Lime Tree Hotel review: a hidden gem in the heart of London 

If you’re looking for an affordable bolthole in central London, a home from home, then I’ve found just the place. Lime Tree Hotel in Belgravia has been in the Goodsall family for 12 years, and has recently reopened after a full refurbishment during lockdown, complete with a new cafe – The Buttery – and a charming secret garden. With cosy doubles from £170 and singles from £135, you’ll be hard pressed to find better value in the centre of town.

Why stay here

After a spot of shopping on the King’s Road, we ambled down pretty Elizabeth Street with its smart boutiques to the Lime Tree Hotel, which is housed in two Grade II-listed townhouses just round the corner on Ebury Street. I couldn’t believe how close to the hubbub of Sloane Square and Victoria this hotel is, and yet it feels a world away from the bright lights and fast cars of the city, situated as it is on a quiet residential street.

We were greeted by the friendly concierge (available 24 hours a day), sat at a desk in what felt like a friend’s elegant sitting room, with comfy sofas brimming with pretty cushions, coffee table books and magazines and funky artwork on the walls.

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Our room, one of 26, was just perfect – smart without being lavish, with warm Farrow & Ball hues, crisp linen and bold wallpaper. The old sash windows may be a bit draughty, but they only add to the charm and the room was toasty warm, with a Roberts Radio, a retro phone and a collection of appealing books on the bedside tables. All the rooms have the feeling of being in a cosy country house, with velvet headboards, tweed accents, Pooky lampshades and warm woolly blankets on the end of the beds. Bathrooms are small but well-equipped with rainfall showers and delicious Bramley goodies.

From our room we could see over the pretty walled garden – with its heart shaped topiary and festoon lights, it would make the perfect spot for an aperitif, and there are outdoor heaters and blankets if it is still a bit chilly.

Eating and drinking

In keeping with the rest of the hotel, The Buttery restaurant oozes understated chic, with velvet banquettes, huge wicker pendant lampshades and eclectic artwork. Open seven days a week for breakfast and brunch, it has a laid-back menu with classics like smashed avocado on toast and eggs benedict, as well as heartier options like a burger or steak, plus a selection of wonderful cold-pressed juices and amazing coffee. The service was fantastic, and we enjoyed a delicious, relaxed breakfast. Open to the public, not just guests, it definitely felt like the place to be in Belgravia for brunch, with a genial buzzy vibe. Dogs are welcome on leads and there’s a no laptop policy after 11am.

Out and about

In the evening, we headed out to Eccleston Yards, just a very short stroll down the road, which is billed as “London’s best kept secret” and you can see why. This leafy courtyard with communal picnic tables and benches has a great selection of independent shops, wellness hubs and quirky restaurants, from Biscuiteers and Hotpod Yoga, to Studio Pottery and the fantastic Wild by Tart, where we had a brilliant dinner. In the summer, Wimbledon and other sporting events are streamed on a giant screen, and I can’t think of anywhere nicer to watch a match, sat on a deck chair with a glass of wine on a warm summer’s evening.

The verdict

This boutique hotel is less than a mile from Buckingham Palace, with Westminster, Victoria and Piccadilly all within striking distance. A cosy oasis with a stunning garden, great 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 ask for?

Xandie Nutting was a guest of Lime Tree Hotel. Doubles start from £170 per night, room only. 135-137 Ebury Street, London SW1W 9QU; limetreehotel.co.uk