Crowne Plaza Reading East

Breakfast had a good range, including gluten-free options, and I really enjoyed the Apple and avocado smoothie. The restaurant has Indian and classic dishes, the food was nicely presented, and the service was very good. The gym was well equipped and the pool area clean. In room 327 we had a lovely big television, though there was some road noise, which eased later in the evening. We couldn’t find a place to hang wet towels or swimwear. We like sleeping with the window open, but with it closed the room was quiet. We chose the hotel for our anniversary weekend because it was near the station, where my husband was meeting me by train. Parking was convenient, with lifts and steps up to reception. Keran checked me in at 2.30, recognized my IHG membership, and wished me a happy anniversary. After meeting my husband in the bar, we had a light lunch and coffees before going to our room. We’d stay again if we were in the area.

The spa and leisure facilities were clean and well kept, and made it easy to unwind. Breakfast had lots of fresh choices, and the dining experience was top quality. My room was spotless, modern and comfortable, with a great bed, city views and thoughtful amenities. The location felt peaceful and scenic while still being convenient for central Reading and London. Staff were warm, professional and very helpful from the moment I arrived, and check-in was smooth. I had a fantastic stay at Crowne Plaza Reading and would highly recommend it. I’ll definitely return!

The servers were the best part of dinner. They were friendly and explained the menu items we didn’t understand. We had a three-course dinner included in our package, which was fortunate because the prices were ridiculous. Portions were tiny, the menu was limited and didn’t suit picky eaters like me and my boyfriend. Even with the package we paid extra for drinks that felt very expensive, and a 30% tip was added against our will. A meal that should have cost nothing came to £45, and the food wasn’t anything special. We also had two 25-minute treatments included. They were okay, nothing special. The pool was clean and warm, but the sauna was tiny, with room for about four people. We came for Valentine’s Day together and found the stay disappointing. The rooms were clean and spacious, with a TV, though you had to pay to watch anything. It was very quiet, and we could smell weed in the corridors. That wasn’t the hotel’s fault. The £150 deposit was never returned, and we still don’t know what it was for since everything should have been paid for. Entertainment was minimal and we got bored, with little to do besides the pool or paying £200 for a barely decent meal. We ended up playing cards in our room. WHSmith outside the hotel had normal prices, so getting alcohol and snacks there saved us money; we also used Uber Eats the second night. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone under 25, as it wasn’t fun or exciting, felt boring and way too expensive. We wouldn’t return.

The staff made this a very nice stay. Keran at the main Reception desk gave us the warmest welcome and the most thorough hotel run-through I can remember. Thank you, Keran, you made it feel extra special. The bar, breakfast, dinner and spa staff we met were all exceptionally friendly and welcoming. Our room was spacious, clean and well equipped, with a comfortable bed that let us both sleep well. The leisure facilities were nice, though a few things could be improved. There was no shampoo or conditioner in the showers, and while plastic bags were provided for wet items, a spin dryer in the changing rooms would help visitors who want to use the spa more than once avoid putting on damp swimwear. My massage was lovely, and the therapist was professional and good at her job, but the treatment room felt more like a doctor’s office. The bed was basic, and the walls were so thin I could hear every word from the room next door.