Malmaison Reading

This hotel, a historic building directly opposite the train station, stands out for its exceptional proximity to transport links and the town center, making it a highly convenient choice for guests. Visitors consistently highlight the friendly staff, comfortable beds, and excellent breakfast as key elements of a positive stay. The hotel offers spacious rooms that contribute to a relaxing experience. It is particularly well-suited for business travelers due to its location and functional amenities, as well as sightseers and couples looking for a central base to explore. Families and pet owners also find the hotel accommodating. To enhance your visit, consider checking restaurant availability in advance, especially during busy periods, as it can be booked for private events, and be aware that some rooms may experience street noise due to the central location.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities designed for guest convenience and comfort. While an elevator is available, some guests noted the presence of internal staircases that can be challenging with heavy luggage. Wi-Fi is generally reliable, and air-conditioning is present, though some found it insufficient to cool rooms adequately. In-room amenities typically include a coffee machine or kettle, and an iron with an ironing board. Most guests appreciate the well-appointed bar area, which offers a pleasant atmosphere and a selection of cocktails. The hotel also features private dining rooms and meeting rooms for events. Some guests noted the absence of a mini-bar or fridge in certain rooms, and a few mentioned that lifts were occasionally out of order, causing inconvenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, often featuring a stylish decor. The beds are consistently praised for being exceptionally comfortable and large, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, some guests desired more or firmer pillows. While many rooms are described as spacious, some found them to be on the smaller side. Feedback on lighting is mixed, with many guests finding the rooms, particularly the bathrooms, too dark for tasks like applying makeup or shaving. Noise levels are typically low despite the central location, though some experienced street noise on lower floors or during weekends, and occasional internal noise from plumbing or corridors. Bathrooms are often spacious with separate bath and shower, but some noted issues with shower controls being fiddly, inconsistent water pressure, or minor drainage problems.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests, often described as excellent and among the best experienced in the UK, offering both a comprehensive continental breakfast and delicious cooked breakfast options. The restaurant and bar also receive positive feedback for their food quality, with many guests enjoying their dinner and cocktails. Specific dishes, such as various savories and desserts, are highlighted as tasty and well-prepared. However, some guests found the dinner to be tepid on occasion. A recurring theme is the hotel's strict allergy policy, which means dishes cannot be amended, potentially limiting options for guests with dietary restrictions. Additionally, the restaurant can be fully booked for private functions, which some guests were not informed about in advance, leading to disappointment.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, situated directly opposite the train station, making it incredibly convenient for onward travel and commuting. It is also within easy walking distance of the town centre, offering access to numerous shops, restaurants, and bars. Public transport, including bus stops and connections to Heathrow via RailAir, is readily available. Nearby attractions like the River Thames and Forbury Gardens are also easily accessible on foot. A notable point of feedback concerns parking, which the hotel does not provide on-site. Guests must use nearby public car parks, which are often described as expensive and a considerable walk from the hotel, sometimes with accessibility challenges like non-functioning lifts.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, described as exceptionally friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional. Guests frequently commend their welcoming demeanor and willingness to go above and beyond to assist with requests. The check-in and check-out processes are generally reported as quick and efficient. Specific services that stand out include luggage storage, which is highly appreciated by travelers, and the hotel's pet-friendly service, which includes thoughtful amenities for animal companions. Family-friendly service is also noted, with staff making efforts to accommodate children. While most interactions are positive, a few isolated instances of less helpful or rude staff were mentioned, though these appear to be exceptions to the overall high standard of service.

Additional Information
The hotel's dark decor is a distinctive stylistic choice, contributing to a chic ambiance, though some guests found it made rooms feel too dim. Guests should be aware of the late check-out policy, which typically incurs an additional fee. For dining, the hotel has a no-show policy for restaurant bookings that may result in charges for absent guests, and a strict allergy policy that prevents dish modifications. An interesting feature is the housekeeping opt-out option, allowing guests to decline daily room cleaning in exchange for a drink voucher or charitable donation. While some rooms include complimentary water, others do not. Some guests reported issues with the heating system, particularly during colder months, and the hotel frequently hosts private functions, which can impact restaurant availability and overall noise levels.