Hotel's contents to be auctioned

Chandeliers in the foyer of the Savoy will also be auctioned

London's Savoy hotel is auctioning many of its contents, including beds, chandeliers and a dance floor.

The hotel decided to sell 3,000 items to the highest bidders ahead of its £100m refurbishment. The total value of the items is estimated to be £1m.

The 215-room landmark hotel which overlooks the River Thames opened its doors to guests in 1889.

The French artist Monet, Sir Winston Churchill, The Beatles and Marilyn Monroe have all lived in the hotel.

The lots due to go under the hammer include 200 beds - complete with linen and mattresses, curtains, a large oak parquet dance floor and an early 20th Century mahogany and gilt metal bureau.

The items will be auctioned by Bonhams over a three-day period in December.

Bonhams' director of the Savoy sale Harvey Cammell said: "The auction presents everyone around the world with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire an extraordinary range of iconic items from one of the most famous hotels in the world."