The Rubens at the Palace

My wife and I stayed at The Rubens for just 4 nights, (26th - 29th Nov). However, the experience was so good, if it was not for work, we would have stayed longer. We were first greeted by the doormat who grabbed our cases and carried them into the reception. The young gentleman on the desk was very polite and explained that the room was not quite ready, but we could either stay in their bar or, as we decided, go into the city. Our bags were stored and on our return we were given our room “keys” and informed that the bags were now in our room. We entered the room, 103 and was greeted with a large bedroom and bathroom which is classed as an “accessible” room which we requested due to my ill health. There was a 42” LCD tv with the full sky package. Later that day we were confirming our booking for the “curry” dining room. As we had booked this in August, we were surprised to be informed that the curry was not being served as due to the amount of American visitors, the menu had been changed to a thanksgiving meal. We shared our disappointment with Leo, who was the hotel manager. After a chat, he said that he would try to sort this out. Later, he informed us that we were able to have a curry as we had requested explaining that we should have been informed of the change. The following evening, we had a wonderful evening with personal assistance from the restaurant manager. We later found out that the manager had brought in the “curry chef” specially for just us two. Then that asked us to wait a few minutes, the manager then brought us a platter with a cake and some small chocolate pieces, with a “piped” message congratulating us on our 50th anniversary. We found all of the staff to be professional, polite and friendly. All would take the time to chat. We have never before had this type of experience and recommend that you all should visit The Rubens at the Palace for your visit to London. We are now in the process of organising our next trip to London and will be staying at The Rubens at the Palace. If you want the experience of a lifetime, make a booking, I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

I was asked if I was celebrating a special event. I was celebrating my birthday and had booked an afternoon tea at the restaurant. The staff didn't do any birthday acknowledgement at all. Why ask if I'm celebrating an event and then not give any complimentary birthday acknowledgements. Also I was told by a rude member of staff not to use the flash on my camera as it was upsetting people. I wasn't sitting close to any other tables. This was a made up lie by the member of staff who just didn't want me taking photos. As far as I'm concerned anyone paying money in a hotel should be allowed to take photos with or without a flash on as long as they aren't taking pictures of strangers without their consent or something horrible like that. Also the lighting in the restaurant is awful. You come out blurry regardless of where you take the photo in the restaurant. So I think this terrible lighting is to put people off taking photos. My friend and myself took a photo in the toilets as the lightning was very good in there. Also the afternoon tea menu doesn't list cold drinks or mention if the restaurant does coffee. I had to ask as no options other than tea was on the menu. Not everyone drinks tea. Also the cleaners came in the toilets and they were making me feel uncomfortable. I had to explain I was looking after my friends stuff whilst she was in the cubicle. They made me feel like I was in their way. I know they have a job to do, but clean the bits customers are not using at that time, don't stand around giving customers dirty looks. I will not ever return to this place and I do not recommend it to anyone. The coffee and chocolate cake is delicious and the food with the afternoon tea was nice but that is the only positive things I can say.

We stayed with extended family from ages 63 to 9. This was hands down the best hotel I have ever stayed at. EVERY single staff member I talked to went above and beyond to make us feel special. The doorman gave us excellent dinner recommendations. The drinks in the bar were delicious.

This Hotel has been our favorite Hotel in London. Not anymore. Late check in, small dobbel beds, no cleaning during the stay. Location is still Perfect but look for something else. It is not a 5 star hotell in my opinion. The bar is cozy and Classic.

My husband and I stayed here as part of our 35th anniversary trip. It was our first time in London, and I don’t think we could have picked a better place to stay. The hotel is in a great location, very walkable and close to the Victoria Station for longer trips. The hotel was everything we expected, from the warm, traditional architecture to the professional, courteous staff. Special shout out to Adam who would greet us by our name after being out all day. The hotel offers several dining options, and our room was spacious, very clean and had a view of The Royal Mews. We highly recommend this hotel!