Two Boutique Hotels in London Where Heritage Feels Like Home

A hotel brand that still remains family-run after decades in hospitality is a remarkable thing. What initially drew me to the London-based Red Carnation Hotel Collection wasn’t just their portfolio of 19 beautiful properties around the world, each celebrated for bespoke elegance, exceptional service and deep local connections, but the fact that they’ve been owned and operated by the same family, the Tollmans, since the brand was founded. Our Ciao Bambino clients consistently praise their experience at Red Carnation properties and often tell us it feels as though they’ve been invited into a private home, with thoughtful touches arranged by hosts who genuinely care.

In London alone, Red Carnation offers six distinctive hotels, each designed to provide a luxurious stay for every kind of traveler. My family and I recently had the privilege of experiencing two of these — The Milestone Hotel & Residences in Kensington and The Rubens at the Palace in Westminster — and the hospitality began the moment we arrived. Greeted by the gracious doormen, we immediately felt a sense of warmth and familiarity that set the tone for the entire stay. Every detail was carefully curated — for instance, we were welcomed at The Milestone with a basket full of local artisan goodies as well as ingredients to make matcha lattes (a thoughtful touch, as the Rubens team had noticed my son’s love for the drink and shared it with their Milestone colleagues). These instances capture the essence of what makes these boutique hotels in London so special: solicitous comfort, refined style and a feeling of truly being at home.

Best Boutique Hotels in London: The Milestone Hotel & Residences and The Rubens at the Palace

Just steps from Kensington Palace, The Milestone is perfectly situated in one of London’s most refined and picturesque neighborhoods. Overlooking Kensington Gardens, with some rooms offering serene views of the palace and its grounds, the hotel places you close to cultural treasures like Royal Albert Hall and the upscale charm of Kensington itself. It’s an area to which I always gravitate when in London — elegant, peaceful and full of history, with easy access to iconic spots like Notting Hill just a short ride away. The setting alone makes The Milestone feel like a true London dream.

The Rubens, in the heart of Westminster, boasts an unrivaled location directly across from Buckingham Palace. As the closest hotel to the royal residence, it offers a truly immersive royal experience. Getting to the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony is extremely convenient, just steps away from the front door. Next to the Rubens is Hotel 41, a cozy Red Carnation sister property known for its exclusivity and romantic ambiance, and especially beloved by couples. Hotel 41 was undergoing a full renovation when we visited, so I was unable to see it; I am confident it will be stunning upon its completion.

Accommodations

The Milestone

The Milestone offers an intimate experience with 56 uniquely decorated rooms and suites — each one a visual delight, carefully styled to feel both luxurious and personal. Larger groups and families will appreciate the six private residences, ranging from two to three bedrooms. With names like The William & Kate and The Victoria & Albert, these fully serviced apartments include kitchens and lounges, and some have outdoor spaces like balconies or patios. They combine the freedom of apartment living with boutique hotel luxury and service.

For extra flexibility, The Milestone offers a range of interconnecting and interleading room configurations. Interconnecting rooms are linked by an internal door while interleading rooms are joined by an external connecting door, allowing access between multiple spaces. Depending on availability, these options can accommodate four to 11 guests and are ideal for family wings or group stays.

The Rubens

With 161 rooms and suites, The Rubens offers a variety of accommodations while maintaining the character and warmth that defines every Red Carnation property. Guests can choose from Classic Double, Superior King or Royal Mews View rooms, many of which include charming views of the working royal stables behind Buckingham Palace. The suites here strike a balance between luxury and comfort. From Junior Suites to the expansive Master Suite, each space is designed to feel indulgent yet welcoming, a retreat in the heart of Westminster.

The Rubens is also a great choice for families or group travelers, offering the same flexible interconnecting and interleading room options as The Milestone. With combinations that can host up to 12 guests, including designated family wings, it’s easy to make the space your own while maintaining a seamless connection.

Onsite Activities

The Milestone

At The Milestone, you’ll find a wealth of experiences that go far beyond a typical stay. Begin your journey with a classic afternoon tea at the Park Lounge, a signature tradition in the hotel’s elegant setting. We were fortunate enough to experience it and enjoyed a variety of pâtisserie, finger sandwiches and a wide selection of teas. We ended our tea time with hot cross buns and fresh, warm scones served with jam and clotted cream — definitely a must-try, my favorite. Or take your tea experience further on the PMD Tea Tour, a fascinating walking journey through London’s rich tea heritage and concluding with a delightful tea at the hotel. Additionally, try the art of sabrage (dramatically opening Champagne with a sword) to add flair to private dinners or celebrations. Suite guests can enjoy an in-room cocktail master class or opt for The Majesty Package — an intimate private dinner in The Oratory, complete with live harp music and personalized details. 

The Rubens

The Rubens’ New York Bar is a vibrant gathering spot, complete with live music and an array of tasting experiences: whisky flights, gin and tonic samplings, beer selections, or immersive cocktails crafted by bar manager Silviu Stan. For an extra flourish, the hotel also offers the art of sabrage.

The Rubens celebrates its younger guests with a children’s afternoon tea, featuring kid-size sandwiches, pastries and drinks, including milkshakes and hot chocolate. Children can also step into the kitchen in full chef’s attire for a pastry decorating workshop, earning a certificate and a special badge to remember their time. The Rubens blends these rich experiences with classic British hospitality, making every stay unforgettable.

TIP: There are additional experiences offered at both hotels. Enjoy an intimate Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performance or let resident artist Shelley Levy create a custom portrait for you, among other offerings. These thoughtfully curated activities add a personal, unforgettable touch to every visit.

Dining

The Milestone

With three distinctive dining venues, The Milestone promises a range of exceptional culinary experiences. Cheneston’s showcases modern British cuisine with refined flair, and its eight-course tasting menu invites you to indulge. The Oratory, one of London’s most intimate private dining venues, sets the stage for special celebrations. The Park Lounge, which was our favorite space to relax and spend time together, is as inviting for breakfast as it is for afternoon tea.

The Stables Bar, known for resident bar manager Angelo’s creative mixology and a menu curated by executive chef Daniel Putz, is the perfect spot to enjoy drinks alongside delicious bites. Whether it’s a classic cocktail or something unique, the bar promises to satisfy every craving. Just next door, The Hideaway provides a candlelit setting for laid-back dinners, intimate gatherings or elegant private events.

Each morning, breakfast is served in Cheneston’s and the Park Lounge, setting the ideal tone for a day of exploring London. Breakfast at the Milestone was truly something I looked forward to each morning during our stay.

The Rubens

Dining at The Rubens is an event unto itself. At The English Grill, guests can enjoy excellent fish and steak dishes, with certain specialties prepared right at the table. My son was thrilled to watch his steak Diane made tableside and we also loved the smoked salmon, expertly prepared in front of us. The restaurant’s beef Wellington is another standout, combining rich flavors with classic London elegance.

The Curry Room, led by chef Arun Kumar, is an unforgettable highlight, offering personalized Indian cuisine that is widely regarded as among the best in London. Chef Kumar takes the time to genuinely connect with guests and understand the flavors they enjoy most. The butter chicken was exceptionally delicious, and the thali, an assortment of traditional dishes, was a wonderful way to experience the rich variety of the menu. This was truly a fulfilling dining experience that left me and my family wanting to come back immediately.

The Royal Afternoon Tea is served in the Palace Lounge, overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace. While we did not have a chance to experience afternoon tea here, we saw numerous families (one even celebrating their daughter’s birthday) as well as couples and friends enjoying a range of teas, finger sandwiches, scones and an array of thoughtfully crafted pastries.

When it comes to drinks, The New York Bar features live music by resident singer Sourya, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. We really enjoyed spending time here as a family after dinner, listening to Sourya’s music and even making song requests — truly a highlight of our stay. The bar also offers a range of alcohol-free mocktails and personalized drinks, making it a fun and relaxing spot for both kids and adults. The Leopard Room is an exclusive space reserved for private events, while just a few steps away, sister venue Bbar offers a more casual, family-friendly environment with a sunny terrace, signature cocktails and live sports screenings.

Breakfast is served daily in the English Grill, setting you up perfectly for a day in the city. From freshly baked pastries to hearty classics, there’s something to satisfy every appetite — especially the pistachio French toast and coconut kombucha overnight oats served with maple syrup, both delicious highlights of the morning menu that were our family favorites.

Amenities

The Milestone

The Milestone’s newly enhanced health club is a perfect place to find your balance, whether you are looking to unwind or get moving. The tranquil resistance pool and fully equipped gym are complimentary for all guests, offering a relaxed and inviting space to recharge. For an extra touch of wellness, the infrared sauna and invigorating cold plunge bath (available for an additional fee) are a refreshing way to start or end your day.

Nestled within the hotel, the spa is a peaceful oasis where you can truly switch off. From soft tissue therapy to sports massages and restorative facials, the talented therapists are there to help you feel your best. If you are up for something more active, the exercise studio has everything you need for a satisfying workout, and personal training is also available. In-room yoga sessions or Pilates can also be arranged, either in the studio or in the privacy of your suite — perfect for taking a little time for yourself during your stay.

The Rubens

The Rubens offers thoughtful amenities designed to make every stay as comfortable as possible. Guests can book bespoke spa treatments in the privacy of their room, thanks to the hotel’s partnership with London Serenity, which provides a range of massages and beauty treatments. For a little movement and mindfulness, complimentary yoga mats and fitness videos are also available, and the Sports Buddies program adds an active twist to your visit, connecting you with local experts for activities like tennis or running. Whether you are looking to keep up your routine or try something new, it’s a fun way to stay active while exploring the city.

Families are especially well cared for at The Rubens. Babysitting arrangements can be made through trusted partners like Rockabye Babysitters, offering flexible daytime, evening and even 24-hour bookings. For younger guests, amenities include baby cots, night lights, white noise machines and play mats. Children also receive a warm welcome at check-in, complete with a Red Carnation Hotels passport, plus a cookie and milk turndown service to make them feel right at home.

Things to Know

This summer, from June 30-July 13, The Milestone is serving a special Wimbledon-themed afternoon tea. Priced at £85 per person, it’s a delightful way to celebrate the spirit of the iconic tennis tournament, with a carefully curated selection of seasonal pastries and charming nods to Wimbledon’s rich history.

The Rubens is also celebrating Wimbledon in style during the same period, hosting its own Sweet Serve Pop-Up in The Leopard Room. Created by Paula Stakelum, Red Carnation’s Global Director of Chocolate and Pâtisserie, this tennis-themed pastry experience is perfectly paired with a glass of Champagne Lanson and live screenings of the tournament (priced at £36 per person). The hotel’s summer ice cream menu celebrates the Wimbledon spirit with a refreshing selection of flavors, the perfect complement to a sunny London afternoon.

The Milestone also offers picnic hampers that brim with an array of culinary delights, from canapés to artisanal sandwiches, to enjoy in London’s nearby green spaces. Guests can also admire the outdoor living wall at The Rubens, the largest such display in London.

About Red Carnation Hotels

Spanning iconic destinations such as London; Edinburgh; County Mayo, Ireland; and Evershot in Dorset, as well as Geneva, Guernsey, South Africa and Botswana, each hotel delivers a uniquely immersive experience. From the regal charm of Ashford Castle in Ireland to the untamed luxury of Xigera Safari Lodge in Botswana, every detail is meticulously crafted to reflect the character of its surroundings. With a steadfast commitment to personalized hospitality and elevated touches, Red Carnation Hotels sets a new standard for meaningful, unforgettable travel.

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Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.