A Grand London Getaway: Celebrating a Milestone and serving up a The Rubens at the Palace Review.
New decades should be properly celebrated. Last fall, one of my dearest friends hit the big 5-0. We couldn’t coordinate a trip at the time, so we promised ourselves a summer escape—and we made good on it. After matching up our calendars, we blocked off a weekend in July for a theater-filled getaway to London.
With the time set and a general itinerary in mind, I turned to the Momtrends community for hotel recommendations. We were looking for something traditional, and dare I say, a little grand. Walking access to Hyde Park and the Thames was a must, and a proper tea service was non-negotiable.
I wish I could remember who suggested it, but The Rubens at the Palace Hotel in St. James’s turned out to be the perfect fit. With exceptional service, a prime location, and a surprisingly reasonable rate (about £230 per night, or $311 USD with tax), it was a standout from the start.
Getting to The Rubens at the Palace Hotel via Public Transport
The Rubens is a short walk from Victoria Station. We took the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station, then transferred to the Tube for the final leg. Two round-trip tickets on the Express cost us £25 each, and Tube rides are about £1 each. From airport to hotel, the journey took around 40 minutes.
A Bit of History of The Rubens
The Rubens at the Palace dates back to the 18th century, originally part of the Buckingham Palace grounds. Over time, the building housed everything from dressmakers to royal staff apartments to the Polish Army. In the early 20th century, it became a hotel and has been part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection since 1997.
If you know London, you’ll understand why this location—right in the heart of Westminster—is ideal for tourists.
First Impressions
We rolled our bags to the hotel and were greeted by a doorman in full regalia: top hat, red coat, and a warm welcome. Our rooms weren’t quite ready, so we left our bags with the bellman and headed out to enjoy a glorious London afternoon.
Directly across from The Rubens is the Royal Mews, home to the King’s horses, carriages, and vintage cars. It’s worth a visit, even with kids in tow. Just five minutes away are the gates of Buckingham Palace, where you can catch the Changing of the Guard. Hyde Park is a 10-minute walk and offers everything from paddle boats to picnic spots to the tranquil Diana Memorial Fountain.
Room Upgrades & Evening Out
After exploring the city, we returned to freshen up before the theater—and were delighted to discover complimentary upgrades to Royal Themed Double rooms. I had booked the smallest rooms (Executive Singles), expecting we’d spend little time in them, so this was a big and very welcome surprise.
The rooms overlooked the Royal Mews and were recently renovated but still classic in style. Each featured a comfortable bed, a writing desk with a tea and coffee setup, and a marble-clad bathroom that made getting ready feel luxurious.
We met at the New York Bar for a pre-show cocktail. This elegant bar offers a mix of cosmopolitan charm and timeless British flair. Sourya, the resident singer, performed R&B, pop, and soul hits—a wonderful touch. She performs Thursdays through Saturdays from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Our well-dressed doorman hailed a cab the old-fashioned way (with a whistle), and we were off to the West End. Though traffic was heavy, we arrived in plenty of time. Digital payments are widely accepted in London; the only time I used cash was to tip the doorman and leave housekeeping gratuities. (I used U.S. dollars, which I imagine could be exchanged easily—though pounds would have been more proper.)
A Night at the Theater
We saw Evita! at the London Palladium, and it was nothing short of a revelation. Rachel Zegler’s performance earned two standing ovations. A must-see for theater lovers.
After the show, we grabbed a late dinner nearby. The food was good but clearly not unforgettable—as I can’t recall the name of the restaurant!
Day Two: Art, Tea, and Touring
After a restful sleep (the beds get an A+), we strolled along the Thames and visited the poignant National COVID Memorial Wall. Then it was off to the Jenny Saville exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery. (Please look her up—her work is stunning.)
Later, we returned to the hotel for Royal Afternoon Tea in the Palace Lounge, which overlooks the Royal Mews. The setting was lush, with velvet and gold details. We sipped champagne before selecting our teas—Verbena for me, oolong for my friend—and then came the three-tiered tray of treats. Highlights included savory sandwiches (don’t miss the egg salad), currant scones, and exquisite pastries. A pianist played show tunes as we sipped. Sublime.
Tea is served daily from noon to 5 p.m., and reservations are recommended. There’s a charming Prince & Princess Tea for children under 12, and a pastry chef experience for budding bakers.
Final Morning
Though we didn’t have a chance to try the hotel restaurant for dinner, we did enjoy a traditional English breakfast at The English Grill on our final morning. The buffet was well-stocked, and hot options like salmon bagels and eggs could be ordered à la carte. It was the perfect send-off before a final stroll and our afternoon flight.
A Few Notes
The staff at The Rubens were consistently welcoming and helpful. Rooms were serviced efficiently, and the attention to detail was excellent. The only downside? No on-site gym. Not a dealbreaker, especially with Hyde Park nearby for outdoor workouts, but worth noting if that’s part of your daily routine.
While the hotel may not be ideal for very young children, families with kids aged 7 or older will find plenty to enjoy—especially the tea service.
If you’re planning a girls’ getaway or a romantic trip to London, The Rubens at the Palace is an excellent choice.
Hotel Details:
The Rubens at the Palace
39 Buckingham Palace Road,
London, SW1W 0PS
What We Did:
Jenny Saville at the National Portrait Gallery
June 20 – Sept. 7, 2025
National Portrait Gallery Info
Drinks at Ochre
National Gallery, Trafalgar Square
Evita! at the London Palladium
Ends Sept. 6
evitathemusical.com
Mrs. Warren’s Profession at the Garrick (now closed)
Hyde Park & Diana Memorial Fountain
Visit Hyde Park
National COVID Memorial Wall
Learn More
Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace
Get Tickets
More on London from Momtrends
Planning a longer stay or bringing the kids along next time? Check out more of our favorite London tips and experiences:
Harry Potter Studio Tour Review
Everything you need to know before visiting this magical must-see just outside the city.
5 Things to Do in London with Kids
A quick guide to family-friendly attractions that both kids and parents will enjoy.
48 Hours in London with Kids
A kid-approved itinerary for making the most of a short trip.
Best London Theater for Kids
Discover the best West End shows for young audiences (and their grown-ups).
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