Best Western Reading Calcot Hotel

This was my second stay, and I’ve had problems both times. I was told the room hadn’t been paid for even though it had. The kettle had a burnt bottom, and chunks came out each time I boiled it, so I gave up after the third try. The bathroom was filthy in every corner. The wood behind the toilet was stained and looked mouldy, maybe starting to rot. Brown marks in the bath didn’t wash away under running water, and there were yellow stains along the bottom where the tub meets the floor. I also found several cobwebs in the room. At night, I could clearly hear pipes creaking and rattling in the walls and ceiling. I think the staff are doing their best, but they’re dealing with outdated rooms and, I can only imagine, awful systems.

I’ve been visiting the “Calcot” for over 48 years, as we’ve always called it, and it definitely needs bringing up to date. It’s a shame how dated the hotel is. Since it reopened, it’s had a bit of a tosh over. There’s mould showing in places, paint peeling, and some areas where dust was missed during cleaning. The rooms are terribly basic, though I guess they do the job for the price. The staff are welcoming and friendly. Breakfast was nice and hot, pretty tasty too, a 7/10 for me. I might stay again because it’s convenient and cheap.

Make sure you eat at the hotel if you stay. The breakfast ladies are amazing and can lift your mood even at 6am, so look after them as well as they look after you. The evening chef is good too, though could use a bit of support: the linguini with prawns was excellent, but needed a pepper mill. It’s a great place with friendly people and great service. The hotel is well located near the stadium and Reading centre, and 10-12 minutes from the station. Rooms are spacious, with heavy furnishings that aren’t unpleasant, though they’re a bit de monde. The lack of a mini fridge is noticeable. Reception is staffed by pleasant, polite, and very helpful people.

My partner stayed overnight for a Christmas party and loved the evening and the delicious breakfast the next morning. I joined that day as a stallholder at the beautifully organised craft fair, with full use of the bar facilities throughout. We ended the day with a family dinner in the restaurant. The food was excellent and beautifully presented, and the restaurant team and chefs went the extra mile. Reception staff were warm and attentive, and kindly looked after my partner’s overnight bag while I was running the stall. Every staff member was friendly, professional, and welcoming. The people are what make Calcot so memorable. An easy 10/10 from us. We’ll definitely be back! From Sanford Systems Design LTD and Sanford family.