Hello, I am back with the trip report I promised about the Limehouse Library Hotel.
It was back in January 2026 that I enquired about this hotel. I received sufficient interesting feedback to book a stay at the end of June. I promised a report back and I am happy to say that this is a wonderful place to stay.
Getting there: we arrived by Black Cab from Waterloo Station having taken the train from Southampton to London. The ride was 15-20 minutes at a cost of less than $50, but well worth it for door to door service with all of our luggage coming off of Queen Mary 2.
The hotel: This building was a Public Library for almost 100 years before it was closed and allowed to fall into the state of so many disused edifices in the traditionally industrial neighborhoods of cities. Thankfully, a wonderful family lovingly restored this building, keeping important aspects of the building, adding expected amenities for the 21st century, and incorporating new uses for the neighborhood, such as a culinary school. The rooms were fantastic. All up to date modern plumbing, very spacious, well lit, and most welcome of all: include excellent air conditioning (which was much appreciated as we arrived in the midst of the heatwave that broiled Londoners this past June, temperatures in the mid to high 90's F.) Additionally there is nice bar, eclectic lobby, a roof top patio, and a spa. The library theme is found throughout the hotel with rooms being dedicated to various authors and thinkers that have influenced the world we live in.
Included breakfast: The room rate we booked included breakfast, but be aware that not all do. You can, however, pay for breakfast as an additional item. The food was excellent with a wide variety to choose from, both hot and cold, including: breads, cheeses, meats, eggs, fruits, cereals, and beverages. All was well stocked in a nice buffet that is housed in the room that once served as the Children's Library.
The neighborhood: What a great area, Sure, it is not Mayfair, or Chelsea, or Kensington, but it is up and coming and full of history. We walked to the The Grapes, about a 10-15 minute stroll along the Limehouse Cut canal, through Ropemakers Park, and along the residential streets towards the Thames. This is an historic pub that is still a local watering hole full of friendly people. Also nearby is St. Anne's Church, designed by Nicholas Hawksmoor, a protégé of Christopher Wren. It is a lovely neighborhood church that fans of "Call the Midwife" will recognize as it has been the venue for various weddings and funerals on the program over the years. The church is worth a look and is easily incorporated into a neighborhood walk, moreover, it has great trees to sit under on a hot day.
Transportation: You have many options, although the chances of hailing a cab are slim. We were able to catch a #15 bus one block down the road and go all the way to Covent Garden with no changes and then amble through the area, have dinner, and get to the theatre on Shaftesbury Ave easily, about a 1/2 mile walk and 10-15 minutes. There is also the option of the Docklands Light Rail, which stops about 1/2 mile down from the hotel. The bus was more interesting, and less than $5 round trip, taking about 40 minutes, where as DLR and Tube take 30ish. We were flying out to Zurich from London City Airport, an easy 15-20 Uber ride for about $50. Note, take the earliest flight you can out of LCY as the later the day gets, the more backed up they get because they often have to deadhead a plane over from LHR.
Overall: We will be staying at the Limehouse Library Hotel on future visits to London. The proprietors have done a great job creating a unique hotel that I predict will become well known. I also think the area is an up and coming part of London that just took a long time to recover from WWII and transition to the 21st century. It is the next Battersea if you will.