September sees not one but two Accor hotels opening in Reading. The hotel group is adding both an Ibis and a Novotel to its existing portfolio, and they are located right next to each other.
Business travellers familiar to the Accor brand will know that Ibis is the group's budget offering (along with its newer Etap hotels), while Novotel is a mid-market product (the group also operates upmarket Sofitel hotels among others).
The 182 room Ibis Reading Centre adds to the new generation of Ibis hotels in the UK, following the recent opening in Bristol (see online news July 27). Facilities include a queen size bed, desk and chair, tea and coffee facilities, flat screen TV / radio, and wired internet access in all rooms (some rooms also have wifi internet access). Restaurant La Table Rouge offers a cold buffet or table menu and is open 6pm – 10.30pm. The hotel is located at 25a Friar Street, a few minutes walk from Reading's main train station.
Meanwhile next door at 25b, the four-star Novotel Reading Centre has 178 Novation guest rooms, the new modern-style room gradually being rolled out across the brand. Room facilities include everything the Ibis offers, plus laptop size safes, minibar, hairdryer and 24-hour room service. Elements restaurant and bar is open 6am – midnight, and is also open to the public. With the Novotel guests also enjoy leisure facilities (indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam room), and there are eight fully equipped meeting rooms, all with natural daylight.
Reading is well located for businesses around the M4 corridor, and is around 40 minutes drive from London Heathrow – there is no direct train service between the city and the airport, but Railair runs frequent bus services (see railair.com). Rates at the Ibis Reading start from £60 (Mon-Thurs) and £45 (Fri-Sun), while at the Novotel these rise to £120 (Mon-Thurs) and £59 (Fri-Sun). All prices are room only - parking is available on site for an additional charge.
Ibis Reading Centre
25a Friar Street
Reading
RG1 1DP
+44 (0)118 953 3500
ibishotel.com
Novotel Reading Centre
25b Friar Street
Reading
RG1 1DP
+44 (0)118 952 2600
novotel-uk.com
Report by Mark Caswell
