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The Rubens at the Palace

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Traveller (2440)
Room & Suite (771)
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About

#95 of 1,170 hotels in London
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
GreenLeaders Bronze level
Our beautifully restored historic hotel is cared for by a team who take genuine pride in delivering impeccable service and exceeding expectations at every turn. Overlooking The Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace - the entrance used by the Royal family - The Rubens showcases exceptional dining journeys, and enriching and rewarding experiences, from the very first moment guests are greeted by our red-uniformed doormen...
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Property amenities
Valet parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Bar / lounge
Evening entertainment
Walking tours
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids club
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Wifi
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Kids' meals
Special diet menus
Taxi service
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Newspaper
Non-smoking hotel
Butler service
Doorperson
24-hour front desk
Private check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Room service
Safe
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Flatscreen TV
Room types
City view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Classic
Charming
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish, German and 1 more
Hotel links
Special Price:Save 33% with every third night free in a suite

Location

39 Buckingham Palace Road, London SW1W 0PS England
The Rubens at the Palace
5,815Reviews117Q+A100Room tips
Traveller rating
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kwok113 wrote a review 17 Mar
Birmingham, United Kingdom45 contributions18 helpful votes
2nd time we’ve busted the hotel, a little disappointed this time staff not so friendly , had to wait at checkin whilst the staff finished there conversation , Much the same on the evening , bar staff seemed miserable, not very attentive at all, waited for drinks so only had a couple and headed off somewhere else , which was a shame as the singer was brilliant, breakfast 1st class and the staff so much better , Room was loverly , clean , fresh . Disappointed on check out that they had added and extra £103 for breakfast we didn’t have as we booked the Pullman train on the Wednesday , good job my wife checked the bill as I would just normally pay with no fuss, decided not to accept the £15 per day charge for tips for the staff as we felt a little let down this time, having said that we will return as we love the hotel and the location, hopefully will be better next time
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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EmilDarlington wrote a review Jul 2023
Darlington58 contributions103 helpful votes
Hotel's Favourite
We were very happy with the Hotel from the minute we checked in. We found all the staff efficient, friendly and helpful. The service exceeded all our expectations and the place is so beautiful - bedding, table cloths, cutlery, glasses and crockery. Everyone was amazing but in partIcular, we must mention Rosie the concierge who looked after us so well, Saif the Restaurant Manager who is excellent at his job in running the English Grill and his cooking, and also Raj and his team who aided us from the Taxi when we arrived and saw us off again when we left. Impeccable, relaxed, friendly and helpful service throughout made it a very enjoyable and relaxing visit. Well done everyone - we will be back
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
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Response from Malcolm Hendry, Other at The Rubens at the Palace
Responded 27 Jul 2023
Dear EmilDarlington, Thank you for taking the time to share your wonderful feedback on TripAdvisor. I was delighted to read your review and learn about the aspects you enjoyed most. We are so pleased we will be welcoming you back to the Rubens at the Palace; my team and I look forward to your return! Warmest regards, Malcolm Hendry Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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kay honey wrote a review 16 Mar
5 contributions
Lovely afternoon tea is luxurious setting . The staff were on the ball and very courteous. Sent here yesterday for my 60th Birthday and enjoyed the treat immensely wonderful sandwiches cakes and scones presented beautifully . I highly recommend
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Anna wrote a review 7 Mar
Worcester, United Kingdom19 contributions12 helpful votes
We were really looking forward to our stay at The Rubens. The rooms looked really plush on the website. Sadly we were quite disappointed with our room. It was small and the decor seemed tired and in need of refurbishment. There was barely any natural light because the window was obstructed by metal railings. The wallpaper was definitely striking but with a lack of natural light it felt quite claustrophobic. The concierge staff were absolutely wonderful, so helpful and friendly. In the evening we went for a drink at the New York style bar. It was a huge let down. We sat down and were ignored by the waitress for about 10 minutes. In the end we didn’t bother. The afternoon tea was a highlight. Could not fault it! Delicious, beautiful cakes and sandwiches and a table with a view of the palace mews. Staff were very attentive.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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susieq f wrote a review 5 Mar
Brighton, United Kingdom32 contributions44 helpful votes
A wonderful stay at the Rubens. We stayed in a. Small cosy room, which was as the description. Very small, but fit for purpose. Very clean. Two small criticisms, I asked for de caf teabags, unfortunately despite a lovely member of staff looking for some there were none available. The shower did not spray as full of scale, this was easily fixed by me with a pin to release the jets. All staff were excellent.
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Malcolm Hendry, Other at The Rubens at the Palace
Responded 5 days ago
Dear susieqf, Thank you for taking the time to share your review. As much valued guests I am delighted to read that you enjoyed a wonderful stay with us to celebrate your granddaughter’s special 18th birthday. However, whilst I am pleased that you enjoyed the room, I would like to apologise for the disappointment with regards to the teabags and the issue with the shower. I have shared these comments with our Executive Head Housekeeper and Chief Engineer so that they can be rectified. Feedback such as yours is always welcomed and I hope this does not deter you from choosing to stay with us again. Warm regards, Malcolm Hendry, Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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samanthaking22 wrote a review Feb 2024
Portsmouth, United Kingdom101 contributions89 helpful votes
Treated ourselves to a nights stay and champagne afternoon tea. Service was outstanding, food was outstanding and the staff were outstanding. Afternoon tea was varied and really felt special. Coffee great and the champagne went down well. Room comfortable, good temperature and had a great sleep. Breakfast was great, goid service and lovely selection if options. Made to feel like a queen.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Great location if visiting Buckingham Palace.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Malcolm Hendry, Other at The Rubens at the Palace
Responded 1 week ago
Dear samanthaking22, Thank you for sharing your kind feedback. It is wonderful to read that you enjoyed your stay with us, finding your room to be comfortable and that breakfast was great. Our staff work hard to ensure that every guest feels like royalty and so I am thrilled that their hard work was duly noted and that your afternoon tea with us was special. Your kind comments serve as a great motivator for our team and I will be delighted to share these with them. I hope that we have the opportunity to welcome you back soon. Warm regards, Malcolm Hendry Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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northwoodCrewe wrote a review Feb 2024
Crewe, United Kingdom31 contributions9 helpful votes
+1
I visited here last year for my 60th birthday with a friend for afternoon tea and it was so lovely I decided to come back for my birthday this year to stay over with my husband. One night wasn’t enough, we were lucky enough to get upgraded to a beautiful king size exec room which was lovely, a little card and cake were in the room and that was such a nice touch and made me feel very special. The staff can’t do enough to be welcoming, friendly and knowledgable and this is all the staff from the lovely French doorman to reception, bar and even a lovely young man who showed us to our room. We will definitely be back. We didn’t eat here as we had already made arrangements but would like to dine here next time. A wonderful stay we liked the turn down sheets and closed curtains before we got back from our night out and slept like logs.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Malcolm Hendry, Other at The Rubens at the Palace
Responded 1 week ago
Dear northwoodCrewe, Thank you for sharing your positive feedback with us following your visit to The Rubens Hotel. As much valued guests I am delighted to read that you chose to stay with us once again and that our team exceeded your expectations making your birthday an occasion to remember. It is wonderful to know that you enjoyed the celebratory amenities our team provided and that you found them be welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable. I will be thrilled to share these kind comments with them, ensuring their hard work is duly recognised. We look forward to having the opportunity to welcome you back soon. Warm regards, Malcolm Hendry Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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D L wrote a review Feb 2024
McLean, Virginia27 contributions18 helpful votes
+1
Four night stay and still want more. Beautiful hotel with red coated doorman ready to make your London adventure a dream. Wow, what a location, so close to Buckingham palace, Hyde Park, theater and Victoria Station. Fabulous breakfast at the English Grill in the company of professional staff pampering to your every need. Location is why you come the first time, staff and service the reason to return. Look for Jangahir with redcoat to greet you at the door and Juan to hand you an umbrella for a rainy day stroll. Rooms are small but plush and showers powerful and hot. Plenty of local eats and Hamilton and Wicked one block more. Hope to return soon.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Malcolm Hendry, Other at The Rubens at the Palace
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear D L, Thank you for taking the time to share your kind review following your visit. As much valued guests I am delighted to read that we have met your expectations making your stay with us an occasion to remember. We are very fortunate to be in such a vibrant and well-connected location and so I am pleased that this suited you during your visit to London. Your positive comments about our team and your experiences in the English Grill are especially most appreciated and I will be delighted to share your kind words with our staff, ensuring their efforts are duly noted. Feedback such as yours serve as a great motivator for them. I do hope that we have the opportunity to welcome you back in the near future. Warm regards, Malcolm Hendry Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Sheena G wrote a review Feb 2024
Gloucester32 contributions22 helpful votes
If there was a 3.5 rating I would have given it that. Here’s why. Beautiful hotel. Stunning old time glamour. Perfect location. Reception staff truly gifted in customer service. Friendly and nothing too much trouble. Door man amazing!!! Breakfast a real treat. Staff there, great too. Decor fantastic. Bar sumptuous. Where it lets itself down is the room. It was a special trip for my big birthday and I researched a lot of hotels. Changed my mind a lot! But the pictures of the rooms in The Rubens won me over. I paid about £313 a night plus a further £15 per night service charge that I didn’t know about in advance!! I was so disappointed when I went in the room at how small it was. The decor was great. Tea and coffee facilities average. I had a very pretty cake and card left for my birthday!! Bed a small double. Sheets crisp and fluffy. But what was really odd was how shabby the bathroom was. Massive crack across the sink. Bath a bit dated and stained and for the price I paid I would expect good quality toiletries. It was large pump dispenser multi use toiletries that other guests probably used. It was like Travelodge on a Harrods budget. Honestly I have had better toiletries in hotels a third of the price. It was really disappointing and just odd. I actually didn’t think they could get that many stars without those little touches. Why didn’t I complain? I had unpacked before I noticed. And no point complaining on departure because you won’t be given a discount. Great hotel. Just check what room you are getting!!!
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Great location!!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Malcolm Hendry, Other at The Rubens at the Palace
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear ShinyGGloucester, Thank you for taking the time to share your review following your visit. Your kind feedback that you found nothing to be much trouble for our team and that you enjoyed breakfast with us is most appreciated and I will be pleased to share your kind words with the staff who will be most grateful. However, I was most disappointed to read that we did not fully meet your expectations with regards to your room. I have asked that our Maintenance and Housekeeping Managers carry out a check on all rooms and share any feedback for improvement with our Project Managers. With regards to the bathroom amenities, we have worked hard as a company to eradicate single use plastics across the hotels. With this in mind we chose to use refillable options for the rooms. Should you choose to stay again, please do speak with our Reception team who will be more happy to assist if there are any issues as we work hard to ensure that every guest enjoys a comfortable and memorable stay. Once again, I would like to apologise for any disappointment caused during this special birthday stay with us and I do hope that we have the opportunity to welcome you back one day. Warm regards, Malcolm Hendry Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Paul S wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution1 helpful vote
We booked a private dining for my wife’s 60th birthday. We enjoyed the evening very much, and the staff on duty were extremely attentive. My wife wishes she could do it all over again, and everyone who joined us have said how amazing it was. I would like to pass on a special thank you to Carlota who managed the event on the evening and went above and beyond to make sure we had a tremendous evening. We always enjoy a visit to the Rubens and other Red Carnations Hotels we have visited, and we were not disappointed. More special memories.
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Malcolm Hendry, Other at The Rubens at the Palace
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear paulsC9728ZL, Thank you for taking the time to share your kind review. As much-valued guests, your feedback is extremely important to us as it helps us to improve the services and facilities that we provide and I am therefore delighted that we have met your expectations making your wife’s 60th birthday an occasion to remember. I will be delighted to share your wonderful words with Carlota and the team, ensuring that their hard work and efforts are duly noted. Comments such as yours serve as a great motivator for them. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Rubens or one of our sister properties in the near future. Warm regards, Malcolm Hendry Managing Director
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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PRICE RANGE
HK$2,455 - HK$3,464 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
the rubens at the palace hotel london, rubens at the palace london, rubens palace
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandLondonVictoria / Westminster
NUMBER OF ROOMS
173
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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THE RUBENS AT THE PALACE - Updated 2024 Prices & Hotel Reviews (London, England)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Rubens at the Palace
Which popular attractions are close to The Rubens at the Palace?
Nearby attractions include Buckingham Palace (0.4 km), Royal Mews (0.04 km), and Victoria Palace Theatre (0.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Rubens at the Palace?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at The Rubens at the Palace?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at The Rubens at the Palace?
Yes, valet parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Rubens at the Palace?
Conveniently located restaurants include House of Ming, Th@51, and Le Signore.
Are any cleaning services offered at The Rubens at the Palace?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at The Rubens at the Palace?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does The Rubens at the Palace offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Rubens at the Palace?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.
Are there any historical sites close to The Rubens at the Palace?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Houses of Parliament (1.3 km), Tower of London (4.8 km), and Churchill War Rooms (1.1 km).
Does The Rubens at the Palace have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the city view available here.