The Royal Foundation Of St Katharine London Exterior photoThe Royal Foundation Of St Katharine London Exterior photoThe Royal Foundation Of St Katharine London Exterior photo

The Royal Foundation Of St Katharine – A Favorite for Families in London

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Check rooms and rates
From$190 /night
Check-in
13Sept
Check-out
14Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

2 Butcher Row, London, E148DS
-
Close to St Katharine Docks
Great
8.6
8.9
/10
4.2
4.3
/5

Historic Retreat in London's Limehouse with a No-TV Policy

Amenities & Atmosphere

The Royal Foundation of St Katharine is set in peaceful gardens in London's Limehouse area. The property features a unique Yurt Café that serves homemade food and pizza four evenings a week. Over 1,000 community events are hosted annually at this site, one of Britain's oldest charitable foundations, established in 1147.

Rooms & Policies

Rooms offer a workspace and views of the leafy grounds. The 30 rooms have no television, a policy that supports the property's reflection-focused environment. Guests can choose between Superior King Rooms, Double Rooms, Single Rooms, and two-bedroom Apartments with kitchen facilities.

Dining & Breakfast

A traditional continental breakfast is served daily, with options including fresh fruit salad, croissants, cold meats, cheeses, and a separate gluten-free section with a dedicated toaster. The on-site Yurt Café provides homemade food and pizza, with a cappuccino and vegetarian tagine available. Dietary restrictions, including coeliac needs, are accommodated with clear alternatives.

Location & Transport

The hotel is a 2-minute walk from Limehouse DLR Station, providing direct access to Central London and connections to the Underground. Canary Wharf is 1 mile away, and Tower Hill is within a 25-minute walk. Free on-site parking is available, managed by YourParkingSpace, and the property has electric car charge points.

Spiritual & Community Focus

The property includes a chapel that hosts services and classical concerts, open for quiet contemplation. Guests can attend optional daily meditation, morning prayer, and evening prayer sessions. The Foundation supports food access for local communities and offers quiet reflective days with a vegetarian lunch and access to spiritual advisors.

Highlights

Location: 2 minutes from Limehouse DLR Station

Rooms: 30 no-TV rooms with garden or courtyard views

Dining: Daily continental breakfast with gluten-free options; Yurt Café with homemade pizza

Unique feature: One of Britain's oldest charitable foundations, established in 1147

Wellness: Quiet reflective days with meditation, chapel services, and spiritual advisors

Parking: Free on-site parking with electric car charge points

“Limehouse DLR station places this property within easy reach of central London, but the peaceful gardens and unique Yurt Café provide a welcome contrast to the city's bustle. I found the combination of historic setting and community engagement particularly appealing. It's a thoughtful choice for those seeking tranquility and reflection, underscored by its lack of televisions and focus on communal spaces.”
Hotel logo
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
  • Single Room
    2 persons
    8 sq. feet
    1 Single bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    13 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Twin Room
    2 persons
    15 sq. feet
    2 Single beds
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
September 2026 - September 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Great
8.4/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Lift
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Guest Parking

  • Public parking is possible on site at true.

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Shops/Commercial services

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Show more

The Royal Foundation Of St Katharine Location

2 Butcher Row, London, E148DS
Explore London
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Tower of London
Tower of London
25 minutes' walk
Historic castle and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for the Crown Jewels and guided tours through its rich history.
Borough Market
Borough Market
35 minutes' walk
Iconic food market offering diverse culinary delights. Great for sampling local produce and international cuisines.
Museum of London Docklands
Museum of London Docklands
25 minutes' walk
Museum showcasing the history of London's River Thames and Docklands. Free admission with fascinating exhibits.
Stave Hill Ecological Park
13 minutes' walk
Nature reserve offering scenic walks and wildlife spotting. Perfect for relaxation and a breath of fresh air.
Thames River Cruises
25 minutes' walk
Exciting boat rides on the Thames, providing stunning views of the city. Various packages available for an unforgettable experience.
Yurt Cafe Limehouse
8 minutes' walk
Quirky venue serving organic dishes in a yurt setting. Offers vegetarian options and vibrant outdoor seating.
The Queens Head
8 minutes' walk
Traditional pub featuring British classics. Known for its cozy atmosphere and local beers. Reservations recommended on weekends.
Half Moon Theatre
Half Moon Theatre
5 minutes' walk
Local theatre offering diverse performances and events. Family-friendly shows and engaging programming throughout the year.
Franks Cafe
7 minutes' walk
Trendy rooftop bar serving cocktails and light bites. Offers a vibrant atmosphere with stunning city views.
Tips on navigating the city
  • City Centre
    London 9 min  ·  3.7 mi
  • Airports
    London City (LCY) 13 min  ·  5.1 mi
    London Heathrow (LHR) 51 min  ·  20.8 mi
  • Train
    Bethnal Green Railway Station 23 min  ·  1.2 mi
    Cambridge Heath Railway Station 30 min  ·  1.6 mi
  • Underground
    Stepney Green 15 min  ·  4000 ft
  • Bus
    Bus stop 15 min  ·  4000 ft
Get access to exclusive early booking discounts for your family’s upcoming getaway
Book now and enjoy exclusive rates on your family vacation!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 16:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site at true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP 8.5 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, German, Italian, Swedish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Polish, Russian, Bulgarian, Bosnian, Irish, Croatian, Latvian, Serbian
Number of rooms:
30

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Royal Foundation of St Katharine is frequently described as a peaceful oasis conveniently located near Limehouse station and other transport links, making access to central London easy. Guests appreciate the beautiful grounds, including the courtyard garden, and some particularly enjoy the Yurt Café. The breakfast is generally well-received, though some have noted the absence of a traditional English breakfast. Apartment-style accommodations with well-equipped kitchens are available, ideal for families.
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Review score
Based on 919 verified reviews
8.5 /10
Great
91 %
Recommend
Staff
9.2/10
Breakfast
9.1/10
Free WiFi
8.1/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.1/10
Pros
Peaceful setting
Comfy bed
Friendly staff
Great breakfast
Cons
Constant noise
Expensive parking
Dated bathroom
Chemical smell
Guest reviews
based on 919 reviews
8.5/10
based on 1777 reviews
8.6/10
jordan from canada
Single
twin room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 11, 2026
6/10
noticeable trains limited breakfast
I was a bit disappointed by the noise (i guess i expected total silence in a city). the trains running nearby were quite noticeable, and it was hard to ignore them, especially at night. also, i found the breakfast selection somewhat limited. It was the same options every day (yawn), and it got old pretty fast. i was really hoping for some variety.
0 Helpful
Louis from France
Single
King Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 20, 2026
6/10
small window poor ventilation
The room felt quite basic (no TV!) for the money I paid. The bathroom needed an update too. The ventilation was not good. Only a narrow window could be opened. Paying that much, I expected a bit more. I probably will look for other options next time.
0 Helpful
Luna from Spain
Twin Room
2 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 03, 2026
8.7/10

A Peaceful Retreat

garden view peaceful setting good location
I booked a twin room. The location was near the DLR, it made traveling around easy. The room had a garden view, I found the setting quite peaceful. The breakfast included a selection of sweet options.
I noticed limited toiletries. Only a soap dispenser was available.
Location
9/10
The hotel provides convenient access to public transport. It is only a short walk to the DLR station. The immediate area includes various food outlets. I found the location very tranquil despite being in a busy area.
Dining
9/10
The breakfast offered a GOOD selection of options, both sweet and savory. I saw a Yurt Cafe on-site. It had daytime food offerings and pizzas in the evening. The buffet was constantly restocked.
Facilities
8/10
The hotel features a huge garden with a croquet set. The lounge areas included a real fire, it. I noted comfortable seating and views of the walled garden.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
jacob from united kingdom
Single
double room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 07, 2025
8.5/10

a peaceful stay near limehouse station

easy travel good breakfast comfortable bed
i appreciated the proximity to limehouse station. it made travel easy. the breakfast offered a good selection. the staff provided helpful advice at the reception. the bed was also quite comfortable.
the shower had some body hair left. this indicates the room wasn't cleaned thoroughly. i also noticed some mold in the bathroom. the air conditioning was malfunctioning .
Dining
9/10
the breakfast included a varied buffet. it had fresh fruit and pastries. i also saw hot items like eggs and sausage. the coffee machine worked well.
Service
8/10
the reception was staffed 24 hours. staff offered helpful information about local transport. late check in was available. i could store luggage in a safe room after checking out.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
cameron from united kingdom
Family with children
double room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: September 29, 2025
7/10

a balanced stay

dlr station good options small box room old peoples home
the location are great because is near to the dlr station. a very nice breakfast i had, with good options. i like that there was something for everyone.
the room i had was not big. there were no tvs and i missed that. i think the style is like an old peoples home.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Royal Foundation Of St Katharine
What is the location of The Royal Foundation Of St Katharine in relation to Limehouse DLR Station?
The hotel is located just a 2-minute walk from Limehouse DLR Station.
What are the nearby attractions to The Royal Foundation Of St Katharine?
Nearby attractions include the Museum of London Docklands (1 km), Tower of London (4 km), and Victoria Park (3 km).
What time can I check in and out at The Royal Foundation Of St Katharine?
Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Is there parking available at The Royal Foundation Of St Katharine?
On-site public parking is available for £20 per day.
What type of breakfast is served at The Royal Foundation Of St Katharine?
A traditional continental breakfast featuring fresh fruits, croissants, and a selection of European meats and cheeses is served daily.
Are there any dining options on-site at The Royal Foundation Of St Katharine?
The hotel features a Yurt Café which offers homemade food and a selection of drinks.
Can I find restaurants near The Royal Foundation Of St Katharine?
Nearby restaurants include Mangal Ocakbasi (0.5 km), Sakura Japanese Sushi (0.5 km), and Rajboy Restaurant (0.5 km).
What amenities are available in the rooms at The Royal Foundation Of St Katharine?
Rooms feature Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, and facilities for making tea and coffee.
Does The Royal Foundation Of St Katharine have any unique themes or features?
The hotel is known for its historical significance and tranquil environment, serving as a retreat center for spiritual experiences.
What can guests do at The Royal Foundation Of St Katharine for leisure or relaxation?
Guests can enjoy the hotel's peaceful gardens, along with communal areas designed for reflection.
How far is the city center from The Royal Foundation Of St Katharine?
The hotel is located approximately 7 km from the city center of London.

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