Headed to London!

Any idea of budget (in £)? And by boutique, do you mean small, or just not a chain?

I liked The Sanctuary House Hotel.

Here is a segment from my trip report that describes the hotel I recently stayed at. Price can vary and you did not give us a price range, but this hotel was wonderful. If you do book, I would encourage you to become a member (it's free) as you get a 15% discounty, and also early check in (1 pm) as well as other benefits.

THE RESIDENT VICTORIA: I cannot say enough nice things about this hotel. I first heard about it from Frank II, and found it intriguing. At that time (August 2024), they were having a sale, so I booked it, paying around £215 per night for a room with 3 beds. This included the member's (free) discount of 15% off the total price. We arrived around 10 am so we couldn’t check in yet, but were able to drop off our luggage. And because I was a member, I could check in early at 1 pm. I was very happy to hear this! Members can also check out a bit later as well; 12 noon instead of 11 am. The staff took our luggage, checked us in, and later when we came back, we found out that the luggage was already been placed in our room. Such a nice service.

I found a complimentary bottle of wine in the room, along with snacks for the kids, plus a personal handwritten note from the hotel staff welcoming us. The room was spotlessly clean with a sink, dishes, microwave, a Nespresso coffee maker, an electric water heater, and a small fridge, with coffee and tea available. Each evening, the hotel hosted a social hour for guests between 6-7pm, with complimentary wine and snacks. I really enjoyed this; not just because I met some interesting people, but it gave me a bit of a break from the kids.

The location was one of the best things about this place. It was a 7-8 minute walk to Victoria Station and/or Victoria Coach Station, a 5 minute walk to the newer Victoria Underground Station (Cardinal Place), which serves 3 lines (District, Circle and Victoria), and close to many sights (Buckingham Palace was only a few blocks away). More importantly, there were loads of restaurants, cafes, take-away places and groceries within a 5 minute walk, yet the hotel itself sits on a quiet side street with barely any noise.

One caveat is that they do not offer breakfast, but honestly, I didn’t miss it. My grandkids loved going to nearby Gail's every morning for their pain au chocolat or cheese croissant. Plus there was Pret a Manger for take-away, and Wagamama and Bill's for other meals. They even went to a movie one afternoon at a nearby theatre. They especially loved finding the Amorino Gelato place a few blocks away. There were numerous shopping options nearby, and we were minutes away from Westminster Abbey and many other historic sites. I can't say enough good things about this hotel and this location, and will definitely stay here again.

In April I stayed at The Bailey's Hotel London in South Kensington across from the Gloucester Road Underground Station with the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines. 40 minutes from Heathrow by direct tube, 11 minutes to Westminster Station, 16 minutes to Covent Garden station.

My classic double room was clean, quiet and comfortable for one person. It would be a bit cozy for a couple, so I would I would book one of their larger rooms if it's in your budget. Nice amenities including a Nespresso machine and wonderful staff.