Crowne Plaza Reading

The hotel was really easy to find. The secure parking was a real plus. It was unfortunate that we had booked a twin room and they had allocated us a double. My 19 year-old daughter and I had just driven 4 hours, to be left standing for 20 mins , whilst they sorted this out - it would have been better if they had invited us to sit down with a complimentary cup of tea whilst they solved the problem. The 'luxury feel' had been lost. Eventually, we were offered (at the same price) a bed sofa and a double bed in the same room. This seemed satisfactory, but the bed sofa squeaked and creaked all night and woke us up as a result. We were asked which paper we would like in the morning...then charged for it.....semantics?! In our experience, this would be complimentary, in a hotel as expensive as this. We asked for a morning alarm call, but it was forgotten and not addressed by staff..The restaurant was outstanding - absolutely fantastic! Veloute sauces, superbly cooked, balanced and proportioned dishes. Very healthy too. The only downside was that the white wine wasn't served chilled, so we had to wait quite a while (15 minutes) to drink it at the right temperature (ie after our starter of scallops). The breakfast was superb - fresh fruit, fresh juices, nicely cooked breakfast - all very good quality produce and lovely bread and cold buffet too. The Gym was easy to access and very well equipped. They tried very hard to get things right. It would have been a fantastic stay, if the details had been attended to.

I had to pay top price because it was the Thursday before the Reading Festival, the twin room was very small. On the plus side the leisure facilities were excellent. The bar area etc was also very nice, it was just the room that was very basic and small for a three figure sum. I understand that event pricing was probably in place but it was not value for money compared to other hotels in the group.

Hotel check in was good, room was clean and spacious. Gymnasium and swimming pool facilities were excellent. The bar was very expensive as it is a doubles only bar (not advised before we placed an order) 2 vodkas and diet coke cost £15. But overall excellent hotel in a good location.

Easy to find and ample parking - which was a great start to the stay. Reception and bar staff pleasant and all areas including room spotless. Couldn't want for more.
Might have stayed on for breakfast had the price been more reasonable.