The Rubens at the Palace

We have now stayed at the Rubens twice and I would definitely keep coming back! Our most recent time this summer I was with my husband and 8 year old daughter. The staff here made us feel like we were at home and they made my daughter feel like an absolute rock star! From the specialized children’s check in, the beefeater bear, the cupcake decorating, and the surprises they left her in our room, she felt like royalty! I only wish I could remember all of the names of the sweet ladies who interacted with us. Not to mention the location is perfect and within walking distance to Victoria station, the Palace, and lots of great places to eat. Although do not miss the tea time! We have done it twice and both times delicious.

We spent a wonderful festive weekend in London and the Rubens was as special as ever. Despite being extremely busy, the staff were unfailingly helpful and welcoming, and they made sure our little dog was nice and pampered. The location is about as perfect as it gets - 5 mins walk from Victoria, and 5 mins from Buckingham Palace and St James' Park (although it was closed due to the storm when we went!) The New York bar is always memorable and the bar staff make a mean martini. This hotel is class act all around, with spotless rooms, excellent bathrooms, and timeless English charm. We go at least once a year and long may it continue!

Having booked our third day during our second stay, we were very much looking forward to returning to the Rubens at the palace. We stayed again in our favourite suite overlooking the Royal mews and everything was just perfect. It was lovely to meet lots of new faces as well as lots of familiar faces and as always the service at every level was impeccable From those behind the scenes to those in various front of house locations from managers through the ranks. During our stay of four nights, we had a gorgeous festive afternoon tea, we also indulged in the beef Wellington cook to our specifications followed by crêpe Suzette in the Palace lounge. Prior to this we had received a complementary canapés in the New York bar which were amazing. We had breakfast each day having a variety of gorgeous French toast, to the English breakfast to salmon pastries toast et cetera. The variety of breakfast options are outstanding and one of the most comprehensive that I have come across within this calibre hotel in London. My daughter and her boyfriend Had a further meal in the New York bar one evening and my daughter and I also had a room service meal. Every single meal was cooked perfection, excellent service all round and the Personal touches by the staff in the palace lounge are to be commended. The Ruben's is a truly eclectic historic hotel where customer service is the number one focus and over the eight years I have been visiting, this has remained. It was truly lovely to catch up with my favourite member of staff Raj on the last two days of our stay. He made our stay so special last time both my daughter and I were really looking forward to meeting him again and I must say big hugs and smiles were involved when we finally did. I'm so pleased he's still part of the Reuben's family and when you meet Raj you will realise what a special person he is. I am very much looking forward to future days at the Rubens and wish all the stuff our deepest thanks and a happy 2025 xxxx

My first experience with The Rubens at the Palace was for afternoon tea in 2008. That day, I made a promise I'd return again, but this time to stay. Goal achieved in 2024 with a delightful stay for the holiday season. I had some special requests that I'd contacted them about in advance, and we went one for two on those requests, although when the second request was shared with their fantastic team, it was promptly and efficiently handled. This is your standard European-style hotel - smaller rooms and beds, which sometimes isn't for everyone, but worked quite well for me and my traveling companion. We had a twin share room, with enough space for us both. Beds were comfortable, with nice linens. We were mixed on the bathroom accommodations, with my companion loving the rain head shower and strong water pressure. I'm not a fan of rain heads, but the shower had adequate hot (HOT!) water and good pressure. They also did have washcloths, which can be hard to find in European hotels. This location really cannot be beat in Westminster - one block from Victoria Station for tube and trains, two blocks from Buckingham Palace and St. James Park, and a quick walk to Westminster Abbey and Parliament/Big Ben. Plus numerous restaurants and convenience shops. Their doormen are most helpful with recommendations and can get you a taxi in seconds! All of the Rubens staff was so welcoming and accommodating with any and all issues. They assisted us with tea reservations (their tea service is top notch!), restaurant suggestions and small needs. Be aware that the elevators are small and a bit slow - we used them for up, but walked down each day. The included daily breakfast is superb - you can order the full English breakfast, and it's one of the best in London. Their restaurant staff is just as wonderful as their front desk staff! They remembered us after the first morning, and would have our preferences for us right away. For convenience, location and service, this property cannot be matched, and I'd stay again on my next visit. Many thanks to Adam, Pascal and Johan for their attentiveness and customer care.

In advance of our trip their concierge service was extremely helpful with some of our desired activities, the number one item was their assistance in connecting us to Westminster Abbey to acquire tickets to Xmas Eve service. ( special thanks to Sophie)The hotel location is very near the Buckingham Palace. It was also centrally located to many of the other areas( Hyde Park, Harrods, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Big Ben, W Abbey, theaters, museums, etc) We often walked with many places within 30 minutes. The service here was outstanding. You have a true experience of being upscale without the extreme price. The rooms are small, yet clean and tastefully decorated. The morning meal is good. (Get assorted muffins, fruit, granola, juices as well as order from the menu) they have an attractive bar area which also serves light meals. And they offer an afternoon high tea. The location area is very safe and quiet compared to some other areas, but as earlier noted easy to get to anywhere. This was our first visit to London, and so pleased that we chose this hotel.