Lime Tree Hotel – London, SW1

It’s rare to find an affordable hotel in central London; even more so in smart Belgravia. But the Lime Tree is just that, and what’s more, it has the air of a place in the country, with painted furniture and breakfast menus chalked jauntily on blackboards. Matt and Charlotte Goodsall took over the guesthouse, which is spread across two Grade II-listed townhouses, from Charlotte’s parents more than a decade ago. After a major six-month refurbishment in 2020, this delightful bolthole now has 26 simple, stylish and homely bedrooms, each with soothing colour palettes and pretty geometric patterned cushions, and Bramley goodies in the bathroom. There’s also a cosy guest lounge and The Buttery, a café-style restaurant (open to the public) full of chatter where friendly staff serve up delicious breakfasts and an all-day brunch menu that includes homemade shrimp cakes, spicy shakshuka and Nutella French toast. When the weather allows, relaxing outside in the peaceful walled garden feels like having discovered a magical secret oasis, a whole world away from the heady bustle of nearby Sloane Square.

Doubles from £180

+44 (0)20 7730 8191; limetreehotel.co.uk

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