Background
Germany’s Ruby Hotels launched in 2013, and currently operates 17 properties in locations including Amsterdam, Dublin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Zurich.
Described as a “lean luxury” brand, the group debuted in the UK in 2020 with the opening of Ruby Lucy in London’s Waterloo district – click here for our Tried and Tested review of this property.
Ruby Zoe in Notting Hill followed in July last year, with Ruby Stella set to open in Clarkenwell next month, and a fourth London property is also under development in Southwark.
Where is it?
A couple of minutes walk from Notting Hill Gate Underground station with links to the Central, District and Circle Lines, and around a mile from Shepherd’s Bush Station on the Central and Overground Lines.
The hotel is also within walking distance of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, and the iconic Portobello Road – setting for the 1999 film Notting Hill.
What’s it like?
Ruby Zoe is housed within a six storey new-build property on Notting Hill Gate – guests arrive into the bar area which doubles up as reception, where I was quickly checked in.
To the left of this is a vibrant lounge / communal workspace, with a centrepiece vintage Ford 100E car, and a feature wall with a collection of vinyl record covers.
Music is a big part of the Ruby brand, with guests able to hire electric guitars to use in their rooms, and this theme continues in design elements including an installation of trumpets hanging from the ceiling, and a wall covered in speakers of various shapes and sizes.
The brand is clearly trying to foster a community feel, with games nights and speed dating events being advertised when I stayed.
Rooms
I was staying in room 526, with views over private gardens at the back of the property. Room categories range from Nest Rooms (14-17 sqm), to Cosy Rooms (17-18 sqm), Lovely Rooms (my room type – measuring 18-19 sqm) and Wow Rooms on the upper floors of the property (17-24 sqm).
Design is minimalist, with whitewashed wooden floors, white walls, an exposed concrete ceiling and colour coming from the artwork on the walls inspired by the houses of Notting Hill.
Amenities include a cupboard with hangers and a safe, a full length mirror on the inside of the main room door, a hairdryer, and a powerful walk-in rain shower with choice of two types of shower gel. Guests also get a free bottle of still water and a bar of JOKOLADE chocolate.
Continuing the music theme of the public areas, rooms have Marshall amps – indeed in my Lovely Room there were two – a large one by the bed and a smaller one on the desk. I wonder how many people are visiting with guitars or hiring them from the hotel, but those that do will no doubt find this a great facility (although whether their neighbours agree is another question).
Bathroom facilities are somewhat quirky, with glass walled shower cubicles looking out over the bed (although a curtain can be drawn across the outside if desired), and the basin being located in the main bedroom area rather than in the toilet.
I didn’t mind this per se, but I did find it frustrating that the basin was next to the room’s workdesk. This meant that the desk area (which is not particularly large in the first place) became a bit cluttered with things like my washbag as there was nowhere to put them in the toilet area, and I also managed to splash my laptop a couple of times as it was open close to the basin.
Note that the Nest Rooms – while smaller – have a different layout where the basin is in a small alcove away from the desk.
Aside from this I thought the room was stylish and well thought out, with plenty of power sockets including USB ports by the beds. The wifi connection was free and fast, and I was able to work while streaming music from my phone.
There are no tea and coffee facilities in the rooms, but guests can visit self-service “galleys” on each floor where there was a choice of around a dozen different types of teas – some floors also have vending machines selling everything from drinks and snacks to slippers, toothbrushes and shaving kits.
Food and drink
Breakfast is served in the area to the right of the bar/reception, from 0630 to 1030 weekdays and 0700 to 1100 at weekends. There was a good choice of continental options, including cereals, cold meats, cheeses, hummus, soft boiled eggs, breads, pastries and sausage rolls.
I sat by a window at the far end of the dining area, which looks out onto a 1997 mural commissioned by the Notting Hill Gate Improvement Group and painted by artist Barney McMahon (which can be seen in the photograph below).
The hotel also offers a menu of Italian-inspired snacks throughout the day, and Notting Hill Gate is spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants, with Korean, Persian, Thai and pizza options all located opposite the hotel.
Meetings
None
Leisure
None
Verdict
Ruby is a vibrant hotel brand, with stylish public spaces and bright, modern rooms. While I wasn’t convinced with the location of the in-room basin, overall I liked the hotel’s design aesthetic.
FACT BOX
- Best for Those looking for a modern hotel brand in the Notting Hill / Kensington area
- Don’t miss The stylish public areas, and the chance to thrash in your room
- Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in May start from £207 for a Cosy Room, and £222 for a Lovely Room
- Contact 146-164 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3QG; 020 4520 1760; ruby-hotels.com
