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Hotel review: A touch of Ashford Castle luxury from its sister hotel in London

Sister hotel to Ashford Castle, the essence of old-world London lives on in this regal retreat overlooking Buckingham Palace

Thu, 10 Apr, 2025 - 07:49

Location

If you’re coming to London for some royal spotting, it’s hard to imagine a finer address. Historic, plush, and buzzy, the handsome hotel sits in the heart of Westminster opposite the gates of the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. It’s here that royal comings and goings can be witnessed, including the early-morning guardsmen on horseback. Five minutes from Victoria Station and a short stroll through Green Park to Leicester Square, it’s a superb spot for a Great British weekend.

9/10

Style & design

Following a multi-million pound investment by The Red Carnation Hotel Collection in 2017, the property underwent extensive refurbishment. Majoring in opulence, the building’s interesting heritage is celebrated luxuriously. A maximalist’s dream, it’s all dark wood, gilded details, patterned carpets, rich colours, sparkling chandeliers, Christie’s antiques, original art and more crown details than you could count. Distinctive, comfortable, and unashamedly traditional, its style is unforgettable, though won’t be to everyone’s taste.

8/10

Service

Just like Ashford Castle, its sister property in Ireland, The Rubens offers outstanding service from the second you arrive. Cheerful doormen in top hats throw open the doors to another world where VIP service, attention to detail, friendliness, and charm underpin every engagement, from check-in to the bar, dining, and concierge. You’d have to wonder if the staff across in Buckingham Palace are as happy and well-trained as this.

10/10

Guest rooms

Expect deep beds, good lighting, generous storage and monogrammed linens

There’s a palpable sense of the golden era of travel on the narrow corridors, which lead to individually sized and decorated guestrooms. Some are royal-themed with portraits of the Windsors, but many are muted and all opulent and comfy. Expect deep beds, good lighting, generous storage and monogrammed linens, with marble bathrooms and chandeliers as standard.

8/10

In-room perks

A signature cake under a glass cloche – a feature of every Red Carnation Hotel – is a delightful in-room treat for guests. A Nespresso machine and French press offer welcome choices for coffee lovers, there’s a good tea selection and quality turn-down chocolate.

8/10

On the menu

Prepare to feast well here. With two lavish restaurants and two bars, you’ll never go hungry. Indeed, a Red Carnation tradition sees fingers of cheese toasties served as complimentary nibbles in the buzzy New York bar.

The English Grill, complete with Murano chandeliers, oil paintings, leather banquettes, candelabra, and a glass-fronted kitchen is quite the dramatic setting for breakfast and fine dining lunch and dinner.

Serving modern British favourites, dinner is a decadent affair covering dishes from signature Beef Wellington with lobster sauce to Himalayan salt-aged steaks cooked on a Josper grill and lighter seafood dishes. Tableside theatrics are de rigueur, from a gin trolley in the bar to a British cheese trolley and even a smoked salmon trolley in The English Grill, offering Irish and Scottish fish smoked by London’s oldest smoker, under Royal Warrant. The Curry Room serves Indian fare and the Palace Lounge offers royal afternoon tea on gilt-edged china.

Breakfast is exceptional with one of the most exciting morning menus we’ve seen. Along with classics like Eggs Benedict and an impressive Full English, there’s pistachio French toast with espresso cream, a charcuterie plate with sourdough and chutney, and delicious fresh green juice.

9/10

Activities & amenities

There’s no gym, but plenty of parks close by for walks or running. Sports Buddies can be arranged to accompany you on runs, walks, or a variety of racquet sports and there are complimentary yoga mats and fitness videos. In-room beauty treatments and massages by London Serenity can be booked.

7/10

The bill

Doubles from £278 per room, per night (approx. €324).

Our rating: 8.5/10

Room to improve? The food, service and location are excellent and while the dark, traditional interiors won’t appeal to everyone, they offer an authentic London experience in a hotel with real character and personality.

Access for guests with disabilities? One accessible room.

Family-friendly? Children are fussed over with a dedicated check-in, cupcake-making masterclass, turndown service with a special gift and free meals when dining with an adult.

Dogs welcome? If you’re in London with your dog, they offer welcome hampers, turndown treats, in-room grooming services and dog-sitters, all for a fee.

EV chargers? No.