Lime Tree Hotel

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 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, good showers and Bramley 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:

• Central heating
• Coffee / tea making
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• Safe box
• Toiletries
• TV
• WiFi

Eating

The Buttery is the hotel's welcoming in-house cafe open daily. Breakfast is a hearty affair and you'll want to book ahead to secure a spot. Choose from an à la carte menu of French toast, warm pastries, granola or a full English. There are gluten-free and vegetarian alternatives, too. We went for ‘The Allotment Breakfast’ with grilled halloumi, spiced avocado, eggs, grilled Portobello mushroom, tomato, layered roast potato and butter beans. Beverages include loose-leaf teas, hot chocolate, proper artisan coffee, fresh juices but also Bloody Marys, mimosas and other breakfast cocktails.

For lunch or for food after sightseeing, enjoy light meals and home-made cakes, savoury snacks and open sandwiches and salads from the brunch menu.

The front desk are only too happy to suggest nearby eateries for dinner - both Pimlico and Belgravia provide plenty of choice.

Features include:

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• 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:

• Boat trips
• Historical sites
• Museums / galleries
• 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.

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.