RUBENS HOTEL EXPERT INTERVIEW
1) Please explain your journey as ‘Rubens Hotel’ so far.
I have been with The Rubens Hotel now since December 2011 after I transferred from our sister property in South Africa; The Oyster Box. I have moved through the departments of Front Desk to Night Management and then found my place here in the sales department. I have worked with Red Carnation Hotels for four years now and they truly are an exceptional company who provide hospitality the way it should be: personal, memorable and with a wonderful attention.
No two days are the same and each presents new possibilities and challenges. You get to meet and interact with so many different guests from all corners of the globe, each one having their own journey and story to tell. The Rubens at the Palace really is a special gem which exudes British charm and could not be better located. The Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace greets you every morning with Her Majesty’s cavalry often trotting past on their morning stroll. We are also within walking distance of so many great London landmarks and sights as well as having two West End Theatres on our doorstep. Red Carnations Hotels has also been voted as number 26 in the Top 100 Companies to work for by The Sunday Times, jumping up 45 placements since 2012.
2) What has been the biggest or most memorable event you’ve provided?
Earlier this year Red Carnation Hotels featured on The Intern on Channel 4 where The Milestone Hotel undertook the eventful task of finding a new intern under the watchful eye of our Managing Director; Mr Jonathan Raggett and TV Personality and award winning Businesswomen Hilary Devey. Hotel 41 which is situated next door to The Rubens at the Palace Hotel has just won The Catey award for Hotel of the Year 2013. We continue to hold top placements on TripAdvisor which comes directly from the comments of our guests.
3) Is there any inside information you can give us?
For our Traditional Afternoon Tea I would recommend allowing at least an hour and a half to enjoy the full experience. All our sandwiches and pastries and made fresh daily by our Chef Danielle. The homemade scones happen to be my favourite as they are the perfect accompaniment to a nice cup of tea whilst overlooking the Royal Mews.
I was amazed to find out about the history behind Afternoon Tea when it started in the 19th Century by Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford. London has so much history and tradition and this is something I get to feel and experience every day at The Rubens at the Palace.
4) Do you have any exciting plans for the future that you’d like to tell us about?
The industry is constantly changing which is both daunting and very exciting. Food trends and travel patterns continue to influence and evolve the hospitality industry. Whilst we like to keep our finger on the pulse with prominent trends, our core identity remains stable. Our high level of service remains at the forefront of everything we do. Afternoon Tea especially seems to be gaining in momentum year on year, but it is always nice to see the good reviews from our guests.
5) What would you say is your most frequently asked question?
‘Please can I have another cup of your delicious tea!’
For more information on the experiences we offer at Rubens Hotel, read our blog post here.
Rubens Champagne Bar Hire at Buckingham Palace.
Luxurious Afternoon Tea at Rubens Hotel.
