The Rubens at the Palace

This was our first time in London and wanted a location in Mayfair, within walking distance to most major attractions. Since Im not much of a public transportation person, we used taxi and uber to get around. The doormen, were always very friendly and went out of their way to assist with getting the taxi's and ubers right up to our lobby and helping us. We felt we could rely on them, a great service. We found all the staff pleasant and seemed to care that we had everything we needed and shared experiences, making our stay pleasant and enjoyable. The dining room staff were hard workers, including the manager, Erika Nyitrai ,who worked twice as hard to make sure the tables needs were being met and then reset, so wait times for any table were negligible. We found the breakfast food dishes out of the kitchen just average, and execution same. The staff, service and ambiance made up for the shortcomings, but it was part of the hotel package. Had it not been, we probably would not have returned. This is a historic building, so the rooms have been retrofitted and upgraded. If you have a handicap limiting your climb over a tub wall, I suggest you book a handicap accessible room. The room, was relatively small, and with one 4 drawer bureau and a small closet, hanging clothes was limited. The room safe, was located on the closet floor, a very uncomfortable and inconvenient location. The bathroom, has modern conveniences, however lacks sufficient lighting or plugs for a shaver or toothbrush. Finally, the hotel lacks a real lobby, so don't expect to sit down there, to plan or just talk, outside your room. It is small and busy and the ante room is part of the bar, serving beverages and food. They make a good cocktail and the staff is attentive, but allows for a casual time to enjoy a break. As a 5 star hotel, you'll pay for each star, some of which relates to its location, However, I would actually attribute the 5th star to the managers and staff themselves. The historic nature of the hotel, location and staff, make it a good choice for a discerning traveler.

We have visited Rubens on several occasions since 2019 and with each visit the experience just keeps getting better. The hotel is very well situated a stones throw away from Buckingham Palace and The Mall and a short distance from the busy London vibes. As soon as you enter this hotel you will feel special, the staff all the way from the footman to the restaurant and bar staff will make you feel a million dollars. The hotel is beautifully decorated, maintaining original and traditional regal decor. The rooms are lovely and quiet, very clean and nicely decorated and have everything you could possibly need. Our breakfast was served in the main restaurant, which in line with the rest of the hotel was a lovely setting. There was an extensive menu to choose from including freshly cooked hot selections and a cold buffet, the food was served nice and hot and tasted delicious (hash browns to die for). One evening we ate in the Curry Room, this is the hotels resident Indian restaurant. The menu is small but the food is second to none as is the service: I would certainly recommend the tasting menu. However, as impressed as we always are the gem in this wonderful hotel has to be the New York Bar. This is the main bar in the hotel and you can get almost any drink you could possibly want from a nice cold beer or glass of wine to a cool cocktail. The bar is set in the heart of the hotel and hosts a gorgeous fireplace and comfortable tables. The staff in the New York Bar are awesome, Frank who will greet you and take your order, Elliott who make the best cocktails in the world and not to forget all the rest of the staff who go out of their way to look after you with a smile. The credit for our great visits to Rubens must go to Leo, the hotel manager. Leo is always on hand to make sure visitors are looked after. If you are lucky enough to visit Rubens you will find that Leo and his team will make you feel welcome and comfortable, they are professional but friendly and there is always great conversation which will leave you feeling that you have made some good friends, which is not something you will find at the larger more corporate London hotels. I would recommend visiting this hotel, even if it is just to eat in one the Restaurants or having a drink at the bar; once you have been you will definitely go back.

My family took a vacation to London & Ireland to celebrate my birthday. For the London leg we stayed at The Ruben's. The first thing we noticed was how friendly and helpful the staff were. Not just the concierge or the staff at the front desk but EVERYONE! The building itself, internally, gives off an old school classy vibe. It took us a bit of time to get used to how compact/small things were, such as the elevators and our room. However the service levels we experienced quickly overshadowed that. We had breakfast daily at The Rubens and the food was outstanding! Since I was on vacation I made it a point to visit the bar which is a quiet space to collect your thoughts and relax. The bartenders are pretty friendly with that great British dry humor. Let's get the real draw though, the drinks. The bar is fully stocked and I typically enjoyed the Old Fashion or Whiskey Sour. Last but not least, the doorman, this guy was awesome! At one point we were trying to secure a taxi to take us to my birthday dinner. The doorman literary walked down the block, flagged down a taxi. This guy rocked!! The location of The Rubens is centrally located around many of the sights in London so you can get to sights via a brief walk, Uber or taxi without breaking the bank. There are also plenty of shops, restaurant and pubs within walking distance. High 5's to the staff for making our trip a great one.

Just spent 2 nights in this hotel for my 70th birthday. I have never met such genuinely caring staff. They go up and above to make you feel welcome. The very smart Gentleman on the door is such an asset to the hotel. The breakfasts are delicious and we ate dinner in the Curry Room and again were looked after so well. We were upgraded to a suite and a complementary bottle of wine and chocolates for my birthday. Thank you so much for a memorable experience ❤️

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.