WHAT'S IT LIKE? Opened in September 2006, the four-star Novotel Reading is the first of the brand's new-builds to feature the next-generation rooms and public areas. First impressions were good – the hotel felt bright, fresh and spotlessly clean, and the reception staff were welcoming and happy to help with queries such as searching the internet for directions to a shopping centre.
WHERE IS IT? Around five minutes' walk from Reading mainline station. The hotel has a few parking spaces (£7 per day), and an agreement with the NCP car park for half-price parking for guests. Drivers should plan their route before they arrive though as the centre of Reading is a one-way maze – I pulled up at the front of the hotel, only to be directed on a ten-minute round-Reading trip to the car park entrance, about 50 yards from where I'd started.
HOW MANY ROOMS? 178, 150 standard, 27 executive, and one suite (effectively two connected standard rooms, with one converted into a lounge and dining area).
ROOM FACILITIES My executive room was on the ninth floor, and had one double bed and a pull-out sofa bed. Facilities are standard throughout (executive rooms being larger in size), with air conditioning, safe, minibar, tea and coffee facilities, iron and ironing board, work desk, and a flatscreen TV with complimentary satellite channels, as well as paid-for services such as movies (from £3), music albums (£2) and TV internet (£3 per hour) – a bundle package giving access to all services plus wired internet access costs £17 for 24 hours. There is also a cable connected to the back of the TV which can be plugged into your MP3 player so you can play your own music. Rooms are simply but tastefully decorated in creams and whites, with splashes of red and brown. Bathrooms have separate bath and shower, and are divided from the bedroom by slatted concertina doors.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS Part of the new-generation roll-out has involved a major overhaul of the food and beverage offerings, including a dining experience called Elements. Guests can pick from a range of dishes on the menu, and decide to have them as tasters (tapas size), starters, or mains. It sounds gimmicky, but it actually works really well – Elements dishes include Thai green curry, seared duck with green bean salad and fillet of salmon (there is also a menu of "old favourites"). The restaurant also has the new "TV dining" concept – a couple of flatscreen TVs with headphones at single tables, where lone diners can eat and watch terrestrial channels (or CBeebies for the kids). The hotel also has a trendy bar overseen by Leon Hachuel, an enthusiastic manager who has created a wide-ranging cocktail and champagne list – and guests can log on with wifi internet access.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES There are eight meeting rooms (some of which have sliding partitions, making a total of ten room combinations). Room capacities range from 12 boardroom-style up to 90 theatre-style. Wifi internet access is available in all rooms, along with individually controlled air conditioning, black-out curtains and AV equipment on request.
LEISURE FACILITIES The fitness centre is located in the basement of the hotel. There is an indoor pool, steam room and sauna, and a gym with the latest cardiovascular equipment, including personal TV screens.
VERDICT Novotel has obviously put a lot of thought into its new generation of hotels – the rooms and public areas feel fresh and modern, and little things like the MP3 cables and TV dining concept show that the brand is aware of its increasingly tech-savvy customers. It has also stolen a march on brands like Hilton and Malmaison, which will both be opening upmarket properties in Reading within the next 12 months.
PRICES Fully flexible internet rates for a midweek stay in mid-July started at £145, room only.
CONTACT Novotel Reading Centre, 25b Friar Street, Reading; tel +44 (0)118 952 2600; novotel.com.
Mark Caswell
IBIS READING
Novotel is not the only Accor brand being overhauled – its budget Ibis properties are also getting a facelift, with Reading again being one of the first beneficiaries. Located next to the Novotel, the 182-room select-service hotel does not have the leisure or meeting facilities of its upmarket neighbour, but this is reflected in its rates – from £60 per room during the week, and £45 at weekends. Rooms are simple, with shower-only bathroom cubicles, work desk, wardrobe, tea and coffee facilities, and the same TV offering as Novotel (at cheaper prices for the paid-for services). There is a small bar by reception open 24 hours to residents, and breakfast is served in a separate room from 0400-1200 (0630-1000 for full English fare).
CONTACT +44 (0)118 953 3500; ibishotel.com.
