Ruby Zoe, designed by Matthew Balon and Squire & Partners, becomes Ruby’s second property in London to open. We took a peek inside to see how ‘lean luxury’ translates in Notting Hill…
Following much anticipation, Squire & Partners and the in-house team at Ruby Hotels – led by Matthew Balon – have completed their vision to open Ruby Zoe, a 173-key ‘lean luxury’ hotel that is located in the heart of Notting Hill, London.
The hotel, which is the group’s 16th property in Europe, has been designed with Notting Hill’s history as well as its Caribbean heritage. This is especially evident in the decor and interior design, which reflect all the different cultures that have made the neighbourhood the vibrant district it is today. In particular, the 1970s, the colours of Portobello Road and the Caribbean islands provided inspiration for the typically cosy Ruby atmosphere, a relaxed and welcoming interior, full of colour, weathered surfaces, and musical references. The open and expansive glass fronts on three sides open the entire ground floor to the city.
Image credit: Ruby Hotels
The latest hotel also follows Ruby‘s Lean Luxury philosophy: a location in the heart of the city, top design, and high-end amenities with the essentials. And it does so affordably by consistently dispensing with superfluous and non-essentials. For the rooms of the Ruby Zoe, this means the brand-typical elements of an open washstand and glass rain shower, lots of fresh white and wall paneling made of cherry wood. Extra charm is added by the artwork above the bed, which picks up on the colorful houses in Notting Hill.
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A highlight is definitely the 455 square-metre public area in the ground floor, which includes a bar and a retail space with a vinyl store. The vinyls are curated by Ruby‘s own resident artists and are available for purchase on site. The open-plan area invites locals, guests, and even the neighbourhood to linger, and provides space to work from or even just enjoy a coffee while watching passersby walk by.
Image credit: Ruby Hotels
In autumn 2023, a specially commissioned public artwork for the London Borough of Kensington & Chelsea by celebrated British-Trinidadian artist Zak Ové will also be installed on the hotel’s façade. This is his first glass mosaic artwork inspired by the traditions, flair and freedom of carnival and masquerade. Ové’s installation will consist of eight floor-to-ceiling glass mosaic panels that frame the exterior at the Ruby Zoe‘s entrance. Together, they form a billowing, vibrant carnival parade that celebrates the area’s rich heritage as well as Ové’s own heritage and connection to the area.
Four room categories are available for Ruby guests to choose from, ranging from the friendly NEST Room, COSY Rooms, LOVELY Rooms and the WOW Rooms with up to 30 square metres.
Main image credit: Ruby Hotels
