Stepping into The Rubens at the Palace feels like coming home. The warmth radiates from the staff, their genuine smiles and friendly greetings instantly making you feel part of the family. From the General Manager, Malcolm, to the welcoming front desk agent, Catherine, you’ll be embraced by the Red Carnation Hotel Collection’s exceptional hospitality.
A Journey Through Time
The Rubens at the Palace is more than just a luxurious hotel, it’s a living piece of history. Located on what was once Chelsea Road, the building dates back to 1703, originally consisting of four separate houses for Buckingham House staff.
A Royal Connection
In the mid-18th century, King George III took up residence in one of the houses, transforming it into Buckingham Palace. The area underwent significant changes throughout the 19th century, with Chelsea Road becoming Buckingham Palace Road and the four houses morphing into a vibrant shopping district. Businesses blossomed, ranging from apothecaries and milliner’s shops to dressmakers, tailors, and even a ham and tongue dealer.
A Symbol of Elegance
In 1912, Hotel Rubens opened its doors, quickly becoming one of London’s most prestigious hotels. The hotel’s grandeur attracted debutantes and London’s elite, establishing a legacy of luxury. However, the hotel’s golden age was interrupted by World War I, with many of its staff departing for the war effort. The hotel struggled to regain its former glory during the interwar period.
A Refuge During Wartime
During World War II, Hotel Rubens became headquarters for the exiled Polish Free State Army, led by Prime Minister, General Sikorski. General Charles de Gaulle even made occasional visits to the hotel.
A Rebirth of Grandeur
After the war, Hotel Rubens changed hands several times before being acquired by The Red Carnation Hotel Collection in 1997. The hotel was renamed The Rubens at the Palace and underwent extensive renovations. Artwork adorns the walls, featuring portraits of British royalty, including King Henry VIII and Queen Victoria. A portrait of Flemish Baroque painter, Peter Paul Rubens, graces the reception desk. The hotel pays homage to its past with a lovely room overlooking Buckingham Palace, perfect for afternoon tea and biscuits served on fine china, or a cocktail in the Calvary Bar, named for its massive painting depicting the Battle of Waterloo. Dinner is a culinary delight in the English Grill, featuring crystal stemware, polished silver, and dazzling chandeliers. A plaque commemorating General Sikorski, placed at the hotel’s entrance on his 100th birthday, adds to the hotel’s rich history.
A Home Away From Home
The Rubens at the Palace is a perfect choice for those participating in educational travel programs, such as the National WWII Museum’s Masters of the Air with Dr. Donald Miller or Easy Company: From England to the Eagle’s Nest. A stay at this historic hotel is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in London’s past. I look forward to my next visit and hope to see you there. Let’s enjoy afternoon tea and biscuits together, just as countless others have done before us.
To learn more about The National WWII Museum’s educational travel programs, click here:
