Travelodge Reading Central

This hotel is primarily recognized for its central location, offering convenient access to the heart of Reading. It serves as a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking an affordable place for short stays or overnight accommodation. While many guests appreciate the value it provides, the hotel is frequently described as being in a tired and dated condition. Despite its physical shortcomings, the staff consistently receive high praise for their exceptional service, often making a significant positive impact on guests' experiences. For business travelers, its proximity to the town center and transport links is a key advantage. To ensure a comfortable stay, guests are advised to manage their expectations regarding the hotel's age and be prepared for potential noise from both inside and outside the building.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's facilities are a frequent point of discussion among guests, with many noting the overall dated and worn appearance of the building exterior and interior decor, including corridors and stairs. A recurring and significant issue highlighted by numerous reviews is the lift being out of service for extended periods, which can be particularly challenging for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests noted it might come at an additional cost or have connectivity issues. Rooms are often described as lacking sufficient power outlets, especially near beds. Guests also report that rooms can become excessively warm, even during cooler months, due to inadequate heating control and the absence of air conditioning, though fans are provided. Basic amenities like a kettle for tea and coffee are generally available.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is notably mixed. While many guests reported their rooms to be spotlessly clean with fresh towels and comfortable beds, a significant number expressed concerns. Some reviews detailed issues such as stains on bedding, towels, and carpets, as well as unpleasant smells in rooms and corridors, ranging from stale odors to strong food scents. Reports of pests, including bed bugs, were also raised by some guests. The bathroom areas frequently received negative comments, with descriptions of them being dated, having visible marks, broken dispensers, and poor shower design that can lead to wet floors. Noise levels are a common complaint, with guests experiencing disturbances from street noise, revving vehicles, nearby establishments, and internal noise from other guests or housekeeping, despite some rooms having double glazing.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not feature an on-site restaurant for traditional dining. Instead, guests are offered a breakfast box as the primary morning meal option, which some found to be basic and lacking variety, often consisting mainly of sugary items with no hot food choices. There are no dedicated tables for guests to consume this breakfast within the hotel. However, the hotel's central location is highly advantageous for nearby dining options, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and a Wetherspoons pub within easy walking distance. Some guests noted a persistent food smell in certain areas of the hotel, particularly on lower floors, which they attributed to a restaurant located beneath the premises.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, making it an excellent base for exploring Reading. Guests appreciate its close proximity to the train station, which is just a short walk away, and its immediate access to major shopping areas like Broad Street Mall, as well as a wide array of attractions and restaurants. While the hotel does not offer its own parking, guests can utilize a secure, discounted parking facility located within a few minutes' walk. Feedback on the surrounding area is varied; some guests found it safe and convenient, while others expressed concerns about the general atmosphere around the hotel entrance, mentioning the presence of loitering individuals and a feeling of unease.

Staff & Service
The staff at this hotel consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, standing out as a major highlight of guests' stays. Reviewers frequently describe the team as exceptionally friendly staff, helpful, and accommodating, often going above and beyond to assist guests. The check-in and check-out processes are generally reported as quick check-in and smooth, with staff being efficient and welcoming. Guests particularly appreciate the attentive service provided, including assistance with luggage due to the non-functioning lift, offering alternative room options, helping with extended stays, providing chargers, and facilitating parcel collection. Despite some isolated negative comments regarding housekeeping practices or specific management interactions, the overall sentiment is that the staff's dedication significantly enhances the guest experience.

Additional Information
As a budget accommodation option, guests are advised to set their expectations accordingly regarding the hotel's overall hotel condition, which is frequently described as tired and in need of refurbishment. While the hotel aims to provide a basic, functional stay, some guests reported feeling a sense of unease or safety concerns due to the presence of non-residents or a general unsettling atmosphere around the entrance. There were also isolated incidents reported regarding ID requirements during check-in, which caused some inconvenience. The hotel's value is often seen as excellent given its prime location, but the dated facilities and occasional cleanliness issues mean it is best suited for those prioritizing affordability and central access over modern amenities or a pristine environment.