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With one or two very welcoming staff members around and everything else sortable via your phone, The Drey is a pristine place to stay with a high-tech concept that actually works. Logistically, you should know everything operates a bit differently here. There’s no traditional lobby, bar or restaurant – instead, the hotel partners with local cafes like Elixis, where you can get a posh brekky at a 10 percent discount. Nor will you get your complimentary amenities – you can order those full-size from a vending machine (or bring your own, of course) via a high-tech app that doubles as a door key and concierge.
But even with all this techiness, the period interiors and exteriors here do manage to preserve the place’s old-fashioned charm. The real reason to stay here, though, is the location – right in the thick of it all in Kensington, it’s a pretty perfect situation for those wanting to see the sights, experience London’s luxurious side, but not splash out on accomodation. Just remember to bring those amenities, and you’ll be in for a good night’s sleep.
What are the rooms like at The Drey?
The hotel’s 125 rooms can accommodate groups of two, four and six. Housed within grand Kensington mansions, many of the rooms have rather nice tall sash windows, including the room I stayed in. Fittingly named The Snug, it was snug, certainly, but was clean, cosy and had a ton of natural light, thanks to the huge windows, and looked out over the quaint Courtfield Gardens, which felt quite exclusive.
Just heed our warning: not all rooms have windows, which a lower price per night reflects.
All are also on the smaller side, but don’t worry about floorspace – under-bed storage helps, and there’s definitely room to get out on both sides of the bed. It’s cleverly designed so even with two giant suitcases you’d have a good amount of wiggle room. Being secluded from the Earls Court strip also means noise is very minimal, bar the occasional distant engine rev.
On the design front, everything’s modern, airy, and light, thanks to the wooden bedframe, light hardwood flooring, Carrera marble sinks (the chic kind), built-in lights, actually blackout brushed cotton curtains. There’s no bath, only a shower and a toilet in a compact bathroom separated by a sliding divider, but they’re nice and modern and do the job. The beds are plush, the pillows soft, and the bed spacious. One quite cute feature is that your snug room is tucked away from the main hotel walkway in its own little corridor. You share the corridor with another snug room, which is a good opportunity to make friends with your neighbour by asking to borrow their toothpaste (like I did).
What are the facilities like at The Drey?
Minimalistic, but fit for purpose. Rooms come with speedy Wi-Fi, tea, a couple of mugs, and a mini Keurig-type machine for some coffee pods. You won’t be getting the mini-stuff (bar, fridge, or toothpaste) as the hotel is eco-friendly, but you do get the bare necessities, so body wash, shampoo AND conditioner (rare). If you need anything else, the staff are always a text away as you can instant message them through the same website portal that your door key is on. They send you the link to that site in your booking confirmation email, but don’t fret, the concierge at reception will show you how it all works. Also, there are charging ports a-plenty – I counted six. The Drey also boasts a special offers system, where it partners with various businesses nearby so you can get discounts. If you stay at the eco-hotel, you’ll be entitled to money-off at various gyms, cafes, bars, and even a florist. View the offers here.
What is the food and restaurant like at The Drey?
In lieu of its own restaurant and bar, The Drey partners with local independent businesses to give you guest-only discounts, including gyms, cafes, bars, and even a florist. View the offers here. All are in the nearby surrounding area, and there are plenty of spots to get breakfast and lunch. I opted for brunch at Elixis, where guests get 10 percent off their bill, which had everything from Turkish eggs (£13) to a full English (£21), served until 3pm. I’d definitely recommend booking ahead here, since there were queues by 8am. There’s downstairs seating too, but calling ahead will hopefully get you one of the very cute tables in the warmly lit main section by the big windows.
What’s the area like around The Drey?
A tourist’s heaven. The Drey offers the best of both South-West London worlds – you’re shouting distance from Earl’s Court Road, but you’re also down a leafy side street in the heart of one of London’s most prestigious areas. A four-minute stroll to Earl’s Court station means easy access to Embankment and Westminster via the District Line, but getting the tube is optional if you want to do some museum-orbiting. You can always walk 15 minutes to the natural history museum, or 25 minutes to Kensington Gardens.
DETAILS
Address: 1 Barkston Gardens, London SW5 0ER
Expect to pay: Around £120 per night; windowless rooms from £98
Closest transport: Earls Court Tube Station is a 4 min walk away.