Belgravia is now synonymous with affluence, yet not so long ago instead of gracious terraces and imposing stucco-fronted houses you'd find pastures, orchards, even swamps. Lime Tree Hotel occupies a pair of Grade II-listed Georgian townhouses in a classic row built 200 years ago as part of the Grosvenor Estate. At the turn of the 20th century they were conjoined to create a guesthouse. Notable neighbours have included Mozart and Ian Fleming.
The hotel has been family-run with flair and care for the last 30 years, as all who stay here testify. You're warmly welcomed, the interiors showcase understated chic, and the traditional breakfasts are hearty. There are 28 rooms, spread across all 4 floors, and while none are the same in terms of layout and size, all share a restful elegance and have contemporary bathrooms. There's also a guest lounge, an all-day casual dining restaurant, and good-sized walled garden to retreat to in the warmer months. The neighbourhood is largely residential with a village feel, and you're in a sweet spot for accessing eateries, transport, shopping and sights. A real gem.
Highs
- Well priced for SW1
- A lovely welcoming vibe; you feel right at home from the get go
- The central location: you're 7 mins' walk from Victoria's rail and coach stations, and 5 mins from Sloane Square
- Lime Tree is immaculately kept and Matthew and his hospitable team provide excellent concierge services
- Single, twin and triple rooms available, as well as as doubles
Lows
- No kids under 5
- A 3-night minimum stay May-October
- Smaller rooms are definitely compact (cosy!) and there's no lift
- You're in central London so may experience some street noise; that said, the area is pretty quiet at night
Best time to go
London is a great all-year destination, whatever the weather. December - February sees the least crowds; the city is pretty busy with visitors May through October. Notable annual events include the Proms season of concerts centred on the Royal Albert Hall (mid-July-mid-September), Wimbledon tennis tournament (late June/early July), the London Film Festival in October, the London Marathon in April, the Chelsea Flower Show in May, and the fireworks of Bonfire Night in early November. Check out Christmas at Kew in December for some festive lights.
Our top tips
Take time to wander the local streets. Affluent Belgravia is a very particular part of London, with Knightsbridge, Hyde Park Corner and Buckingham Palace forming its northern boundary, and Chelsea and Pimlico (check out Tate Britain!) on its southern flanks. The area was developed in the early 19th century under master builder Thomas Cubitt, hence many of the terraces and grand houses have a cohesive style. Belgravia is now home to embassies, independent boutiques, gastro-pubs and restaurants, antique shops and bars, but remains mostly residential.
- Boutique B&B
- 28 rooms
- On-site café
- Over 5s only
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Concierge Service
Rooms
As befits a building standing for over 2 centuries, which was conjoined from 2 different townhouses over 100 years ago, rooms are all individual in layout and size. Yet each share an understated serenity and a restful decorative scheme; all is spotless, everything works. Blankets and blinds are of good quality wools and tweeds in classic blues and herringbones, the linen is pure cotton, and each room has a Roberts radio and small desk. You may find a beautifully upholstered comfy armchair or headboard, or perhaps feature wallpaper and an original fireplace. Smallest rooms have pegs and hangers rather than a wardrobe. Metro-tiled bathrooms have wooden floors (hoorah!), good showers and Gilchrist & Soames toiletries.
As a general rule, smallest rooms are on the top floor (where the servants would have slept), and larger options are on the ground and 1st floors. Some have a street-facing view, others overlook the garden, and, pleasingly, Lime Tree also offers single and triple rooms.
Features include:
- WiFi
Eating
The welcoming The Buttery is the hotel's in-house posh cafe open daily. Breakfast is a hearty affair. Choose as much as you fancy from a simple menu of fresh berries and yoghurt, warm pastries and bread, porridge or a full cooked English. There are gluten-free and vegetarian alternatives, too. Beverages include loose leaf teas, hot chocolate, proper artisan coffee and fresh juices.
For lunch or for food after sightseeing, enjoy light meals and home-made cakes, savoury snacks and open sandwiches and salads from the all-day menu.
The front desk are only too happy to suggest nearby eateries for dinner - both Pimlico and Belgravia provide plenty of choice. And having sampled the cupcakes as your gift for booking through i-escape, you'll no doubt want to pop into the Peggy Porschen Parlour opposite the hotel, for more of those sublime cupcakes, plus layer cakes and sugared confections.
Features include:
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Walk the South Bank for the National Theatre, the Festival Hall and the Hayward Gallery; carry on for Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, the IMAX cinema and Tate Modern. Cross the Millennium Bridge to find the Barbican Centre for theatre, art and world-class music
- Westminster (20 minutes' walk) has its iconic Gothic Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben; walk up Whitehall to Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery and the theatres of the West End
- Take a Thames river cruise from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London
- For retail therapy, both speciality outlets and independent boutiques (such as those in Ecclestone Yards) are nearby; famous Knightsbridge department stores Harrods and Harvey Nichols are a 15-minute walk away
- Of the Museums in South Kensington, we'd suggest you avoid the ever-packed Natural History Museum, and try the Victoria & Albert next door. The British Museum in Bloomsbury is unrivalled
- Stroll in the Royal Parks: St James' and Green Park are nearest, home to Buckingham Palace
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Nightlife
- Shopping / markets
Kids
Children of all ages are welcome, and cots can be provided, but be mindful that there is no lift and some of the rooms can be quite tight on space. We would recommend for children over 5, as there is little at the hotel for kids, and the guests are predominantly couples and the ambiance is tranquil. However, there is a lovely garden to the rear and London excels in offering activities and entertainment for all ages.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
There are no interconnecting rooms but we would recommend one of the triple rooms on the lower floors (room 3 is the biggest of the lot) which include a double and single bed. A family of 4 would need to book 2 separate rooms.
Families Should Know:
The stairs are steep and there's no lift
Distances:
- Airport: 1 hours' drive (LHR)
- Shops: all around
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Lime Tree Hotel is in South Belgravia, in central London, close to Victoria's coach, mainline and underground stations.
By Air:
Most scheduled airlines fly into London Heathrow (25km) or London Gatwick (48km). London Stansted and London Luton are also well serviced. Lime Tree Hotel can arrange a transfer or you could take a taxi from all airports, but it'd be expensive and London has excellent public transport links from all airports (see below).
By Train:
Lime Tree Hotel is a 7-minute walk from Victoria rail and underground station (served by Victoria, District and Circle tube lines). International Eurostar trains arrive at St Pancras station, an easy tube ride on the Victoria line from Victoria station. It is a similar distance to Sloane Square tube station (District and Circle tube lines).
By Coach:
Coach services arrive at Victoria station, just a 7-minute walk from the hotel. These are often much cheaper - but can be slower - than the train.
By Car:
There's no need to drive in London as public transport is excellent plus ancillary costs such as parking mount up. However, car hire is of course possible. Note that London has a daily congestion charge Monday to Friday.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- London Heathrow 25.0 km LHR
- London Gatwick 48.0 km LGW
Other:
- Beach 90.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 3 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape