Holiday Inn Reading - West By Ihg

This hotel is consistently praised for its exceptionally friendly and attentive staff, who go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, making guests feel valued and welcomed. Its signature feature is the combination of this outstanding service with an excellent breakfast and ample, free parking, providing a hassle-free experience for many. The hotel is an ideal fit for business travelers seeking a quiet and comfortable base with good amenities, event attendees looking for convenient accommodation near local venues, and families who appreciate spacious rooms and accommodating service. Couples also find the peaceful environment conducive to a relaxing getaway. Furthermore, it is highly recommended for pet owners, offering dedicated dog-friendly rooms and thoughtful amenities for furry companions. To enhance your visit, consider pre-booking breakfast for better value and leverage the staff's willingness to assist with any needs, from arranging taxis to providing extra comforts.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the convenience of the hotel's ample, free parking, which is a significant advantage for those traveling by car. The hotel provides reliable Wi-Fi throughout, ensuring guests can stay connected. Public areas, including the bar and restaurant spaces, have been recently refurbished, offering a vibrant and comfortable atmosphere for relaxation and socializing. A compact fitness center is available for guests wishing to maintain their routines. While some guests appreciate the unique addition of a courtyard/garden area, noting its potential for relaxation, a few suggest it could benefit from further maintenance. It is important to note that the hotel does not have a lift, which some guests found inconvenient, though staff are readily available to assist with luggage.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel receives mixed feedback regarding room condition and comfort. Most guests consistently praise the cleanliness of the rooms, describing them as spotless and well-maintained. Many found the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some experienced issues with uncomfortable mattresses or twin beds pushed together that tended to separate. While some rooms are noted as spacious and modern, others are described as tired or dated, with instances of mouldy bathrooms, peeling wallpaper, or broken windows. In-room amenities typically include tea and coffee facilities, but some guests reported issues with lukewarm showers, low water pressure, or missing shower plugs. Noise levels are generally low, with efficient double glazing effectively blocking road noise, though occasional disturbances from other guests were noted.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast consistently receives high praise, with guests describing it as excellent, delicious, and offering a great variety of hot and cold options, including a popular omelette station. Many appreciate the quality and freshness of the food, making for a fantastic start to the day. Feedback on dinner and the restaurant experience is more mixed; while some guests enjoyed delicious meals and good quality food, others found the evening menu mediocre or overpriced, with reports of slow service and dishes arriving cold. The bar area is generally well-regarded for its comfortable atmosphere, though some guests noted issues with staff availability and early closing times, which could impact evening enjoyment.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a convenient location just off the A4 Bath Road, making it easily accessible for travelers by car. It is particularly well-suited for guests attending weddings or events at nearby venues like Wasing Park and Silchester. While some guests appreciate its peaceful setting, others find it somewhat remote, noting a lack of nearby attractions or dining options within walking distance, making a car essential for exploring the wider area or reaching Reading town center. The hotel offers ample, free parking, which is a significant benefit. However, a recurring concern involves guests receiving parking fines despite registering their vehicles, leading to frustration and administrative issues. Public transport links, such as a bus stop opposite and proximity to Aldermaston train station, are also noted.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives overwhelming praise for their exceptional friendliness, attentiveness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go above and beyond, making every effort to ensure a comfortable and welcoming stay. The check-in process is generally described as quick and smooth, with staff providing a warm welcome and often remembering returning guests. Many reviews commend the team for their customer-focused approach, assisting with various requests, from arranging taxis and providing extra amenities to resolving issues promptly. The pet-friendly service is particularly appreciated by guests traveling with animals, who note the thoughtful touches provided for their companions. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service is a standout feature, significantly enhancing the guest experience and making many feel like valued visitors.

Additional Information
The hotel is widely recognized for its pet-friendly policy, offering dedicated rooms and amenities like dog beds and treats, which is a significant draw for guests traveling with their companions. While the hotel advertises EV charging, several guests reported that this facility is not yet operational. The hotel is a popular choice for hosting baby showers and other events, with staff receiving commendation for their accommodating and helpful service in organizing these gatherings. Guests should be aware that the hotel does not have a lift, which may be a consideration for those with mobility issues, though staff are always on hand to assist with luggage. The hotel has undergone recent refurbishments in public areas, contributing to a more modern feel, though some guest rooms still retain a more traditional or dated appearance.