The Savoy has partnered with Chinese third-party mobile payment platform Alipay, making it the first luxury London hotel to accept payments using the app.
Both the Savoy and Simpson’s on the Strand will now accept the service, which currently has 520 million users.
Alipay has been forming partnerships with hospitality providers across Europe since it launched in the market in 2016.
Philip Barnes, managing director of the Savoy, commented: “London is the favourite destination for Chinese tourists coming to Britain and we at the Savoy want to ensure that we are offering a seamless guest experience that touches on every element of their stay, including their preferred methods of payment.”
Li Wang, head of Alipay EMEA, added: “We are excited to see Alipay’s partnership with the Savoy, which allows Chinese tourists coming into London to enjoy the ultimate accommodation and dining experiences. It’s the perfect match between 19th-century culture and 21st-century technology.”
fairmont.com/savoy-london; intl.alipay.com