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If you’re looking for a unique boutique hotel in London, the Limehouse Library Hotel is one of the city’s most unusual stays.

Inside a converted East London library, you’ll find literary-themed rooms inspired by famous authors—including Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Virginia Woolf.

As the author of the Jane Austen’s Men series, I couldn’t resist booking this hotel. I was lucky enough to stay in the Jane Austen Room, and here are the 7 things you need to know before you book.

1. Where Is Limehouse Library Hotel in London and How Far From Central London?

The Limehouse Library Hotel is located in East London, close to Limehouse DLR Station. This makes it easy to connect to Canary Wharf and central London.

🚆 Travel time to central London: about 25–35 minutes by DLR and Tube
🚌 Bus stop outside the hotel: connects directly to the DLR
⚠️ Return bus stop: across a busy road, less convenient at night

👉 If you want to be in the heart of the West End, choose a central hotel. But if you don’t mind using London transport, Limehouse is well connected.

2. Can You Book the Jane Austen Room at Limehouse Library Hotel?

Yes, but with a caveat. You can request the Jane Austen Room when you book a Deluxe King Room, but the hotel does not guarantee specific rooms.

I was fortunate to stay in the Jane Austen Room during my trip. It’s decorated with Regency-inspired touches, cozy details, and a literary feel that made it a highlight of my London stay. For any Austen fan, it’s a dream come true.

3. What Literary-Themed Rooms Does Limehouse Library Hotel Offer?

Even if you don’t get Jane Austen, you’ll still stay in a room celebrating a famous historical icon. Current themes include:

Charles Dickens
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Darwin
Socrates
Leonardo da Vinci
Tolstoy

👉 Each room is designed for lovers of historical icons, so whichever one you’re given, you’ll enjoy a literary connection.

4. Is Breakfast at Limehouse Library Hotel Good and Is It Included?

Yes—a continental buffet breakfast can be included with a “Bed & Breakfast” package at Limehouse Library Hotel and it’s one of the hotel’s highlights. Expect fresh, filling options with good variety. There are continental cold options as well as cooked options.

The breakfast room is staffed by a lovely staff who were all warm, welcoming, and helpful throughout my stay. This friendly service made the experience more personal and enjoyable.

5. Is Limehouse a Safe Area to Stay in London?

The location in Limehouse where Limehouse Library Hotel is located felt safe the entire time that I was staying with them. It however does feel different from central tourist hubs like Paddington or SoHo.

✅ Safe for visitors and well connected by transport
✅ Plenty of nearby restaurants and takeaways
❌ Not the cleanest or poshest area of London
❌ Street noise from the busy road can be heard at night

👉 Tip: bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

6. How Do You Get to Limehouse Library Hotel From Heathrow, Waterloo, and Paddington?

Getting to Limehouse Library Hotel is straightforward with public transport:

From Heathrow Airport: Take the Elizabeth Line to Canary Wharf → switch to the DLR for Limehouse (about 1 hour).
From Waterloo Station: Waterloo & City to Bank → DLR to Limehouse → Walk/Bus to Limehouse Library Hotel (about 30 minutes).
From Paddington Station: Elizabeth Line to Canary Wharf → DLR to Limehouse → Walk/Bus to Limehouse Library Hotel (about 30 minutes).

7. How to Visit Bath and Jane Austen’s House in Chawton From Limehouse Library Hotel

For literary travelers, Limehouse (with regular buses and DLR transport options) makes a decent base for Austen-inspired day trips.

Bath (Jane Austen Centre):
DLR to Canary Wharf → Elizabeth Line to Paddington → train to Bath Spa (1 hr 20 mins).

Bath is perfect for exploring the Jane Austen Centre, Pump Room, Royal Crescent, and Jane Austen Festival events.

Chawton (Jane Austen’s House):
DLR to Bank → Waterloo & City line to London Waterloo → train to Alton → taxi/bus to Chawton (10 mins).

Standing inside Austen’s former home is a moving experience.

👉 Both trips are doable in a day from Limehouse.

Is Limehouse Library Hotel Worth It for Jane Austen Fans?

Yes ✅ For Jane Austen fans and literary travelers, the Limehouse Library Hotel offers a unique experience you won’t find elsewhere in London. Even if you don’t get the Jane Austen Room, there are numerous historical and literary touches to this beautiful hotel.

Rating: ★★★★☆
✔ Unique author-themed rooms

✔ Excellent breakfast and staff

✔ Convenient transport connections

✘ Rooms are not guaranteed

✘ Street noise at night

✘ Neighborhood less polished than central London

Limehouse Library Hotel FAQ: What Travelers Need to Know Before Booking

Can I be guaranteed the Jane Austen Room?
No, it’s by request only. You won’t know which room you’re going to get until check-in.

How far is Limehouse Library Hotel from central London?
25–35 minutes by Tube/DLR.

Is breakfast included?
A delicious buffet breakfast is an optional add-on.

Is Limehouse safe for tourists?
Yes, but it’s more urban than polished.

Does Limehouse Library Hotel have themed rooms?
Yes—Jane Austen, Tolstoy, Darwin, and Socrates are just a few of the options.

Joy Michelle Austin | The Joyous Living

Limehouse Library Hotel: 7 Essential and Inspiring Things to Know Before Booking Your Stay