The Rubens at the Palace in London has a rich royal and social history, dating back to the early 18th century.
Originally part of the grounds of Buckingham Palace, the site evolved from shops and lodgings for palace staff into one of London’s most distinguished hotels, with a legacy tied to royalty, wartime resilience, and high society.
In the 19th century, the site housed apothecarists, stationers, and Madame Excalier’s celebrated dressmaking rooms before being redeveloped in 1885 by the Aerated Bread Company. At the turn of the 20th century, entrepreneur James Rossdale transformed the Buckingham Palace Road properties into The Hotel Rubens. During World War II, it served as headquarters for General Władysław Sikorski’s Free State Polish Army, a legacy marked by a commemorative plaque. Passing through several owners, the hotel was eventually acquired by the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, which restored it to its place among London’s leading luxury hotels.
From the moment you arrive, The Rubens sets the tone. Outside the entrance, the hotel’s doorman – immaculately turned out – offers a welcome steeped in old‑world courtesy, a gesture that speaks to the property’s respect for tradition. The building itself carries echoes of Victorian London, yet its interiors have been reimagined with bold design choices that resonate with a contemporary audience.
Step into the bedrooms and individuality takes centre stage. Each space is dressed in carefully chosen fabric wallpaper, creating atmosphere and character unique to that room. Unlike the uniformity of many chain hotels, The Rubens delights in these bespoke touches, ensuring every stay feels distinctive, textured, and inviting
I stayed in one of the hotel’s suites, and the attention to detail was remarkable. The marble bathrooms gleamed, fitted with Floria toiletries that added a touch of indulgence. The suite was carefully composed, each detail chosen with intention, a space where fabrics, furnishings, and art combined to create a sense of intimacy. This individuality is Rubens hallmark: no two rooms are alike, and guests are encouraged to feel they are discovering something unique.
Rubens food and beverage offering is equally distinctive. The main restaurant is a study in elegance, with chandeliers casting a warm glow over tables and striking blue lion ornaments that has become something of a talking point. The menu is eclectic, but the highlight is the curry restaurant, where recipes have been handed down through generations of the chef’s family. It’s a rare treat to find such authenticity in a hotel setting, and the dishes carry both love, flavour and a story. The bar, meanwhile, is a playful nod to tradition, upholstered in red tartan that gives it a gentleman’s club‑like feel.
Afternoon tea at Rubens is an event in itself. Served in a lounge overlooking the Royal Mews, it combines classic British ritual with a dash of theatre. The hotel’s most expensive tea is kept literally under lock and key, stored in a box to which only the Food & Beverage Manager has access. It’s a detail that underscores Rubens commitment to exclusivity and storytelling – tea as both luxury and legend.
Its meeting spaces are designed with personality, most notably the Leopard Room, which continues the hotel’s playful use of animal prints. This design motif runs throughout the property, a deliberate choice by the owners as a nod to their South African roots injects vibrancy and individuality into spaces that might otherwise feel corporate. The result is a hotel that makes meetings memorable
Rubens Hotel succeeds because it understands that modern travellers want more than comfort, they want experience. By combining history with bold design, by offering dining rooted in family tradition alongside contemporary luxury, Rubens creates a narrative that guests can step into. Its location near Victoria Station makes it practical, but its atmosphere makes it special.
In a city where hotels often compete on scale or brand recognition, Rubens offers something rarer: intimacy, individuality, and a sense of discovery. Whether you’re checking in for business, leisure, or simply curiosity, Rubens is a property that rewards attention – a boutique gem in a regenerated corner of London.
The Rubens at the Palace, Luxury Buckingham Palace Hotel