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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
My fam and I recently stayed at this lovely hotel during a 5 day London vacation. My wife and I stayed in one room and our adult child stayed in another (smaller) room. This hotel is VERY CONVENIENT to Buckingham Palace, local shops and restaurants, and a nearby subway stop. The only downsides are it's not cheap and the rooms are very small (I'm told this is typical in Europe). The A/C worked good in our room (but we did ask the front desk to bring up a fan to help with circulation... we like to sleep in very cold temps!). Hotel staff were VERY accommodating and friendly. The restaurant was good, but pricey. I recommend their full English breakfast if you stay here.
mikeyboy_esq - Texas
Unique, historical, customer centered, cozy hotel. It’s my second stay and everything was even more lovely than I remembered. Delicious breakfast (Pistachio French Toast is the best French Toast we have ever had), beautiful decoration and excellent location overseeing Buckingham Palace (not to mention walking distance from Victoria Station). Special thanks to cordial staff going above and beyond to add to our trip memories a special Harry Potter London map and a letter of admission from Hogwarts School of Magic to my 12-year old daughter.
Q7827YUrenatam
We recently stayed at The Rubens at the Palace for a Mother/Daughter trip to London and we LOVED our stay. The hotel is literally steps away from Buckingham Palace, making it incredibly easy to tour. The staff were so helpful and attentive and the room was perfectly appointed and comfortable for the two of us. I would definitely recommend this hotel for anyone looking to stay close to the Palace and in a spot that is safe and easily walkable to all of the major London sites.
Jennifer K
From the moment I stepped into The Rubens at the Palace, I was enveloped in a sense of warmth, elegance, and genuine hospitality that is increasingly rare to find. The Front of House team made my stay unforgettable, and I feel compelled to share just how extraordinary they were. John the Concierge was nothing short of phenomenal. His knowledge, attentiveness, and ability to anticipate needs made every interaction seamless. Whether it was arranging last-minute reservations or offering insightful recommendations, John handled everything with grace and precision. He is a true ambassador of hospitality. Pascal the Doorman greeted me each day with a smile that could brighten even the greyest London morning. His professionalism and charm set the tone for the entire hotel experience. Pascal made me feel not just welcome, but truly valued as a guest. Joe the Receptionist was equally outstanding. His warmth and efficiency during check-in and throughout my stay made me feel instantly at ease. Joe’s attention to detail and genuine care were evident in every interaction, and he went above and beyond to ensure my comfort. Leaving the hotel was surprisingly emotional. It’s rare to feel such a strong connection to a place, but The Rubens has a magic that makes it feel like more than just a hotel—it feels like home. The team here doesn’t just provide service; they create memories. If you're looking for a stay that combines luxury, heart, and impeccable professionalism, look no further. The Rubens at the Palace is a gem, and the Front of House team are its crown jewels.
Thomas B
We went to London in May, and stayed at my favorite hotel, The Rubens at the Palace. I had not been to London since Covid. The Rubens is centrally located, right across from the Royal Mews. We had a wonderful stay. The doorman greeted us with a smile and hello, and our room was ready for us on check-in. Our bags were brought up immediately. Sophie at reception even accompanied us to our room. It was the beginning of a wonderful 5 day stay. Our room was very comfortable, and we had a view of the mews. Housekeeping was always on top of things The doorman was amazing getting us a taxi one morning. None came by, and he went to the corner in traffic, to secure us one. We look forward to our next stay at The Rubens.
london42lover - Chantilly, Virginia
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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