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A Royal Birthday Treat at The Rubens at the Palace
We are always on the lookout for exceptionally romantic hotel and experiences. It’s not just our business; it’s our passion. So, when my birthday rolled around, we knew it was the perfect excuse to indulge ourselves in a special celebratory getaway. Enter The Rubens at the Palace—a hotel that promised royal treatment and delivered it in spades.
We arrived at midday, and from the moment we stepped out of our taxi, we knew were in for a treat. The doorman, with his infectious charm and enthusiasm, greeted us as if we were old friends. (It’s rare to meet someone who can make you feel instantly at home, but this gentleman has it down to an art form.) His warmth and abundant energy set the tone for what would become a wonderful weekend.
Despite arriving earlier than the usual check-in time, we were thrilled to learn that our room was already prepared. After a warm welcome from the front desk team, we were escorted to our "upgraded(!!) suite." There are few better words a hotel guest can hear. And we were truly spoiled; this was a royal-themed boudoir that could make even the most jet-lagged guest feel like a pampered princess.
A Suite Fit for Royalty
The suite was an absolute masterpiece of British elegance. Picture this: plush furnishings in rich gold and blue tones, regal memorabilia adorning the walls, and a stunning portrait of Princess Diana watching over us. It was like stepping into a scene from The Crown.
And the pièce de résistance? An exclusive bedside-table view straight out onto the Royal Mews on Buckingham Palace Road. For fans of the monarchy (or anyone with a soft spot for British tradition and culture), this is a close-up glimpse into royal life and quite the coup.
But the surprises didn’t stop there.
Waiting for us in the room was a single, beautiful red rose—a simple yet romantic touch. And just as we were settling in, we were delivered a welcome trolley of complimentary treats: a bottle of crisp white wine, fresh fruit, and handmade chocolates. Sipping wine and enjoying sweet apple-pear in a room reminiscent of Queen Charlotte’s private chambers—it’s the kind of luxury that makes you feel royally at home.
The Art of Sabrage: Champagne, Drama, and a Never-Ending Bottle
Later that afternoon, we headed to The New York Bar, where we had been invited to experience The Art of Sabrage.
For the uninitiated (of which I was one), sabrage is the ceremonial art of opening a bottle of champagne with a sabre. Yes, you read that correctly—a sabre. Because why use a corkscrew when you can channel your inner musketeer?
Frank, a seasoned member of The Rubens team having worked here for multiple decades, performed the ceremony with theatrical flair. It was part history lesson, part party trick, and 100% unforgettable.
We learned from some American guests who enjoyed the show as they were drinking cocktails at a table nearby, that sabrage is a skill many people in the States like to show off at parties and can also be performed with various kitchen utensils - who knew?
Once the bottle was cleanly beheaded, we spent the next two hours sipping what felt like a never-ending supply of champagne as we nibbled our way through a selection of delicious small plates. Our favourites? The succulent king prawns... salty New York bagel-style dough balls... and a creative take on traditional English fish and chips—lightly battered fish bites paired with a vibrant pea sauce. Each bite was a delight and perfectly complemented the bubbly.
By the time we returned to our suite, we were in a blissful champagne haze.
We admittedly then fell into an impromptu nap, waking up just in time for a pre-dinner stroll.
A Stroll to Buckingham Palace
One of the best things about The Rubens is its unbeatable location. Just minutes from Victoria Station and mere steps from Buckingham Palace, it’s the perfect launchpad for exploring London. As we walked up to the palace to work up our appetites, the buzz of this place is undeniable—the hum of tourists, the majestic architecture, and the incredible feeling of standing right beside one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Even as seasoned Londoners familiar with these streets, the experience still felt slightly surreal. I can only imagine as first-time visitors, there’s truly nothing like staying just on the doorstep of Buckingham Palace—a once-in-a-lifetime chance to live as a neighbour to history itself.
An Evening in The Curry Room
As proper foodies dinner was nothing short of spectacular.
We dined in The Curry Room—a cozy yet elegant hideaway beautifully adorned with Rajasthani hand embroidery and deep, rich red tones. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between intimacy and sophistication, making it ideal for a romantic dinner or an intimate celebration with close friends.
Chef Arun Kumar’s menu is a true celebration of authentic Indian flavours, with each dish crafted to perfection. The thali we enjoyed was a standout—an exquisite array of tastes and textures that danced across the palate. As lovers of Indian cuisine, we were thoroughly impressed. And as a vegetarian, I was more than well looked after—plentiful, flavourful options made it a truly satisfying experience. It’s no surprise The Curry Room has been awarded two AA Rosettes and a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.
A Romantic Turndown Surprise
When we returned to our suite after dinner, we were met with a beautifully romantic surprise: a thoughtful turndown service that felt straight out of a fairytale. Red rose petals were artfully arranged in heart shapes across the bed, and beneath a glass dome, a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries awaited. But these weren’t just any strawberries—they were lusciously sweet and perfectly ripe, the kind that makes you pause, close your eyes, and savour every bite.
It was the perfect finishing touch to an already magical day, setting the tone for one of the most restful, dreamy nights we’ve had in ages. (Side note: if The Rubens ever puts their mattresses up for sale, we’ll be first in line.)
Breakfast Fit for a King (and Queen)
The next morning, we awoke feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. But first—breakfast. The dining room offered a plentiful buffet with options to suit every taste, from fresh pastries and fruit to a full English breakfast. For those with specific requests or dietary needs, the staff were more than happy to accommodate.
We made the most of the delicious spread and then treated ourselves to perfectly prepared Eggs Royale (a rare Monday indulgence, as we usually stick to intermittent fasting until after lunch), paired with not one, but two cups of rich, steaming coffee. As we lingered over breakfast, we felt deeply grateful for what had been a truly unforgettable weekend in London—thoughtfully curated and seamlessly delivered by the exceptional team at this one-of-a-kind hotel.
Final Thoughts: A Stay to Remember
As we said goodbye to The Rubens at the Palace, we couldn’t help but feel immense admiration for the team’s seamless generosity of spirit and heartfelt hospitality. From the moment we arrived, every interaction was infused with warmth and a genuine desire to make us feel at home.
This is a team that truly understands how to deliver a royally inspired experience—elegant and luxurious, yet refreshingly free of snobbery or pretension. It effortlessly blends the best of British tradition with international flair, from the refined charm of the New York Bar to the vibrant flavours of The Curry Room.
For couples seeking a romantic getaway... a special celebration... or a special London experience with a taste of royal treatment - The Rubens at the Palace is an absolute must!!!! This is a destination hotel that invites you to relax, indulge, and have fun in equal measure.
Thank you, Rubens, for a magical stay.
Book a romantic getaway (like ours) at The Rubens with their Romantically package from just £399 per couple
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