Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at 41, a Red Carnation hotel, mid-morning and was welcomed by a friendly doorman who escorted me to the elevator and up to reception on the top floor. The hotel occupies a single floor of The Rubens Hotel at the Palace, its adjoining sister property, giving it a private-club atmosphere rather than a typical hotel feel.
Check-in was relaxed and efficient; I completed it while enjoying a cup of tea in the reception area and Executive Lounge. Shortly after, a staff member escorted me to my room where my luggage was already waiting.
Guest Quarters: The room featured a king-sized bed, a well-equipped desk with convenient outlets, a comfortable desk chair, a coffee table and two armchairs. A corner cabinet housed a large flat-screen television, a stocked minibar, and a Bose clock radio with docking station. A simple lighting control beside the bed operated a red and green indicator in the hallway, eliminating the need for a door hanger to request privacy or housekeeping. Although the room faced a busy street, it remained pleasantly quiet for a central London hotel.
The bathroom was generously sized, with both a bathtub and a separate shower with a rain showerhead, plus a large sink and quality toiletries by Penhaligon’s.
Services/Amenities: One enjoyable feature was the evening “Plundering the Pantry” service: the Executive Lounge pantry is well stocked with snacks and drinks for guests who want a light bite or refreshment. While 41 does not have its own restaurant or bar, guests can use the facilities at The Rubens at the Palace, which offers bbar & Restaurant with South African-inspired dishes and the Leopard Champagne & Cocktail Bar.
The Experience: 41 benefits from an excellent central location suitable for business and leisure travelers. It faces the Royal Mews and the Queen’s Gallery and sits close to many of London’s notable sights, including Westminster Abbey, Horse Guards Parade, St. James’s Park and Piccadilly.
What stands out most is the staff’s attentive, personal service. The team at 41 consistently delivered professional care with warm, friendly interactions, which made the stay memorable. I would recommend 41 to friends seeking a small, distinctive hotel in the heart of London.
GT CHECKLIST
Doorman/valet
Less than 10 minutes for check-in
Separate tub and shower
Large vanity
High-quality towels
Powerful, unattached hair dryer
High-quality bed linens
Large, flat-screen television
Large desk with convenient outlets
Large, complimentary laptop safe
Complimentary in-room WiFi
Complimentary bottled water
Stocked minibar
Ample lighting
In-room coffeemaker
Iron and ironing board
On-site restaurant (none at 41; available at sister hotel)
24-hour room service
24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center (not available at 41)
Turn-down service
41
Buckingham Palace Road
London SW1W 0PS
United Kingdom
tel 44 20 7300 0041
41hotel.com