Driscoll House, New Kent Road

It was me who suggested it, but Mr Driscoll is not at all keen. I had sort of forgotten about it, but I will talk to him again and see if I can progress this idea.

Dear All,

Could you please give me info about the hotel? Is it still running or closed down? I spent there two beautiful summers when I was younger, I've just liked the atmosphere there! I remember we played cards down in the laundry, it was a great fun.
I would like to visit London this summer and I thought about Driscoll House to stay, but I am not sure if they are open.
Please try to avoid somehow that it would be demolished! I would really sorry it!!

Take care
a guy from Hungary

Yes, it is open, although not in great shape these days. I live across the street from Driscoll House, and last year I visited and took some photos (without permission). The photos and more information are on the Wikipedia page about Driscoll House -- there is a link to it further back in this thread.

I spent a week there in August 2006 and it's still good value to stay there even though its not luxurious like a hotel (no elevator, no private baths, small rooms), and the atmosphere that there was years ago has somehow gone. But at £150 per week with breakfast and dinner on weekdays, and lunch as well included on weekends, with a 20-25 minute tube ride to Piccadilly Circus you can't beat it's price for a stay in London. I don't understand why many more people do not stay there.

I forgot to mention, on the morning of the day I was leaving I stopped at the reception to ask what time was check-out time and the lady there said, "We don't have rules like that. You can leave whenever it's convenient for you." It was a Saturday when lunch is provided. I had lunch at 1.00 p.m. relaxed a little, had a shower and then left at 4.30 p.m. without a problem - very convenient as my train leaving London was not till 6.30 p.m. If I was staying in a hotel I would have had to checkout by 12.00 noon then find something to do (with my luggage in my hand) until 6.30 p.m.

I don't think anyone has posted a link to these visuals of the currenlty proposed redevelopment, now appearing on Hamiltons (the architects)' website:

Driscoll House

It does not look as bad as the other at first glance..only 61 flats?

I have just read that Mr Driscoll has died, apart from feeling sorry for his family, I wonder what will happen now to Driscoll House. Will the plans still go ahead I wonder...

What a shame. End of an era.

You're absolutely right, it is an end of an era. Where did you hear of this sad news, do you have a link? Rest in peace Mr. Driscoll; if it wasn't for Driscoll House I wouldn't have been able to afford to visit London as many times as I did.