Jump to: Room choices | Hotel description | Map | Amenities | Reviews
The Rubens at the Palace is the closest you'll get to a sleepover with the Queen without a state visit invitation. The hotel is directly across from the royal residence on property that enjoys a colorful past – the Duke of Buckingham lived here in the 1600s, followed by an apothecary and a Court dressmaker. The Rubens, which was built in 1912, housed the Polish army during WWII and gave respite to exiled Charles de Gaulle. The hotel's decadent – and often equally colorful – rooms and suites are a comfortable home base in the epicenter of London.
The Rubens at the Palace
39 Buckingham Palace Road
London, England
SW1W 0PS
Nearest Airport: LHR
We booked two nights in a Royal Mews View Classic Double. The room (417) was quite small and the double bed (although comfy) was a mistake as we’re used to a 6ft at home (and we are slim people). The view of The Mews is at the front of the hotel, so on a busy road and nothing going on to look at - wouldn’t pay extra next time for the view. It was also noisy with traffic and police sirens throughout the night. Bathroom was nice with a good selection of toiletries. It was a very bright room. Bedding and towels very luxurious. Staff all very friendly and professional. The bar had a Wimbledon Tennis Event menu at the time of our visit which was nice. Tea/coffee facilities, safe, hairdryer, robes & slippers, huge TV with Sky, magnifying make-up mirrors in bathroom and room. Location wise, it’s just a 5 minute walk from Victoria Station.
Shaz6160 - Brighton, United Kingdom
The hotel service was incredible! Jan was so helpful, accommodating, and kind. Will be coming back every time we visit London!
maggie r
Stayed here for four nights with a family of four, in two adjourning rooms. Service was amazing, the staff were super friendly and helpful, and the rooms were spacious and comfortable. Location is great - we could see Buckingham Palace from our rooms, stroll through St James Park in the morning, and walk to places like Westminster Abbey. (Traffic could be tricky when using cabs because they sometimes close off roads around the palace, but guess that's the cost of having a hotel in the middle of everything.) Would definitely recommend.
Charles P
Wonderful experience. GREAT location directly across the street from the Mews Entrance to Buckingham Palace (the daily entry spot for all employees and visitors and the spot from which the King enters and exits). Had an upgraded King room which was wonderful. The New York Bar off the lobby is great. Most helpful concierges we have ever encountered. GREAT staff and accommodations.
MoonPalaceMember - Tampa, Florida
The hotel is very charming and all staff are very kind especially Jan the door man who helped us a ton throughout the week.
Ellee T
Read more reviews or write a review
© 2025 TripAdvisor LLC. All rights reserved
We were simply blown away by every single detail.
-M. Otai
I just returned from an amazing 6 nights at The Rubens. My trip was for business and at the last minute, I had to bring my baby along. This worried me greatly, but thanks to the wonderful staff of the hotel, my week went off without a hitch. The staff couldn't have been any kinder, more helpful, or professional. From the moment we arrived, special attention was paid to the baby and any assistance I needed. There is no doubt that I will be returning to this hotel. It has won a special place in my heart.
-Dr. K. Greene
Our package at the Rubens at the Palace let my mother and me live like a queen. From the flowers in the room, the beautiful suite, the daily high tea, the staff - everything was a deluxe vacation opportunity. My previous vacations to London pale in comparison to this experience.
-P. Conway
I stayed at the hotel and found it to be delightful. It was a good, central location with comfortable, well-appointed rooms. The staff was outstanding, and the food was quite good. I would definitely stay there again!
-L. Read
I can't say enough about the amazing service at the hotel. Everyone was so friendly and helpful whenever we had questions or needed help. The concierge was wonderful and went out of his way to come check on us and see how our day our was turning out. It made us feel very welcome and almost like family! The room was very comfortable, the food in the bar was great, service was amazing. We'll stay here again!
-K. O'Brien