Pentahotel Reading Hotel

The hotel has a nice look, and the free games along with the bar and restaurant at the entrance give it a friendly community feel. The service was nice too. We were given a complimentary late checkout at 3pm instead of noon. We were only there one night to sleep, so although we wanted to try breakfast or dinner, we didn't get either. People with rooms at the front, like my partner and me, can hear the shouting and arguments all night. Drunk people were hanging around the entrance, fighting, shouting and asking everyone coming or going for money. They were already there when we arrived at 6pm, and it made the entrance feel unsafe and unwelcoming. I think having security during the darker hours would make guests more comfortable and help keep the entrance approachable. The room itself wasn't great either. The bathroom was nice, except the toilet hadn't been cleaned properly and had stains or black mould. The thermostat didn't work, the room was freezing, and the blankets were paper thin. There were two single bed blankets on a double bed, not enough to cover one adult, let alone two. One bedside socket was broken, apparently because the old plug head had snapped off inside it, so we had to charge our phone on the other side of the room. The room's overall look was a bit of an eyesore, though that's not a big deal if you don't mind how it looks. Thicker bedding that fits a double bed, a working thermostat and socket, and a properly cleaned toilet would help. I wouldn't rule out coming back, since the problems I mentioned can be fixed. I just hope things are better next time.

The staff made our two-night birthday weekend really special. Reception and bar staff on both day and evening shifts from Friday to Sunday were friendly, professional and worked hard. They deserve some kind of reward from management. A big thank you to all of them. Joining the Friends club is a nice extra, too. We loved the decor, games and relaxed feel, whether you want to unwind or join in. Our room was spacious and modern, with large, super-comfy beds. Parking was discounted at a secure multi-storey car park a few minutes' walk away. We didn't use the gym or have breakfast, so can't comment on those. This isn't a complaint, just my personal preference: the shower head, screen and chrome taps and shower unit had dried limescale and watermarks on them. Maybe cleaners could use limescale remover or Viakal on the chrome and glass. The rest of the room was cleaned well. We had a fab weekend and will be back next year.

The service made the stay feel easy and comfortable. Everyone on the team was warm, friendly and professional, and the hotel is well placed for town and transport while still feeling peaceful inside. I found the room spacious, comfortable and stylish, with a calm, clean, thoughtfully arranged feel that worked for relaxing or getting some work done. Travelling with my dog was easy, and I really appreciated how welcome pets are here. The gym was well equipped, too, and a useful way to keep up my routine on the road. I'd happily come back and recommend it to leisure or business travellers, especially anyone travelling with a pet or after a stylish hotel with good amenities.

The prices are so low that I'm not sure how they make money. It's a lot for your buck. Breakfast was brilliant and the evening menu was pretty decent. I was here for two nights on a business trip. I've stayed in hotels like Leonardo’s and Premier inn’s recently for work, and Pentahotel felt like a breath of fresh air. The lobby and reception look like a stylish bar and restaurant, and further in there are darts, pool, shuffleboard, a pinball machine and table tennis, all free to play. The room was clean and nice, a bit more interesting than the standard commercial hotels I mentioned, though nothing fancy. Most of all, the staff were polite and friendly. When my key card gave me trouble, they came up and helped me back in respectfully, then gave me a free drink coupon.