A Different, Low-Waste Hotel Experience at The Drey, Earl’s Court, London

If I were to describe my perfect hotel room for a city break in London it would match that of Room 103 at The Drey

But one’s room is not the important consideration for a city break, location is equally important. The Drey is just off Earl’s Court Road, very close to Earl’s Court Underground Station and bus stops on major routes through London. Another reason to choose it for a city break in the capital.

Booking and Check-In at The Drey, London

The Drey is a new concept in hotel stays. It offers dynamic room rates depending on category of room and time of year. Prices start from £108 for room only for one night which makes it very affordable for a stay in central London. Before booking I was able to scroll through all the different categories of room which were described and illustrated on the hotel’s website. And it was made clear that some rooms did not have windows. A big relief for me as I am not a fan of windowless rooms and hate complete darkness. From the wide range of rooms including family rooms and connecting rooms I chose the Snug (£135.20) for my one night stay.

Once the booking was made online, I was requested to download the hotel’s app, and to check in using this app. Thereafter, all communication regarding my booking and selection and payment for extras such as luggage storage was done through the app or via email. Once checked-in I was informed my room key would be delivered via the app. This app also gives very clear directions to find the hotel and includes useful information from getting dry cleaning done to attractions nearby.

Before I started my journey to London, I received a message from The Drey to say my room was ready and available as soon as I arrived. It was good to know that I could go straight to The Drey, put my bag in my room, freshen up and then go out exploring. It was all very straightforward. I got the train into London and then took the bus to Earl’s Court Underground Station. I walked to the far end of Barkston Gardens and entered the building and my room as instruction in the app. My first reaction was one of utter delight. Sunshine flooded my room that was, in simple terms, a large double bed in a bay window overlooking Courtfield Gardens across the road. There were hangers on the wall for my clothes, plenty of floor space for my suitcase and room to unpack.

Other facilities in the bedroom included small bedside tables (with sockets and phone chargers), a television on the wall, a coffee machine, small wash basin and toiletries. The toilet and shower were in a separate room. I was pleased to see that although they advertise rain showers there was also a second shower head that did not involve getting my long hair wet. In the lobby, on arrival I had noticed a rent an umbrella machine and glimpsed a food vending machine just off the lobby. It seems every need is considered here. A quick unpack and then I was off down the road for a meal at a café I had selected from the hotel’s list of partners.

Partnerships with The Drey, London

The Drey works with a variety of partners from restaurants to gyms. Each of these partners offer a discount to the hotel’s guests. I had already worked my way through the list and chosen somewhere for dinner and a Reform Pilates session the next morning. That evening I was eating at Afandena attracted by the opportunity to try Lebanese food. The restaurant was busy when I arrived but it was not long before some customers left and I was seated at a table in the window. I asked the manager for advice regarding the best way to experience traditional Lebanese food. He recommended the mixed hot and cold mezze. As the restaurant is not licensed, I chose a peach beer which was light and refreshing. My mezze consisted of twelve different items and was accompanied by the basket of flatbreads. I enjoyed this taste of the Lebanon, in particular the three small pastries, filled with meat, spinach and cheese respectively. After eating I had a stroll along Earls Court Road and that was when I found Paul, a patisserie with a window display of delicious pastries and filled rolls. As it opens every day at 6 am it would be ideal for an early breakfast.

I was up early the next morning as I had booked a Reform Pilates session at Common Bond on the Kings Road - also a partner of The Drey. First stop Paul’s for an early breakfast – a cappuccino with a baked-on-the premises almond croissant. After collecting my luggage from The Drey I walked the short distance to the bus stop to get the bus to the King’s Road. As I had never attended any sort of Yoga or Pilates Class I had made my choice of class based simply on a time that was convenient for me. I was very early for my session so I had the opportunity to talk to Zoltan on reception regarding what I could expect. I told him I was complete novice and knew very little about Pilates – my interest was based on the recommendation of a friend. Zoltan took me to the Pilates classroom. I had been expecting an empty room and floor covered with mats. But no, I was confronted with rows of very sophisticated equipment. I suspected that were I attempt to take part I might do myself a serious injury.

On relaying my fears to Zoltan, we returned to reception and discussed which classes might be more suitable for me. Zoltan was very helpful and understanding of my needs and we agreed the Reform Pilates class was definitely not suitable for me so I cancelled the class. I left soon after with and a notebook full of useful information and a voucher for a class the next time I was in London.

I would certainly recommend a stay at The Drey. It offers cosy rooms at reasonably prices in a great location. But also, the elegance of the Regency building it occupies allows its guests to revel in the ambience of Victorian London. It was such a pleasure to ascend and descend the beautiful Regency staircases.

To learn more about The Drey and book a room click here