Review of the Lime Tree Hotel, Belgravia, London

If you’re looking for an affordable flat in central London, a home away from home, then I’ve found it. The Lime Tree Hotel in Belgravia has been owned by the Goodsall family for 12 years and recently re-opened after a complete refurbishment during lockdown, complete with a new cafe – The Buttery – and a charming secret garden. With cozy doubles from £170 and singles from £135, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal in the city centre.

Why stay here

After shopping on King’s Road, we walked down beautiful Elizabeth Street with its chic boutiques to Hotel “Lime Tree”., which is set in two Grade II listed townhouses around the corner on Ebery Street. I couldn’t believe how close this hotel is to the hustle and bustle of Sloane Square and Victoria and yet it feels far away from the bright lights and fast cars of the city as it is on a quiet residential street.

We were greeted by a friendly concierge (available 24 hours a day), seated at a table in a friend’s elegant living room, with comfortable sofas full of beautiful pillows, a coffee table with books and magazines, and funny artwork on the walls.

Our room, one of 26, was just perfect – elegant without being luxurious, with warm Farrow & Ball shades, fresh linen and bright wallpaper. The old sash windows can be a little drafty, but they only add to the charm and the room was very warm, with a Roberts radio, retro telephone and a collection of attractive books on the side tables. All rooms have a cozy country house feel with velvet headboards, tweed accents, Pooky lampshades and warm wool blankets at the ends of the beds. Bathrooms are small but well appointed with rain showers and delicious Bramley goodies.

From our room we could see the beautiful walled garden – with its heart-shaped core and garlands, it would be the perfect place for an aperitif, and if it’s still a bit chilly, there are heaters and blankets.

Eat and drink

In keeping with the rest of the hotel, The Buttery restaurant is understated chic with velvet banquettes, huge woven hanging lampshades and eclectic artwork. Open seven days a week for breakfast and brunch, and Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 9 p.m. for small plates and cocktails. There’s a light menu with brunch classics like smashed avocado on toast and eggs benedict, as well as heartier options like a burger or steak, and a selection of great cold-pressed juices and great coffee. The service was fantastic and we enjoyed a delicious, leisurely breakfast. Open to the public, not just guests, it definitely felt like the place to be in Belgravia for breakfast, with a friendly buzzing atmosphere. Dogs are welcome on leads, and no laptop use after 11:00.

And about

In the evening we headed to Eccleston Yards, just a short walk down what has been called ‘London’s Secret’ and you can see why. This green courtyard with communal picnic tables and benches has a great selection of independent shops, wellness centers and quirky restaurants, from Biscuiteers and Hotpod Yoga to Studio Pottery and the fantastic Wild by Tart, where we had a lovely lunch. In the summer, Wimbledon and other sporting events are broadcast on a giant screen, and I can’t think of a better place to watch a match while sitting on a deck chair with a glass of wine on a warm summer evening.

Judgment

This boutique hotel is less than a mile from Buckingham Palace, within easy reach of Westminster, Victoria and Piccadilly. A cozy oasis with a beautiful garden, wonderful food and impeccable service. I feel like I’ve unearthed a real hidden gem in the heart of London. Oh, and it’s affordable too, what more could you want?

Xandi Nutting was a guest at the Lime Tree Hotel. Double rooms start from £170 per night, room only. 135-137 Ebury Street, London SW1W 9QU; limetreehotel.co.uk