After 3 years the Savoy reopens on all the 10's.

Rebirth of a legend: The Savoy finally reopens (on 10.10.10 at 10.10am) after three years and £220m refit

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 2:17 AM on 10th October 2010

Stephen Fry will be the first guest to check-in to a newly-refurbished landmark hotel when it reopens today after almost three years.

The Savoy in London's Strand closed its doors in December 2007 for the overhaul, which was originally estimated to cost £100m and finish in early 2009.

But the project ended up being delayed and over-budget, with completion 18 months later than scheduled and costing £220m.

Lavish: Staff make last minute alterations in the foyer of the Savoy Hotel ahead of today's opening

It finally throws open its doors at 10.10am today - (the 10th day of the 10th month, 2010).

According to Fairmont, which manages the 120-year-old luxury hotel, the restoration programme included the entire building from the entrance to the Savoy Grill and the 268 rooms, and involved crucial behind-the-scenes work such as wiring and plumbing.

Twitter fan Fry will take up the role of 'blogger-in-residence' at the hotel, which is fully booked for today and tomorrow.

General manager Kiaran MacDonald said: 'We are very excited to reopen The Savoy.

'It is fair to say that this project has not been without its challenges, but we are looking forward to unveiling the results of nearly three years of hard work and dedication.

A barman fixes a drink in the Beaufort bar of the Savoy Hotel: The refurbishment has taken three years and come in massively over-budget at £220m

'We are very aware of the place that The Savoy holds in many people's affections and we firmly believe that the hotel will exceed people's expectations and reclaim its position as one of the world's great hotels.'

Established in 1889, The Savoy was the brainchild of the Gilbert and Sullivan impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte and went on to attract royalty, writers and Hollywood stars.

Designer Pierre-Yves Rochon and more than 1,000 craftsmen and artists helped bring the building's Edwardian and Art Deco styles back to life and create interiors in keeping with the hotel's 'original' spirit, according to a Fairmont spokesman.

New additions include nine 'personality' suites paying tribute to notable guests including Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich and Frank Sinatra, an Art Deco bar called the Beaufort, a teashop and the re-introduction of a gazebo under a glass dome.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1319247/The-220m-refit-Savoy-reopens-today-lavish-overhaul.html#ixzz11xgWCUkR