Hotel Review: The Rubens at the Palace, London

Located opposite the Royal Mews on busy Buckingham Palace Road, a short walk from Victoria station, it may not be one of central London's most charming areas, although it's particularly convenient if you're here for some sightseeing - cross the road and you're at Buckingham Palace. In recent years, Victoria has had quite a facelift, with striking new developments housing bustling restaurants and bars - head to Cardinal Place for some of the action.

By car: the hotel is over 4 hours from Manchester, and less than 3 hours from Birmingham. Parking costs £70 a day.

By train: Victoria station is only a 2 minute walk away. Book trains to London.

It's part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, with traditional décor featuring heavy drapes, silks and brocades in dark tones of burgundy, navy blue and gold. It has a classic aesthetic throughout, with a marble-floored lobby, glistening crystal chandeliers and oil paintings of the Royal family. At The New York Bar, you'll find works of art depicting famous 18th-century battles and silks portraying traditional British military ceremonies, while in the gourmet restaurant, Murano chandeliers hang above brown leather banquettes and still lifes adorn the walls.

It's all about traditional British hospitality at The Rubens: red-uniformed doormen greet guests at the entrance, while reception staff seek to offer visitors an authentic British experience. Nothing is too much - staff are always eager to help with a smile on their faces. Facilities are sadly very limited. There's no fitness centre on-site, although guests can work out at City Athletic (£25/session), a well-equipped gym in Victoria, while nearby Green Park is the perfect spot for a morning run.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Named after members of the Royal Family, rooms come in a variety of tones, from deep red to navy blue and golden. You'll find carpeted floors, silky curtains in deep hues and mock period furniture. The fawn-coloured bathrooms have rather standard fittings - nothing that really denotes luxury or glamour.

Room types: Single, Cosy Double, Double, Superior, Royal, Executive, Junior Suite, Family Suite, Executive Suite, Master Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, free bottled water, flatscreen TV, free Wi-Fi

The Palace Lounge buzzes in the afternoons when visitors and families come to enjoy the hotel's afternoon tea. As the sun begins to set, the action moves to the New York Bar. British favourites are served here, while the Curry Room serves Indian dishes in a cosy basement setting. The English Grill is the hotel's fine dining restaurant, complete with a glass-partitioned kitchen where diners can watch the chefs at work.

The English Grill: opulent fine dining, English produce. 2 AA Rosettes restaurant. Open daily for breakfast and dinner.