The Rubens at the Palace review: inside one of London’s most welcoming five-star stays

Rubens at the Palace Hotel - a suberb five-star hotel in the heart of London | Red Carnation

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From opulent suites to standout dining and genuinely heartfelt service, The Rubens at the Palace delivers a five-star London stay that feels personal, polished and unforgettable

The Rubens at the Palace isn’t just a hotel. It’s a place where welcome and warmth have become an art form, and every interaction - from the first smile at the door to the smallest thoughtful touch - makes the experience feel special.

Standing out amid the wealth of great hotels in London is a tall order. But this family-run Red Carnation property immediately sets itself apart and offers one of the most distinctive five-star stays you'll find in the capital. It delivers everything its loyal guests love, including being made to feel like you’re a member of the family.

Set in Buckingham Palace Road, just a short stroll from the palace itself, you couldn't be more central (unless the King himself fancies letting out a spare room!). And if walking in green spaces or shopping is your focus, you're a hop, skip and a jump from St James' Park, Green Park and Hyde Park with Mayfair and Soho also nearby. The closest tube station is just a 10-minute stroll away.

But the truth is, regardless of its coveted address, you could pick up this hotel, place it anywhere and still have the best of times.

Read MoreThe English Grill | Red Carnation

The wow factor starts before you've even set foot inside. With its classic red-brick façade and a constant sense of ceremony outside the door, there’s a reassuringly traditional feel to it all - polished, precise and unmistakably British - softened by the hotel’s striking living wall, which adds a fresh, contemporary contrast to the otherwise heritage setting.

The entrance itself leans into that sense of occasion. Attentive doormen, including the instantly likeable Taylor and Robert, greet you with wide smiles.

If you're the proud owner of children or dogs, they are also welcomed with open arms. In fact, The Rubens won Gold in the 2026 Junior Travel Awards in the Best City Hotel for Families category.

At 55 square metres, practically palatial by London standards, it feels more like a private apartment than a hotel room. At the heart of the bedroom is a hand-crafted, four-poster Savoir bed, dressed in crisp 200 thread-count percale cotton linens.

My favourite part of this luxurious suite, though, was the main bathroom with its marble tiling, fluffy towels, his and hers sinks and endless mirrors where you can catch sight of yourself wearing the plushest of white towelling robes.

The New York Bar | Red Carnation

Once you’ve dragged yourself away from the windows, with views of the Royal Mews, you'll want to head back downstairs because memories await in the New York bar and English Grill.

The buzzy bar is where you’ll find Lucio, a welder-turned bar manager and mixologist extraordinaire. If you visit The Rubens, you have to let Lucio show off his impressive skills at the newly launched and unmissable Negroni trolley.

Food at the English Grill, which holds two AA Rosettes, is nothing short of spectacular. We began with chicken noodle soup, a favourite of the founder and president apparently, and duck ragu, a rich and flavourful start to this culinary experience.

Order the beef Wellington and you’ll be served a sublime work of art. This is the hotel’s faultless signature dish, finished with a silky lobster sauce. We were promised the "finest beef Wellington in London" and Executive Chef Ben Kelliher, who has certainly mastered his craft, delivered on that promise.

For post-mains drama, opt for the Crepes Suzettes, flambeed at your table by the seasoned and consummate professional, Gianni, who has served the likes of Lady Diana and Pavarotti during his distinguished career.

Our conversations with Lucio and Gianni were a delightful complement to an evening of memorable food and drink served in the most relaxing and elegant of spaces.

Afternoon Tea in the Palace Lounge | Red Carnation

In fact, the public rooms at The Rubens are something of an art journey in themselves with imposing war-themed paintings, some of them fabulously huge, adorning the walls and serving as a tribute to the illustrious heritage of our monarchy.

The Rubens also has an award-winning Curry Room where the team deliver a celebration of Indian flavours. At breakfast, don't miss the delectable French toast.

Another highlight was afternoon tea served in the Palace Lounge, purely in the name of research you understand...From comfy sofas right next to the window overlooking the Palace, we watched the world go by as we enjoyed sandwiches, scones and pastries.

We were served by two more exemplary staff members - Kalpita and Shrinivas - who couldn't have worked harder to ensure our time in that sunny window seat was totally perfect. Hotel manager, Leo Forte, has trained his team well and whatever they're doing behind the scenes in working.

I realised, as we got ready to leave The Rubens, that we'd experienced something quite extraordinary over the past two days. We'd been treated, as all guests are treated here, like respected friends with genuine warmth and an authentic desire to please us. As one regular guest said on an online review: "It's like going home."

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