Abbey House

The free parking and competitive price were a plus, and Oxford Road's shops and cafes are right at the end of the road. Reading West station is only a short walk away. My partner's son and his young family live two minutes away on foot, so she plans to come back before long. She stayed here the first weekend of August, when it was hot. Having a fan in the room was a thoughtful touch. The reception was excellent and the staff friendly. Everything was spotlessly clean, and the bed was really comfortable.

We had a good stay, and the staff were lovely and quick to help. When the toilet started running continuously, we told them and they dealt with it right away. They also suggested lots of places to eat and visit. The room and hotel were very clean. Our room was spacious, with separate beds, a table, wardrobe, hairdryer, kettle, working heater, and our own bathroom. It was good value. The main drawback for us was getting to Reading station. Reading West is another option, though it has fewer trains to some destinations. Walking to Reading station took us around 30-40 minutes, which suited us since we wanted to keep transport costs down. Supermarkets and smaller shops for everyday things are nearby too. If you don't mind walking, it's a nice place to stay.

The stair lighting was awkward for someone travelling with a person who has mobility problems. We had to get halfway down before the lights came on, so I used my torch to help him get down safely. The staff were excellent, though. One night our key cards wouldn't let us back into the room, and a staff member got up to let us in. The room was clean, the bathroom excellent, and the service was very good. I'd come back.

Parking was easy, with plenty of spaces at the front and back, and check-out was as straightforward as arriving. I picked the hotel because it was near my work, and I'd choose it again if I'm back in the area. The owner was helpful about the neighbourhood and where to find things, which I appreciated since I don't live nearby. There's a busy street with lots of restaurants close by, and I found a nice Indian place for dinner. My room was at the back and quiet, with the usual tea and coffee setup. The bed was softer than I'm used to, but I slept perfectly. The bathroom was clean, with a bath, shower, sink and toilet. The room was clean too, though a little dated. I was there for business, so a bed and somewhere to get cleaned up was all I needed. Check-in was easy, and I was greeted at the door. (The picture was taken after my stay, once I'd remade the bed.)