Ruby Zoe Hotel London by IHG

The lobby and bar have a lively buzz all day, which is great if you like energy, though not ideal if you want a quiet, private place to sit. Staff at reception were genuinely friendly. I also liked the free water and popcorn, the drink voucher at check-in, and the option to buy a phone adapter at reception. The rooms are very clean, comfortable, and surprisingly spacious. Mine had a big window with a nice city view, but it didn't open, and I missed having fresh air. The street can be noisy, so I'd recommend asking for a higher floor or a room facing the courtyard. There's no fridge, and while the hotel mentions tea and coffee stations on the floors, the hot water urn was missing several times on my floor, leaving only tea bags. Housekeeping isn't daily by default, which I only realised during my stay. They also accidentally took my key card sleeve and unused drink voucher, and the single small bin wasn't enough for a multi-day visit. The location is right by Notting Hill Gate station, served by the Central, District, and Circle lines. Tesco, M&S Simply Food, Waitrose, Boots, and KURO Coffee are nearby. It's basically in Notting Hill, though on the edge, so Chelsea isn't the closest area. Holland Park is a short walk away, and Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are easy to reach.

Staff had to cover both the bar and check-in, there wasn't really a reception, and my checkout was barely acknowledged. My safe showed a low battery. I reported it Friday morning and again early Saturday, but was told it couldn't be fixed until Monday. I stayed in a Lovely Room at Ruby Zoe Hotel near Notting Hill Gate. The size was what I expected, but there was no fridge or in-room ironing board, the bin was inadequate, and the sink was in the bedroom area. A proper chair would've helped too. If you take the two free drinks, cleaning only happens every third day. Tea, coffee, and ironing are communal and set up on each floor. The location suits experienced visitors, but the overall setup feels more like a glorified hostel, and IHG has work to do before it feels like a true hotel.

Karolina, your hostess, treated me like a birthday queen and made me want to come back very soon. We had an amazing birthday surprise stay with my boyfriend 🥰. From arrival onward, the staff made sure we were well looked after. The facilities were lush, the location was amazing, and the staff were genuinely happy and welcoming, going above and beyond for guests. What a treat!

After a long day of sightseeing, we weren't sure what to order. Carolina, the hostess, took time to understand what we liked, walk us through the menu, and suggest dishes that turned out to be spot on. Her warmth, attention, and generosity made us feel genuinely cared for, something rare in such a fast-paced city. The service was exceptional, the food delightful, and we felt at ease from the moment we arrived. This place is a hidden, or perhaps not-so-hidden, gem. It was a memorable visit, and we look forward to coming back soon!