Novotel Reading Centre
25b Friar Street, Reading · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: Novotel Reading Centre
On Friar Street in the heart of Reading, this 179-room Novotel puts The Oracle, the Abbey ruins and the station all within easy reach.
Photos
Photos via Google
About Novotel Reading Centre
Friar Street sits right in the middle of Reading's town centre, close to the shops of The Oracle and the old stone remains of Reading Abbey, and it's this position that shapes a stay at Novotel Reading Centre. With the railway station a short walk away, London Paddington is a quick journey by train, making the hotel a practical base for both a weekend in town and a day trip further afield.
The hotel spreads across 14 floors and holds 179 rooms, many of them on the larger side and fitted with mini-fridges, air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms; family and accessible rooms are also available. Breakfast draws particular praise for its range of options, and there's a restaurant, bar and snack bar on-site for other meals, along with packed lunches and kids' meals if needed. Some rooms show their age in terms of upkeep, so it's worth bearing that in mind.
Beyond the rooms, guests have access to an indoor swimming pool, gym and spa/sauna, plus meeting rooms and business services for anyone travelling for work. There's chargeable on-site parking and an electric vehicle charge point, 24-hour reception, laundry service and luggage storage, and pets are welcome. Pubs, restaurants and entertainment are all close by in central Reading, with golf and fishing available a little further out.
What guests say
We stayed here for 2 nights. The room is ok in size but the toilet is separate from the bathroom. It's v inconvenient and unhygienic to walk from the toilet to the bathroom to wash your hands. Toilet and bathroom aren't too big either. The carpet is quite dirty and stained. There is a sofa bed in our room but we didn't use it. There is hair dryer, ironing board, iron and TV. You collect bottled filtered water from reception which is ok, just means you have to go to reception for it but I guess quite environmentally friendly instead of plastic bottles in the room. The best things in the room are the Rituals shampoo, shower gel/hand wash and the A/C in this hot weather. The sound proofing seems v good, even though it's in the heart of the city centre, you don't hear much at all in or outside of the hotel. Good location, right in the centre of Reading. Car park was full so we had the choice of Queens Park or Broad Street which were not too far but was a bit of a hassle with luggages. You get discounted rates for those 2 car parks. The staff at the hotel are all polite and helpful despite not giving a very friendly vibe. Breakfast had a good selection of hot cooked food and continental, yoghurt was v creamy and delicious.
a month ago · via Google
From the onset, it was very easy to check in the receptionist was lovely, and the rooms were clean and comfortable. We stayed for a graduation and the hotel even put a congratulations cake in the room for the person graduating, a lovely gesture from the hotel. Breakfast was good, plenty to choose from. Very easy check out. Would definitely stay again.
a month ago · via Google
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I had an excellent experience at Novotel, and a big part of that was thanks to Yassine. From the moment I arrived, he welcomed me with a genuine smile, kindness, and outstanding professionalism. He went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect and made me feel truly valued as a guest. Yassine is a wonderful example of exceptional customer service. He is friendly, respectful, attentive, and always willing to help. His positive attitude and dedication made my stay even more enjoyable. Novotel is very lucky to have someone like Yassine on their team. Thank you, Yassine, for your outstanding hospitality. I will definitely be coming back and will happily recommend this hotel to my family and friends!
a month ago · via Google
I stayed for 2 nights for work. Location is brilliant, few minutes walk from the train station and the office. Breakfast and dinner were tasty and generous portions, the staff were friendly and helpful however the wait for being seated and served in the restaurant on every occasion was very long. The swimming pool is a great addition but the lockers didn’t work on the second day. My room was on the 4th floor, large comfortable bed, bathroom with shower and bath and lots of space, only downside was the view to a brick wall and next building windows very close. Overall I would recommend and return for work trips.
3 months ago · via Google
Guests consistently praise this hotel for its spacious rooms equipped with mini-fridges and a great breakfast featuring a wide variety of options. The friendly and helpful staff, along with the convenient location near both the train station and town center, are also frequently highlighted.
Some reviews mention the rooms can be poorly maintained.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- 25b Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1DP Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- 25b Friar Street, Reading
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Reading