The Notting Hill area of London is famed internationally for its annual carnival, a parade and party celebrating Caribbean culture. It’s also known for its diversity and proximity to beautiful Hyde and Holland Park. It’s home to the vibrant Portobello Road Market, a street that stretches a mile and is lined with pastel-painted houses and bursting with an eclectic mix of stalls. And of course it’s famous because of the iconic 1999 movie of the same name, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.
It’s fair to say that there’s always been a lot going on in Notting Hill. And now there’s a new kid in town to add to the mix. The newly-opened stylish Ruby Zoe Hotel is located on the main drag just three minutes from Notting Hill Gate underground station.
There’s a bunch of Ruby Hotels across Europe, including in Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Ireland and now three in London, including Ruby Zoe. Their philosophy is based on lean luxury with all of them set in the heart of the city they call home and offering their own unique story and design. Their lean luxury concept means being smart with space and streamlining behind the scenes with no compromise on service or comfort. This is apparent in the style, design touches and service at their latest opening, Ruby Zoe.
The decor draws inspiration from tropical island life (appropriately) with furnishings in bold vibrant shades and warm textures and the feel of sun-bleached wood finishes. As soon as we walk into the sunny reception area (which doubles up as the bar), it feels like Carnival is coming. The large communal spaces, including bar, breakfast room and lounge are filled with a cornucopia of carefully chosen artefacts, accessories and artwork. There’s plenty of space to enjoy a refreshing gin & tonic or revitalising cappuccino while taking in the decor and watching the fascinating Notting Hill world go by through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Higher up, above the streets on the sixth floor, our cleverly designed bedroom makes the most of the space and the views. The picture window looks out over the bustle below and across London’s skyline. There’s a big comfy bed, large ensuite rainfall shower stocked with aromatherapy Ruby care products, soft fluffy towels and even a Marshall amp to plug in your music and fully embrace that Notting Hill vibe.
Across the hall from our bedroom haven, we discover the Galley with its wide selection of free teas, coffees and snacks as well as boiling water on tap. Downstairs the bar awaits with rum and ice cream on tap and a sumptuous breakfast buffet, complete with the most delectable fresh bread made at the bakery nearby, is served next door. Every base is successfully covered in the Ruby quest to ensure a happy stay. A wonderful haven in the heart of Notting Hill.
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith