You’ve seen the photos. Those perfectly manicured flower boxes on Elizabeth Street, the cream-colored stucco, and that specific shade of "London morning" light. People usually flock to this corner of Belgravia for a cupcake at Peggy Porschen, snap a selfie, and then leave. They miss the best part. Tucked just a few doors down is the Lime Tree Hotel London England, a spot that manages to be both incredibly posh and surprisingly unpretentious.
Honestly, finding a place in London that doesn't feel like a corporate glass box or a dusty relic is tough. The Lime Tree is basically the "Goldilocks" of London stays.
The Spanish Connection Nobody Mentions
Most guidebooks still talk about this place as a small, family-run guesthouse. That’s only half true now. In late 2023, the Spanish boutique group Room Mate Hotels swooped in and bought it.
Usually, when a big group buys a beloved independent hotel, everyone panics. You expect the soul to be sucked out and replaced by IKEA furniture and a "vibe" that feels like a nightclub lobby. But surprisingly? They didn't mess it up. They kept the Goodsall family’s 2020 refurbishment intact because, frankly, it was already gorgeous.
It still feels like a private Georgian home. There are only 26 rooms. It's Grade II-listed, which is British for "don't you dare touch the walls." This means there is no lift. If you have heavy suitcases or knees that hate you, you’ve been warned. Ask for a ground-floor room or prepare for a workout on those narrow, winding stairs.
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What the Rooms are Actually Like
Don't expect a sprawling suite where you can do cartwheels. This is central London. Space is a currency here.
The "Cosy" rooms are, well, tiny. About 100 to 140 square feet. If you’re traveling solo, they’re perfect. If you’re a couple with two large suitcases, you might start questioning your relationship by day three.
- The Comfy Double: These are on the top floor. High ceilings? No. Charm? Tons.
- The Garden Rooms: These are the ones you want. They overlook the private walled garden. In a city where the sound of sirens and black cabs is the standard soundtrack, waking up to actual birds in Belgravia feels like a glitch in the matrix.
- The Essentials: Every room has Bramley toiletries. If you haven't used them, they smell like a literal English meadow. There’s also high-speed WiFi—over 100 Mbps—which is rare for a building built in 1834.
Why The Buttery is the Real MVP
You don't even have to stay at the Lime Tree Hotel London England to experience the best part: The Buttery.
It’s their on-site café, and it is local-famous. Most hotel breakfasts are a sad buffet of rubbery eggs. Not here. They serve Gentlemen Baristas coffee (which is punchy) and Clarence Court eggs. If you know, you know. Those eggs have the brightest orange yolks you’ve ever seen.
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The secret weapon is the garden. It’s a rustic-chic walled space that makes you forget Victoria Station is a seven-minute walk away. Even in winter, they put out blankets and heaters. Try the Nutella French toast. Or the "Allotment Breakfast" if you're pretending to be healthy. It’s pricey—expect to pay £15 to £20 for a full breakfast—but it beats a soggy croissant from a chain café any day.
The "Hidden" Geography of Ebury Street
Location-wise, people get confused. Is it Victoria? Is it Chelsea? Is it Belgravia?
It’s technically South Belgravia. You are basically neighbors with Buckingham Palace (a 10-minute walk). But more importantly, you’re on the doorstep of Elizabeth Street. This is arguably the prettiest street in London. It’s filled with independent boutiques like Mungo & Maud (for fancy dog gear) and Les Senteurs (for rare perfumes).
It’s a 7-minute walk from Victoria Station. This is key. You can get the Gatwick Express and be at your hotel check-in desk before most people have even found their Uber at the airport.
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The Reality Check (Nuance Matters)
Is it perfect? No. Nothing is.
- Noise: It’s a historic building. Floorboards creak. You might hear your neighbor's alarm clock.
- Facilities: There’s no gym. No spa. No "Business Center" with a clunky printer. It’s a townhouse, not a Hilton.
- Pricing: It’s "affordable" for Belgravia, which is like saying a Ferrari is "affordable" for a supercar. Expect rates to start around £150–£200 for a single and go way up during peak season.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you're planning to book the Lime Tree Hotel London England, don't just click "reserve" on the first site you see.
- Book Direct: They often have a "best rate guarantee" on their website, and they’re more likely to give you a garden view if you didn't book through a massive third-party site.
- Skip the Car: Seriously. There is no parking. Nearby garages will charge you £30-£50 a day. Use the Tube.
- Check the Calendar: If you're coming for the Chelsea Flower Show (about a 15-minute walk), book six months in advance. It sells out instantly.
- The "Secret" Exit: If you need to catch a coach, the Victoria Coach Station is literally around the corner. It’s the easiest transfer in the city.
Belgravia can feel cold and exclusive, but this place isn't. It's the kind of spot where the staff actually remembers if you like oat milk in your latte. Just don't forget to pack light—those stairs are no joke.
To make the most of your trip, walk down to the Orange Square nearby on a Saturday morning. There’s a farmer's market where you can grab local cheeses and bread to snack on in the hotel’s garden later. It’s the most "local" you’ll feel in the heart of Zone 1.
Next Steps for Your Trip
- Verify the current seasonal menu at The Buttery before you arrive, as they change it based on British produce availability.
- Email the front desk at least 48 hours ahead if you require a lower-floor room due to the lack of an elevator.
- Check the "London Guide" section on their official site; they curate specific walking routes that avoid the main tourist traps.