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I was in London, Scotland and Wales to cover Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations with media from around the world*
I’m writing this post now before my week runs away with me and I get caught up in various other events. I wasn’t asked to do a review of this hotel but when I cross paths with excellence, I do love to write about it and share the experience.
Hospitality, noun: the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors or strangers….
There are hotels, and there are hotels, those with the X factor. The Rubens at the Palace, where I have been hosted for three nights during this marvellous UK press trip courtesy of Visit Britain, is one such outstanding establishment. From the minute I stepped out of my car at the front entrance, there it was…the sweet air of Hospitality. The perfect antidote to a 14 hour long haul from Cape Town on the tip of Africa. The cheerful doorman Nathan Champion set the tone, friendly and sincere and it was all uphill from there. Director of Sales Matthew Tolchard and an amazing team across the board…from PR and Food & Beverage, to the Concierge, waiters and the staff at reception, all enhanced the superb experience. The Rubens offers luxury sans stuffiness and I loved every minute of my stay.
This hotel has an impressive eco policy which is a huge plus for me – I’m a green diva, everyone knows this. Environmental awareness and sustainability is something close to my heart and re the latter, the Rubens at the Palace has various initiatives. I love their green wall in Bressenden Place – 10,000 plants on a 350 square metre wall that attracts bees, butterflies and birds. The Rubens is making a difference on their corner of London. Imagine if every building in London adopted this approach!
Dining at The Rubens is an event, at any time of day. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, high tea or dinner, you’ll experience top end service and a marvellous food offering. This year, as you will know, HM The Queen turns 90, and in honour of this the hotel is offering a wonderful “Live Like Royalty” package so you’ll find some of Her preferred dishes on the menus, available all year round. Try the decadent High Tea for starters and thank me later.
And of course you couldn’t wish for a better position. Situated on Buckingham Palace Road, right behind the Palace and within easy walking distance to many popular Westminster attractions like St. James Park, The Mall, Trafalgar Square, St. Martins in the Field and more, and posts about those will follow. For now though, let me lay my head down on my soft pillows and disappear under my duvet cloud. Until next time, Cape Town Diva out*
Beautifully appointed rooms
Wall details…such lovely finishes everywhere
Home is where you lay your hat…
One of the dapper doormen, Nathan Champion always giving a warm and welcoming greeting
And across the street, the rear wall of the Palace…let me dash and grab that black cab for a spot of sightseeing!
The Rubens at the Palace is part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. 39 Buckingham Palace Rd, Westminster, London SW1W 0PS. All photos copyright CT DIVA