The Drey in London – An Innovative Staff-Lite Hotel

The Drey introduces a new, more affordable, lower-waste concept whereby guests check in online, enter the hotel and rooms using keyless access and manage all aspects of their stay through a dedicated app.

Scepticism was my initial reaction; it sounded too good to be true. But it was true. Reassured by the knowledge that, despite a boast of lowered man-hours to run this hotel, reception was manned twenty-four hours, seven days a week, I plunged wholeheartedly into the experience. I was notified my room was ready for occupation before I had begun my journey to London, and it was good to know I could go straight to the hotel and leave my luggage before going out to explore my surroundings. As I approached the building, a large, elegant Regency house at the end of Barkston Gardens, off Earls Court Road and very close to Earls Court Underground station, my room key was added to my app. Once inside (the doors opened automatically) I made my way to my room, pointed my iPhone at the door, clicked on the relevant icon and it opened. I was ready to begin my London adventure.

Who for

As a solo traveller in London for a meeting the next day it was affordable and conveniently located. A wide range of rooms, from small doubles to family rooms, accessible rooms and connecting rooms, means The Drey is suitable for anyone visiting London on a short break.

Accommodation

All the rooms are equipped with a coffee machine, Rain shower, Vegan Gabar toiletries and a digital room key. There are 125 rooms divided into 9 categories. The hotel website gives a full description of each category with images. Guests can scroll through the list and choose the room most suitable to their needs. Carefully chosen names give guests an idea of the characteristics of these rooms.  The Snug, The Duo and The Roost all sleep two people and have windows. The Nest  which sleeps four and the Warren, which is suitable for up to six people and have windows and both have accessible versions. Windowless rooms are The Hideaway, The Pocket and The Burrow which are suitable for two people and The Nook which can accommodate four people in two sets of spacious bunks. There are also other twin rooms that feature bunks and are suitable for friends requiring separate beds.

My room was a Snug, and it was delightful. A large double bed occupied a huge bay window that looked out over Courtfield Gardens across the road. The bedroom featured a wall with knobs for coat hangers and coats – a hairdryer in its bag hung from one of them. There was a coffee maker, small wash basin, toiletries attached to the wall beside the basin and a mirror above the basin. Attached to the wall in this area but clearly visible from the bed was a reasonably sized television attached to the wall. Above the small bedside tables were sockets for a plug and a phone charger – I could charge my laptop and my iPhone while sitting on the bed using both. A rare treat. The toilet and rain shower (with a normal shower attachment as well) occupied a small bathroom. And a second joyful discovery – large, fluffy bath towels.

Food & Drink

The hotel has neither a restaurant nor a bar but that is what keeps the prices and number of employees down. There is a snacks and drinks vending machine in a small room just off the lobby. But there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and pubs within easy walking distance. As part of its offering, the Drey has partnered with local businesses that offer discounts on food and drink. Guests can scroll through a list divided into categories depending on the type of food required – dinner in a local pub or breakfast in a café. Some of the places listed are just around the corner, for example, Afandena, which offers Lebanese and Egyptian cuisine.

I had dinner at this cosy restaurant and after my first experience of Lebanese food I had a stroll along Earls Court Road. That was when I found the perfect place for an early breakfast the next morning.

Paul is not on the hotel’s list, but that is part of The Drey’s immersive experience – you have to go out to eat – and will soon be part of the London scene.

Facilities

No on-site facilities apart from an umbrella rental machine – a nod to both the needs of guests and English weather. But The Drey app can connect guests to any service they might require from dry-cleaning to entertainment for the children. It is an impressive list and well worth taking time to digest before arriving at the hotel in order to book and claim discounts where necessary. Gyms are included and classes can be pre-booked.

A complete Pilates novice I decided to book a Reform Pilates class at the Common Bond on the King’s Road at a discounted price. This proved to be a mistake on my part as I assumed all Pilates classes were the same and participants just used their own mat. When the receptionist, Zoltan, showed me the Reform Pilates classroom, I was impressed by the sophisticated equipment but immediately aware it was way beyond my capabilities. I was offered the opportunity to try an easier yoga class but unfortunately could not find one to fit in with schedule. I left with a better understanding of Pilates and yoga and a voucher for a class that I could use when next in London.

How much

Prices start from £108 but as the Drey operates dynamic pricing prices vary according to the season and category of room. Check the hotel website for special discounts. CHECK AVAILABILITY  https://thedrey.com/offers/

What’s nearby

As The Drey is close to Earls Court underground station and bus stops on main routes through London, it is ideally placed to visit many of London’s most famous attractions. It is very convenient for events at the Olympia Exhibition Centre and the Royal Albert Hall. The Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and the Saatchi Gallery are all within walking distance or a short journey on public transport. Three miles from the Drey, across the River Thames are the world-famous Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Walk or take a double-decker bus and enjoy a journey through historic London.

VERDICT: The Drey answers the question: Why do we pay for space we don’t use, restaurants and bars we don’t need when all we require is a somewhere nice to sleep and shower while we spend our days exploring London. A great way to get straight to the heart of London at affordable prices.

Visit the hotel website to learn more about the little extras it offers and to download the app of the same name.