The Savoy (London)

The Savoy stands as Britain's first luxury grand hotel, opened on 6 August 1889 on the Strand by impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte, funded by profits from his Gilbert and Sullivan opera productions. It was the first building in the country to feature electric lighting, electric lifts and bathrooms in most rooms. Its opening general manager was César Ritz, working alongside chef Auguste Escoffier in the kitchens.