering these promotions," he added.

At Easter the Savoy cut its room rates by more than 60% (Caterer, 20 April, page 5).

The latest offer means guests can stay at the hotel for a minimum of two nights for £160 a night, as opposed to £330. The discounted rate at the Berkeley is £165, at Claridge's it is £170 and at the Connaught £175.

Guests also get two tickets for the London Eye.

Until 3 September the Savoy Group, in conjunction with London's Evening Standard, is also offering a two-course meal, from £15 per person, at any of its restaurants in the capital.

At the Ritz this month a double room costs from £245 a night and a junior suite £375. The usual prices are £325 and £450 respectively.

A Ritz spokesman said: "We expect our occupancy in August to be about 80%. This, we hope, will bring us up to 100%."

by Louise Bozec