Who doesn’t enjoy getting close to British royalty? Indeed having them as your neighbour? For it’s the nearest hotel in London to Buckingham Palace where the King and Queen live when they’re in the city. Built-in the 1800s, it became in 1912 a hotel whose elegant Georgian building was used to host debutantes attending parties at the palace. It actually looks out over the Royal Mews where the horses and occasional carriage come and go between dawn and dusk. Try and catch sight of them if you’re lucky.
The Rubens at the Palace Hotel is part of the Red Carnation Collection, of whose sister London hotels I have featured the following: Egerton House Hotel and The Chesterfield and The Montague on the Gardens and Hotel 41 and The Milestone.
A red-liveried doorman in his top hat and tails ushered me into this red-themed hotel. I could tell instantly from the regal and plush interior with its rich fabrics that I was going to feel duly pampered. The foyer was adorned with a marble floor, a mirrored ceiling, and signature Murano chandeliers, and the reception had traditional marble-topped wooden counters. All suggestive of an opulent era in keeping with the royal palace opposite from which the best vantage point is three seats in the Palace Lounge with its grand piano and Afternoon Tea. There’s a New York Bar with its striking red interior and the fabulous Leopard Room with leopard print carpet and cushions.
Down long narrow corridors bedecked in red striped wallpaper, reminiscent of a yesteryear luxury train carriage, are the 143 guest rooms, 8 royal rooms, and 10 suites (starting at $347 for a classic double). They’re all individually decorated with regal flair and a harmonious color palette of neutral patterns. The selection of Royal King rooms is each themed around a different member of the royal family with giant portraits of Prince Philip, Prince Charles, or Princess Anne. Room 308 has an impressive painting of the late Queen Elizabeth II and looks out over the Royal Mews. The walls of my room had Venetian mirrors and were covered in sumptuous velvet and the drapes hung with lots of swags and swathes. These are the signature fabrics and tactile textures of Red Carnation owner Bea Tollman. My cream-colored marble bathroom was very spoiling with its Floris products.
I walked down past the foyer to dine at The Curry Room at what is surely the best curry house in London. What a hidden gem it is. This warm, dark, and cozy room exhibits all the root chakra heat and fire. A red and cozy room of ten tables, this Indian restaurant had semi-circular banquettes in front of Indian artifacts and pictures and cabinets full of books. All are tastefully and traditionally furnished. What a delicious dinner, courtesy of Chef Kumar, as all the spices fought for permanence in my taste buds. I loved my tarka dal, basmati rice, and buttered naan as side dishes to my vegetable korma with onions, peas, and mushrooms in a creamy curry sauce. Each course was paired with wines from the Bouchard Finlayson which come from Red Carnation’s vineyard in Hermanus, South Africa.
I had breakfast in the English Grill restaurant (another option for night-time dining). Here the English décor exudes an old worldly charm. Throughout there’s dark wood paneling, patterned carpets, brass fittings, and crystal chandeliers. I was tucked cozily within my intimate curved leather booth amongst silver trolleys, candelabras, and brown corduroy chairs and drapes. Fresh orchids, still-life pictures, and Chinese lion statuettes are reflected in the many mirrors. Such timeless elegance.
As at all Red Carnation hotels, the warmth of the staff is infectious. They go the extra mile with their delicate little generosities such as milkshake classes to keep the kids entertained. Indeed its mantra is “You arrive as a guest, you leave as a friend, you come back as family”. The hotel is in Victoria which has trains running direct to Gatwick Airport and where the musical Hamilton is being performed round the corner. Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament are only a short walk away. An ideal setting and all so central.
