The Rubens Hotel

Germany , Essen
ESSEN, Rubensstraaye 4
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100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2026

Gary

Lovely old school London hotel! Not many left.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2026

Sandra Kay

The hotel was conveniently located near Buckingham Palace and the entire stay was a wonderful experience. The staff was friendly, efficient, and extra attentive to any needs you might have. I highly recommend having afternoon tea here. It was one of the highlights of our trip.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

20 Jun 2026

Anthony

Lovely location. Room a bit dated and not always in a charming or characterful way - e.g. brown patterned carpet, likely from the 1980s.

At check out I was asked for a 15 pound a night “tip” or service charges and to cover lobby and door staff! I felt awkward asking for it to be removed from the account, but really at 250+ a night I expect staff to be part of the deal. Is tipping at hotel really to become a normal thing in London?

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2026

Kathy

Beautiful hotel, perfectly situated, fabulous breakfasts, and superb staff. Thanks for a great stay.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

19 Jun 2026

Lilia

7 star service!!!

Friends

8/10

Excellent

17 Jun 2026

Debra

Initially I was assigned a room on the 1st floor. Upon entering it smelled of cigarette smoke. The room was dingy, old carpet and view of air conditioning equipment. I went back to the desk to get another room (The whole hotel is non-smoking). I was then given a lovely room on the 3rd floor. It was great! The location is 2 blocks from victoria station and walking distance to several sites. I would stay there again, but only on the upper floors.

Self

8/10

Excellent

15 Jun 2026

Gea

Our shower flooded. Property is a bit tired.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2026

Mahdis

Although they were not aware about Expedia BIP platinum members, bit they gave what ever I asked for it.
Definitely coming back again!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2026

Aaron

Great location, food and drinks were great, but by far, the stand out was the staff, Absolutely impeccable service from the staff. Cannot praise them highly enough. Can’t wait for my next stay.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

14 Jun 2026

matthew

Hotel was great.. Food at the curry room was awful! Some of the worst Indian food I’ve ever had.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2026

Adrian

An absolutely perfect hotel . Great room. Great staff and great location

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2026

Andrew

Lovely room overlooking Royal Mews.
Comfy bed, excellent breakfast.
Great location, easy access to Victoria underground.
Staff were great.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2026

David

Fantastic break

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jun 2026

Kristi

The hotel location was even better than described. It’s literally across the street from the Buckingham Palace Mews. We walked less than 5 minutes to the front to the palace gates. The Big Red Bust stop was less than 50 yards from the hotel front door as was the Oxford Tube bus. Our breakfast was exceptional especially because the dining room was gorgeous. Loved our dinner in the bar area. The French Onion soup was wonderful.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jun 2026

Tessa

My favorite was having clean towels and beds made fresh each day. Staff was friendly and helpful. This hotel was also located in a perfect location to see all the great historical sites. They also had wonderful recommendations for places to eat near by. I would most definitely stay at any of there properties in the future. Highly recommended.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2026

Mazen

Fantastic stay at The Rubens!
Beautiful hotel, perfect location opposite Buckingham Palace, and spotless rooms. The staff made it truly special – Manager \"Adam\" was incredibly attentive and ensured everything was perfect. \"Alicia and Paul\" at the front desk were so kind, helpful and always went the extra mile with recommendations and service. Genuine hospitality from start to finish. Will definitely be back!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2026

Catherine

The Rubens is a fantastic hotel. We only stayed one night, but will definitely stay there upon return to London. The location cannot be beat, only a block or two from Buckingham Palace. The staff absolutely could not have been nicer or more accommodating. They really were fantastic!!

The room was comfortable. We had a view of the Royal Mews. Breakfast was amazing. I really cannot say enough nice things about the hotel. Highly recommend!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2026

Susan

Wonderful historical hotel. Staff was so friendly and helpful.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

07 Jun 2026

Majed

Location

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2026

Pooja

Amazing hospitality. Everyonee is so wondergul.

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2026

Patricia

I love The Rubens, and everything about it, EXCEPT the out of place artwork in our room. Please replace the hideous squid ink painting with ANYTHING else!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2026

Anne

Beautiful charming hotel with terrific staff and location.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2026

ADINA

This hotel has the perfect location to explore London. The staff is extremely nice and we felt very welcome. Especially the front desk agent that checked us in and also checked us out, went above and beyond. He was very kind, paid attention to our needs, explained everything in detail, was very empathetic. The best employee!! Also the doorman had a big smile for us every time we would walk by. he also recommended a great coffee shop. The room was beautiful and I am very grateful for the hotel recognizing my daughter’s birthday with a delicious cake. They have live music in the bar - exceptional. We had dinner at the Curry room - the hotel Indian restaurant- what a great restaurant atmosphere and food!! Overall - highly highly recommend.

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2026

Gary

Great hotel, lovely restaurant, very convenient for public transport.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2026

Liz

All staff are very friendly and helpful. Definitely get the breakfast when booking. Mihai the grill manager and his team goes above and beyond plus food are delicious.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2026

Judith

Rubens at the Palace is an excellent location to Victoria station, theatres etc. The cozy room was very clean and comfortable.
But the staff excelled including Adam, Joe, JT and doorman Jan.
As a solo traveler, I felt most welcome!

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

31 May 2026

Ian

Wonderful location, friendly staff, decor a bit dated

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2026

David

Everything great staff service everything except room was very small..

Overall Good

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2026

Marilyn

Staff were always polite and very helpful. Property and room was immaculate.

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2026

Janet

Beautiful hotel! Everything I expected and wanted, as I thought a British hotel should be! Outstanding staff, impeccably clean, fabulous location! The bed was so comfortable and the room was not as small as I expected. We were celebrating our 70 th birthdays and they sent us this delicious small cake with birthday wishes! They also gave us some cookies. I would stay there again, and if anyone was looking for an elegant but not pretentious hotel near all sights in walking distance, this is the place!
Made our London trip excellent!

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2026

Michael

Lovely hotel in a perfect location near Buckingham Palace. Outstanding service from attentive staff.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2026

Audrey

Wonderful stay! Would return

Self

8/10

Excellent

30 May 2026

Daniel

Staff were excellent, but for the price it has limited amenities and the classic rooms are quite small.

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2026

Raymond

Excellent staff and doorman. Great location!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2026

Wesley

This place was BEAUTIFUL! The staff treats you with the utmost courtesy and thinks of things before you even know to ask. The finishes are grand and make you feel very special. 10/10 would stay here every time!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2026

Leesha

Staff are fantastic!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

27 May 2026

Sue

The location couldn’t be better. The room was comfortable. The decor was old fashioned English. We didn’t eat there as breakfast was an added cost. Wasn’t aware of any other amenities.
Our issue was at checkout, as you are managing luggage and a cab coming there is a push for 15 pounds a day tip added on for the staff plus contributing to their charity. We found this uncomfortable and it left a sour taste. Tipping should be a private choice. Also there is no info on the charities. We were told they could call a taxi with a set charge to the airport. We were put in a cab with no info on the charge and he had his meter on.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2026

Zoe

We had a great few days, small room but very clean. Every single member of staff was brilliant, we loved the New York Bar and the singer was lovely. Would stay again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

22 May 2026

Andrew

We love this hotel, stayed here about 3 times now, it’s central but just of the hustle and bustle of London

Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 May 2026

Craig

Great location . Very friendly and helpful staff

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2026

Paula

The hotel is situated in a quiet, convenient area, near Buckingham Palace. Very close to Victoria Apollo, where we went to see wicked. It has a unique history, being the place that housed Queen Victoria’s servants. As a history fan, it is incredible to think that my room used to belong to one of these servants. The ground floor, which used to be the shops, now houses the marble foyer and some exquisite restaurants and bars. They really make the most of the history- the bar ( which we visited several times) had a large painting of the charge of the light brigade. The English grill, where we were lucky enough to have breakfast, was tastefully decorated in blue ( not unlike Queen Victoria’s railway carriage ) and festooned ( like the rest of the hotel) with exquisite Murano chandeliers. We didn’t visit the Indian restaurant but we went to have a look. It looked delightful and cosy. The menu choice is not massive but judging by the onion bhajis I ate in the bar )
(Outstanding) I may give it a try next time. The entry level room was not massive but decorated with a beautiful Victorian picture. There was also a delightful antique desk where I could imagine myself penning my next Brontë novel. I was worried about slipping in the shower but some thoughtful person had placed a bath mat there. The piece de resistance was the room where you have afternoon tea. The staff were amazing, polished and they couldn’t do enough for us. I wouldn’t stay anywhere else in London.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 May 2026

Olusegun

Awesome location and well maintained. Bell man was awesome

10/10

Exceptional

13 May 2026

Terence

Everything was as you would want and the staff especially made us feel very welcome
Thank you for the congratulatory note and pastries left in our room - a lovely little touch, much appreciated. The note will be stored with the rest of our memories of a special day only enhanced by The Reubens’
Thank you

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2026

LISA SUE

This hotel is gorgeous. The staff is amazing. They go above and beyond. We will definitely stay again when we return to London.

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2026

Jennifer

Very courteous attentive staff and a lovely hotel. Loved my cozy double room

Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 May 2026

Deb

The staff was exceptional, from the gentlemen at the front door to the people at the front desk. They made our stay. The room was much smaller than it appeared in the pictures and the bed was very soft. Beautiful restaurants, but expensive.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 May 2026

Carmel

Excellent room, dining and service

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 May 2026

Kym

Red Carnation properties are always lovely and unique. Rubens is in a fantastic location, easy walk to so many central sights and areas. The staff is warm and welcoming and spring into helpfulness as soon as you appear. Raining? I had an umbrella handed to me before I left. Had a very early flight and had assistance from the moment I went to the lobby.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 May 2026

BELKYS

Recomiendo The Rubens at Palace hotel. Una estadía de lujo en pleno centro de Londres. La comida, atención, servicios, ubicación, habitaciones e instalaciones son excelentes. Gracias

Self

10/10

Exceptional

01 May 2026

Joanne

The doorman and New York bar staff really make this experience. Location is fabulous - easy to walk to all locations in Westminster, yet the area is quiet (for a city!). Just a few minutes walk from Victoria station also. Pub opposite too which is great. The room was clean and so well presented. They really try to make your stay as wonderful as possible. Thank you.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

26 Apr 2026

Louise

Fantastic location, just a 5 min walk from Victoria station. Staff are great, so friendly. Room was lovely. It didn’t have the advertised chandelier though. The wardrobe wasn’t tall enough for my maxi dresses but i was able to hang them on the outside which was fine. Plenty of hangers. Gorgeous cake and cookies in room on arrival. Other than the tiny issues I can’t fault it. We didn’t have breakfast as it was rather expensive for what we would eat but the small plates we had one evening were really tasty. We will be back.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Apr 2026

Brandon

Great stay! Great location and friendly staff. Beautiful place.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Apr 2026

David

Always excellent

10/10

Exceptional

25 Apr 2026

David

Always excellent

10/10

Exceptional

25 Apr 2026

David

Always excellent

10/10

Exceptional

25 Apr 2026

Alison

Breakfast was pricey for options. Room service desserts amazing

Family

8/10

Excellent

23 Apr 2026

Frances

15 quid service charge added per night - a little odd but removable

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2026

Amy

Loved the location and staff were amazing. Room was beautiful and overlooking the Royal Mews. Cherry on top was the fabulous high tea experience. Will be back!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2026

Dublas

Location was great and the room for super clean and much larger than i anticipated

Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Apr 2026

David

Restaurant and bar are very expensive

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Apr 2026

Tina

Beautiful hotel just upgrade your rooms to a bigger size! Staff wonderful! Great location close to everything!

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2026

Austin

Absolutely 5/5 stars. The staff were incredibly helpful, the room was clean and even ready early.

The only thing people should be aware of is that there isn’t a spa or gym or pool at this property. They instead focus on their world class restaurants, bars, and afternoon tea experience. If you’d can go without the modern luxuries of those things and instead focus on a great location and damn good places to eat and drink, I recommend this property wholeheartedly.

Self

8/10

Excellent

20 Apr 2026

Lisa

Clean room, great location. Found it a little intrusive that the staff kept calling to see how we were doing. Would have been nice to know how the lights worked. It took us 2 days to figure them out. The restaurants are WAY pricey and the elevator a little rickety and scary. Took the stairs every day.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

20 Apr 2026

Mary

We flew in internationally and arrived at 9:00am, hoping for early check in given we had two small children, but understanding check in was not until 3pm. Despite checking in to the hotel first, a room was not available until AFTER 3:30 p.m., which was a bit frustrating given we check in every 1-2 hours to see if a room was available.

Otherwise, the stay was comfortable. The family room was large enough to fit our family of four, and we requested an extra daybed which worked wonderfully. However, there was no bathroom vent, so the floor in the family suite became incredibly slippery given the floor and walls were marble. It was a bit dated for a 5 star hotel, but I understand it is historic. The lobby does not afford that \"grand\" feel.

We witnessed the \"managing\" bartender be incredibly rude and mean to his server, which made us very uncomfortable. She was delightful. Service at the bar was pretty slow, but it did appear that they were understaffed.

Ultimately, it is a very nice hotel, with front desk representatives being very helpful aside from the check in debacle, and a delightful doorman. The hotel itself was smaller than I imagined. I'm not sure if it was an Expedia booking issue or what, but our breakfast was not included despite the 1k per night price.

Having said all of this, the location is ideal for Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. We walked nearly everywhere, and had a pleasant stay.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

19 Apr 2026

Gennadiy

Lovely hotel in the heart of the city. It is historic but very well decorated and maintained. Staff is very helpful and friendly. We would highly recommend it!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

19 Apr 2026

Randall

My stay was made so special by the attentive staff. Everyone was very friendly and helpful no matter my need. The hotel is in a great location, and it was very easy to walk to various attractions from the hotel.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

18 Apr 2026

Laura

Very expensive to eat or use facilities in the hotel. Staff were good. Room was clean. Water and coffee in room. £10.50 for a small bottle of lager in the bar. They add on service charges to everything but then also add another huge service charge at the end of the stay

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Apr 2026

Susan

Breakfast was wonderful! Fresh and tasty. Staff were incredible! So attentive and accommodating !

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Apr 2026

Sarah

Absolutely loved this hotel. Beautiful rooms, lovely staff, great location. I was in a cosy double and it was really nice. Luxury!

Self

8/10

Excellent

17 Apr 2026

Manpreet

A beautiful stay at a lovely hotel where the staff were absolutely amazing especially Jan the doorman who made our little daughter smile :) A couple of issues such as air con leak but was addressed and resolved.
Would definitely stay again maybe in a higher room category next time.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

16 Apr 2026

barbara

Kind and helpful staff and good location. But very expensive given that room was tired and tatty. Not like those images on website. Needs modernisation in places.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2026

Terri

Royal experience in London starts at the Rueben’s!
From
The smile of the red coat clad doorman starts your experience off incredibly!
The history of the hotel is intriguing. The velvet on the walls and upholstered areas are impeccable. The rooms are nicely appointed with large bathroom. The price is great! Cookies are in the room at check in. The breakfast is great with made to order hot breakfast items. The staff give great history lessons on the hotel and places to visit while in London!
We will return !

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

13 Apr 2026

Louise

This is the loveliest hotel we have ever stayed in, during our many visits to London. Friendly, kind, helpful and nothing was too much trouble. Superb location, minutes away from Buckingham Palace. Our stay was simply lovely!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2026

Laura

The hotel was beautiful, it was located close to so many tourist areas plus buses and the tube. The staff at the hotel were so friendly and clearly service was top of mind for everyone. Will definitely stay there again!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2026

Matthew

A great stay and a fantastic location for exploring London. I only stayed one night so I didn’t get to experience the hotel in full, but what I did experience was great, the team are incredible and made the stay extra special. I would definitely stay here again.

Self

8/10

Excellent

12 Apr 2026

James

Staff was fantastic in every way. Very helpful.

Great location.

The room was pretty but very cramped.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2026

Katherine

This was such a great stay. Only there for one evening, but I loved every bit. I actually ate all my meals here instead of leaving the property for food. Do afternoon tea! It is absolutely an experience. So much fun. Dinner was phenomenal, as was breakfast. The staff is great. I will be back!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2026

Steve

Staff could not do enought for you. All very friendly and polite. Room very clean, did not have breakfast as thought very expensive for £45.00 where could get same along the road for £15.00. Had the indian meal was very nice, recommend to go.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Apr 2026

Constance

Everything was amazing, the food, service, room and overall atmosphere. I would stay there again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Apr 2026

Teresa

Proper old school traditional hotel

Partner

8/10

Excellent

05 Apr 2026

Leticia

The hotel is right next to Buckingham Palace. The staff is what makes this hotel great. However, the rooms are in need of some refurbishment, especially the bathrooms. Typical European sized rooms. Close to Victoria Station which makes it convenient to visit attractions.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Apr 2026

Robert

Great location, clean and well maintained throughout, comfortable beds and helpful staff.

Slightly off-putting that a £15 per night discretionary service charge is added to the bill and even by London standards the breakfast is very expensive

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Apr 2026

Kathi

Luxe living in a historic building and setting nicely updated for today’s travelers on the go.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

31 Mar 2026

Ulf

Great location and very comfortable hotel. Staff were warm and welcoming. Room was tiny.

Self

8/10

Excellent

30 Mar 2026

Macharia

Good large clean room. Efficient staff. Extensive breakfast selection. Amazing location

Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2026

Howard

Lovely room, the friendliest staff ever, comfortable bar. Great location, would definitely return.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

28 Mar 2026

Edita

Kambarys labai mazas. Pusryciu pasirinkimas prastas. Vonioje nera ventiliacijos, langai nevalyti. Noretusi daugiau kokybes uz didele kaina.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Mar 2026

Laura

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

25 Mar 2026

bev

Disappointed for the price. Water was scalding making it impossible to use overhead shower. Turning taps did not make it better.
No place to stand kettle on to boil. I expected better for the price

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2026

Sam

Robert was a wonderful help! The entire staff did an amazing job and I felt safe and taken care of :)

Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2026

Gerry

Very friendly staff and convenient locationwith Victoria station close by

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2026

Alan

Lovely friendly staff it was a real joy to stay there

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Mar 2026

Christine

Excellent stay .. lovely breakfast

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2026

Dillie

This by far was the cherry on top! The room was gorgeous, overlooking the Royal Mews. An anniversary dessert was waiting in our room. Staff went above and beyond to make our stay memorable. From the doorman to the server in the dining room everyone made service their goal! The only negative thing I could say is that hallway noise could be heard in the room. Even so, I would recommend the hotel to anyone visiting London.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2026

Neil

Great stay.

8/10

Excellent

17 Mar 2026

N/a

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Mar 2026

Elizabeth

Our room was perfect!

Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2026

Andrew

The room was spotless and well stocked with quality amenities. The bed, whilst on the small side, was comfortable with crisp sheets and good pillows. Whilst facing the main road there was very little noise intrusion.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2026

Kara

If you are staying in London, this is a great property. 100% satisfied. Great location, great safety, staff is more than helpful, and the place is impeccable.

Note, you are not close to everything, be prepared to take public transport or taxis.

10/10

Exceptional

16 Mar 2026

Stacy

Extraordinary stay at the Ruben. Most accommodating staff and met our needs. Very convenient and walkable to everywhere.

Friends