Pentahotel Reading

We only stayed one night to sleep, so we didn't try breakfast or dinner, though we had wanted to. The service was nice, and they gave us a complimentary late checkout at 3 pm instead of noon. I liked the look of the hotel and the free games by the bar and restaurant at the entrance. It gave the place a friendly, communal feel. The room wasn't a great experience. Our bathroom looked nice, but the toilet still had stains and what looked like black mould. The thermostat didn't work, so it was freezing, and the thin bedding was two single blankets that weren't big enough for one adult, let alone two. One bedside socket was broken, with what looked like an old plug head stuck inside, so we had to charge our phone across the room. The room decor was an eyesore, though that may not bother everyone. We could hear people arguing and fighting all night because our room was at the front of the hotel. Drunk people were already drinking and shouting at the entrance when we arrived at 6 pm, asking people coming in and out for money. They made the entrance feel unsafe and unwelcoming. I think security at night would help guests feel more comfortable and stop that from happening. I wouldn't rule out coming back, since these problems could be fixed. I hope things are better next time.

The reception and bar staff, working days and evenings from Friday to Sunday, made our two-night birthday weekend feel special. They were friendly, professional and worked hard. Management should reward them somehow. We loved the decor, games and relaxed atmosphere, whether you want to join in or just unwind. The Friends club is a nice extra. Our room was spacious and modern, with big, comfortable beds. The rest of the cleaning was great, but as a personal preference, I'd like the shower head, screen and chrome taps and shower unit cleaned of the dried limescale and watermarks. Viakal or another limescale remover could help. We didn't use the gym or have breakfast, so can't comment on those. Parking was discounted at a secure multi-storey car park a few minutes' walk away. We had a fab weekend and will be back next year.

The team made everything feel easy, with warm, friendly, professional service throughout. pentahotel Reading also has a great location, convenient for town and transport links, while feeling peaceful inside. My room was spacious, comfortable and stylish, with a calm, clean feel that worked for relaxing or getting some work done. I really appreciated how welcome my dog felt. Travelling with a pet was easy here, which matters to me, and the well-equipped gym was a good extra for keeping up my routine. I'd happily return and recommend it for both work and leisure stays, especially if you're bringing a pet or want a stylish hotel with good amenities.

For the price, I got a lot for my money. Breakfast was brilliant, and the evening menu was fairly decent. I was only here for two nights on a business trip, but Pentahotel was a breath of fresh air after recent stays at Leonardo’s and Premier inn’s. The room was clean and a bit more interesting than those usual commercial hotels, though nothing fancy. The lobby and reception look like a bar or restaurant, and there's more to find beyond that: darts, pool, shuffleboard, pinball and table tennis, all free to play. Most of all, the staff were friendly and polite. When my key card caused a problem, they came up and helped me back into my room respectfully, then gave me a free drink coupon. I'm not sure how they make money at those prices.