Ruby Zoe is the 16th
hotel in Europe of the Munich group around founder and CEO Michael Struck. The
173 rooms are spread over six floors of a new building with a total area of
6,860 sqm., directly on Notting Hill Gate, a few minutes’ walk from the famous
Portobello Road.
The design of Ruby Zoe was
inspired by 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 neighborhood the vibrant district it is
today. In particular, the 1970s, the colors of Portobello Road and the
Caribbean islands provided inspiration for the typically cosy Ruby atmosphere,
a relaxed and welcoming interior, full of color, weathered surfaces, and
musical references. The open and expansive glass fronts on three sides open the
entire ground floor to the city.
The newest 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.
A highlight is definitely
the 455 sqm 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 neighborhood to linger, and provides space to work from or
even just enjoy a coffee while watching passersby walk by.
In fall 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.
