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Summary of reviewsMalmaison Reading is universally praised for its exceptional location, situated directly opposite the train station and close to various transportation options, amenities and entertainment venues. Guests find it incredibly convenient for exploring Reading's shops, bars and restaurants, making it an excellent choice for both leisure and business travelers. The hotel manages to balance its central position with a quiet and comfortable stay, offering a blend of convenience and tranquility.
The breakfast experience at Malmaison Reading is a highlight for many guests. It features high-quality, freshly cooked dishes with options like the fried breakfast and Eggs Benedict earning particular acclaim. Despite minor criticisms regarding price and occasional cold food, the overall variety, freshness and friendly service are well-appreciated. Dinner service is equally lauded with both the restaurant and bar menus receiving praise for their presentation, taste and value. Guests also commend the cocktails and the favorable ambiance, albeit with occasional noise complaints.
Rooms at Malmaison Reading are comfortable, spacious and stylishly decorated with many guests enjoying restful nights due to the superbly comfortable beds. Bathrooms are spacious and modern, though some guests report issues with lighting, ventilation and occasional signs of wear. Cleanliness is largely maintained to a high standard, contributing to the positive overall impression of the rooms.
The staff receive consistent and high praise for their politeness, professionalism and attentiveness. Notable individuals, such as receptionists and the night manager, are frequently commended for their exceptional service, underscoring the hotel's commitment to guest satisfaction. The overall atmosphere created by the helpful and engaging staff significantly enhances the stay.
Guests find the wifi service at Malmaison Reading to be generally reliable and fast, though there are sporadic issues with connectivity in certain areas of the hotel. Family accommodations are well-regarded with spacious rooms and thoughtful amenities like travel cots for children, alongside a central location which is advantageous for family outings.
The hotel's proximity to vibrant nightlife is advantageous for those looking to explore Reading's evening scene, although it can result in noise disturbances, especially on weekends. Nonetheless, the convenience of nightlife options is appreciated by many guests.
In summary, Malmaison Reading stands out for its prime location, excellent breakfast and dinner services, comfortable rooms and exceptional staff. Despite minor areas needing improvement, the hotel offers a luxurious experience at an affordable price, making it a preferred choice for many travelers. Show more
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Categories
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Hotel with Free Wi-Fi
Business Hotel
Accessible Hotel
4-Star Hotel
Room Types
Standard Double RoomQueen size bed with silky soft cotton sheets, en-suite bathroom with shower or bath, flat-screen TV, tea and coffee facilities.
Club Deluxe RoomThis room features a king size bed and an en-suite bathroom.
Standard Twin RoomThe twin beds feature silky soft cotton sheets, plump pillows and soft mattresses. The en-suite bathroom has a shower, bath and luxury toiletries.
Club Double RoomClub room with a queen-size bed, an en suite bathroom with luxury toiletries, a flat-screen TV, bathrobe and slippers.
Junior SuiteJunior Suite are open plan rooms with plasma TV, King-size bed, monsoon shower and features include a coffee machine.
SuiteSuite with lounge with plasma TV, bedroom with King-size bed and plasma TV, en-suite with separate bath and monsoon shower.
Guest Reviews
8.2
Very Good
Location
Malmaison Reading boasts an exceptional location, making it a highly convenient choice for travelers. Situated literally opposite the train station, the hotel provides easy access to various transportation options. Guests appreciate that it is only a stone's throw away from the RailAir Bus to Heathrow, making onward travel straightforward.
The central location means visitors are just steps away from the town center, allowing them to explore Reading's shops, bars and restaurants with ease. The proximity to key amenities such as the Oracle shopping center and local theaters adds to the convenience. Many guests praised the hotel for being a perfect base for both short city breaks and business trips with the railway station facilitating commutes to London and surrounding areas effortlessly.
In addition to the superb transport links, the hotel's position is ideal for those looking to experience local nightlife or attend events at venues like the Hexagon Theatre. Despite being centrally located and close to bustling activities, the hotel offers a relatively quiet and comfortable stay, providing a balance of convenience and tranquility.
Overall, Malmaison Reading's prime location is highlighted by guests as a significant advantage, making it an excellent choice for those requiring seamless access to transportation and the city's attractions.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Malmaison Reading generally receives high praise from guests. Many highlight the excellent quality, freshly cooked dishes and the variety of options available. Popular items such as the fried breakfast and Eggs Benedict stand out with some declaring them the best they’ve had in a long time. Guests appreciate the friendly and attentive service, particularly noting exceptional staff members who make the experience all the more enjoyable.
Despite the high praises, there are occasional mentions of pricey offerings with some guests feeling that the breakfast is a bit on the expensive side considering its quality. Scrambled eggs have particularly received criticism for being unappetizing. There's also feedback about the breakfast room being chilly and a few comments about the food not being served as hot as preferred.
Special dietary options and offerings for those with allergies appear to be somewhat lacking, although vegetarians can find great choices. Notably, some guests benefitted from flexible breakfast times and personalized service, such as early morning room service and accommodating staff who prepared breakfast at requested times.
Overall, the breakfast at Malmaison Reading is well-received for its excellent selection, fresh ingredients and commendable service, making it a delightful aspect of the stay for most guests. However, the cost and a few quality inconsistencies might be areas for improvement.
Dinner
Malmaison Reading's dining experience has garnered numerous positive comments from guests. Many found the restaurant to be great with dinner and breakfast frequently described as well-presented and tasty. The evening meal proved to be very good value, featuring excellent menus and a varied selection of dishes, often highlighted as fantastic. Guests enjoyed dining in both the restaurant and the bar with commendations on the fabulous service and superb cocktails.
The breakfast consistently received high praise for brilliance, quality ingredients and a great selection of hot and cold items. Fresh apple juice and smoothies were particularly enjoyed and the breakfast buffet was well-liked despite a few wishing for plain eggs. Lunch and snacks were noted as very good, adding to the overall positive dining experiences.
While some noted that the restaurant had limited choices or wasn't open for dinner on occasion, most found the food to be excellent and the service outstanding. The dining atmosphere was described as relaxed, though there were occasional comments about loud music and the bar feeling a bit noisy.
Overall, both the dinner and breakfast experiences at Malmaison Reading have left guests satisfied, particularly praising the quality, presentation and service.
Rooms
At Malmaison Reading, guests frequently note the comfort and spaciousness of the rooms, highlighting the luxurious decor and plentiful facilities. Many enjoy the clean, well-laid-out accommodations that offer quiet retreats despite the hotel's central location. Beds are repeatedly mentioned as superbly comfortable, contributing to excellent overall sleeping conditions. The bathrooms receive high praise for their ample size and modern features with the walk-in showers being a particular highlight.
However, some aspects of the rooms are less favorable. While the stylish decor is generally appreciated, several guests mention that the rooms can feel quite dark and, in some cases, are showing signs of wear. Lighting issues are a recurrent theme with both bedroom and bathroom areas often described as inadequately lit. Ventilation appears to be another common issue, leading to rooms sometimes feeling too hot or too cold.
Although cleanliness is typically upheld to a high standard, there are occasional slip-ups in housekeeping, leading to dirty bedside tables and infrequent room servicing. Additionally, some guests find the rooms lacking in modern amenities such as smart TVs and effective coffee machines. Noise insulation varies with thin walls sometimes allowing sounds from neighboring rooms to intrude.
Despite these areas for improvement, the overall sentiment about the rooms at Malmaison Reading is positive with many appreciating the stylish, comfortable and spacious environment that makes their stay enjoyable.
Beds
The beds at Malmaison Reading have left a notably positive impression on guests with many highlighting their comfort. Numerous reviewers described their beds as "really comfy," "super comfortable," and "extremely comfy." The bedding also received praise for being very supportive and featuring "chunky duvets" and "extra pillows."
Guests appreciated the "spacious and comfy" beds, mentioning large sizes frequently, which contributed to a "comfortable night sleep." The overall consensus underscores the excellent quality of the beds with many experiencing a restful sleep and enjoying the "welcoming" and "friendly" atmosphere of the rooms.
While some did note signs of wear in rooms and occasional issues with ventilation, the high standard of the beds and bedding tended to overshadow these minor drawbacks. A few guests mentioned isolated cases of discomfort, like a sagging middle mattress or beds that felt too hot, but these were exceptions in otherwise overwhelmingly positive feedback about the beds.
In summary, the beds at Malmaison Reading stand out for their comfort and support, significantly enhancing the guest experience despite minor room wear and ventilation issues.
Cleanliness
Malmaison Reading garners a notable reputation for its high standards of cleanliness and overall tidiness. Many guests have highlighted the hotel's rooms as "very clean," "spotlessly clean," and "immaculately clean." Complementing the cleanliness, the rooms are frequently described as "nicely decorated," "stylish," and "comfortable," with spacious layouts and excellent housekeeping.
However, there are occasional contrasts in guest experiences, particularly with certain facilities and fixtures showing signs of wear and tear. Some reported issues include dated room aesthetics, dusty surfaces and less-than-pristine bathroom conditions, alongside specific complaints about dirty windows, rusty taps and blocked showers. These concerns suggest that while the housekeeping staff is generally commendable, consistency in thorough cleaning could see some improvement.
The hotel also receives praise for its overall atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff and a welcoming environment. Despite its central location, guests find it clean and convenient with large, comfortable beds being a recurring positive note.
In summary, Malmaison Reading largely excels in maintaining cleanliness and providing a pleasant stay, albeit with some areas needing more attention to ensure consistency and upkeep.
Staff
Malmaison Reading has received overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding its staff, painting a picture of a hotel where guest satisfaction is paramount. The staff consistently garners praise for being polite, helpful and extremely accommodating. Receptionists like Stephan, Yvette and Akrem stand out for their exceptional service, creating a wonderfully warm and understanding atmosphere from the moment guests arrive.
Field reviews highlight that the staff exhibit an excellent level of customer service, marked by friendliness and charm. Visitors describe the hotel team as brilliant, insightful, professional and genuinely nice. It’s clear that the staff’s welcoming and attentive disposition significantly enhances the guest experience with many pointing out their superb efficiency and helpfulness.
The reception and front-of-house staff receive particular acclaim for their respectful and engaging manner. Specific individuals, such as the night manager Peter and receptionists Ioanna and Nick, are often mentioned for going above and beyond to make guests feel comfortable and well taken care of.
In addition to being friendly and engaging, the hotel personnel demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and courtesy with many guests appreciating the staff's warm and understanding engagement. The consistent theme of friendliness and helpfulness from all staff members, including waitress Manu and restaurant staff like Alessia, further underscores the hotel’s commitment to exceptional service.
Malmaison Reading is praised not only for its excellent service but also for the welcoming and cozy atmosphere that the staff helps cultivate. Whether it's the attentive housekeeping keeping rooms spotless or the superbly attentive restaurant service at breakfast, every interaction seems to reinforce the hotel's stellar reputation for warm hospitality.
Overall, guests at Malmaison Reading can expect a team of staff that is not only efficient and professional but also genuinely cares about making every stay special and comfortable, setting a high standard for customer service in the hospitality industry.
Wi-Fi
At Malmaison Reading, guests generally appreciate the fast and reliable wifi provided throughout the hotel. Many have found the wifi connection to be quite good, showcasing a robust and consistent performance. Despite some intermittent issues and occasional slow speeds, the majority of experiences suggest that the connectivity meets basic browsing and working needs well.
However, certain areas of the hotel may face connectivity challenges with some guests noting that the internet only works on specific floors or that wifi doesn’t perform optimally in the rooms. While there are useful amenities such as USB slots available, the lack of charging cables poses inconvenience for some. Moreover, the hotel's internet security was flagged by a few guests, indicating potential areas for improvement. Overall, while the wifi service is commendable in many respects, there remains room for enhancement to ensure a uniformly excellent experience throughout the property.
Family
Malmaison Reading stands out as a family-friendly haven with its clean, well-equipped and spacious family rooms. Families will find the accommodations ideal with ample space suitable for family needs and a view of the station from some rooms. The hotel staff is particularly noted for their attentiveness to families, ensuring a pleasant stay. The big family rooms have been highlighted as lovely and well-suited, providing a good setting for children with some guests mentioning the convenience of travel cots for their little ones. Malmaison Reading's central location makes it a good option for family travels and overall, it offers a friendly and accommodating atmosphere for families visiting the area.
Nightlife
Malmaison Reading offers a prime location for those looking to explore local nightlife with numerous bars and restaurants just a stone's throw away. Guests celebrating occasions, such as a friend's 40th, find the proximity to nightlife options incredibly convenient. The area boasts a variety of evening entertainment, ensuring that there's something for everyone.
However, the vibrant nightlife does come with its downsides. Many guests report significant noise, particularly on the weekends with music from nearby pubs, clubs and even an adjoining nightclub reverberating late into the night. Instances of loud music until 2am are not uncommon, which can be a disturbance for those seeking a quieter stay.
While Malmaison Reading provides excellent access to nightlife, the noise level is a notable concern for some visitors. The hotel's bar shutting early has also led guests to seek out other venues for a continued night out. Despite these issues, the availability of diverse nightlife options remains a highlight for many guests.
4 Star
Situated in an exceptional location, Malmaison Reading boasts close proximity to the city center and provides easy access to transportation, particularly being next to the station. The hotel offers a luxurious experience for the price with guests frequently commenting on its affordability and the high standard of facilities and services. The modern decor and styling align with the well-regarded Malmaison brand, creating a comfortable and upscale atmosphere.
The dining experience at Malmaison Reading matches that of similar four-star properties with many guests praising the food as great and recommending it for lunch. The ambiance of the hotel is described as very nice and lovely, contributing to a sense of satisfaction among visitors. Rooms are noted to be massive and very clean, which further enhances the guest experience. Despite a few mentions of the hotel lacking in certain areas of quality, the overall cleanliness and smart appearance of the property maintain its four-star status.
Convenience and comfort remain key highlights with fully equipped facilities meeting the expectations of a four-star hotel. Guests frequently recommend Malmaison Reading, citing it as offering good value and a fantastic stay for those seeking both luxury and practicality in a central location.
Business
Malmaison Reading boasts a prime location for business travelers, conveniently situated right next to Reading train station and within easy reach of local bus stops. This central positioning makes it an excellent choice for those in town for meetings, training events or other business-related activities. The hotel's amenities cater well to professional needs, including good working areas and excellent business-grade WiFi, ensuring a productive stay.
The overall atmosphere is conducive to business with a nice professional environment that many have found ideal for their work trips. The facilities are noted for their cleanliness and despite minor inconveniences such as the desk being unstaffed late at night, the staff generally receives praise for their professionalism. Business travelers often find the accommodation so suitable that many plan to return, highlighting the hotel's efficacy in meeting professional demands.
Accessible
Malmaison Reading provides a good level of accessibility for guests with disabilities, situated conveniently across the road from the railway station, making it easy to access the rest of Reading and further travel options like St Pancras. The hotel staff are noted for their kind assistance, ensuring that the needs of guests requiring accessible services are met. The hotel features disabled facilities and accessible rooms with some reviews even describing the accessible room as perfect.
The hotel is easily accessible with good centrality to nearby amenities and offers straightforward access to lifts, enhancing the overall experience for those with mobility issues. Guests have highlighted that the accessibility features are well-designed and the location of the hotel adds to its convenience, making it a favorable choice for both leisure and business travelers needing accessible accommodations. While there were some mentions of areas that were not ideal, the majority of reviews emphasize the ease of access and thoughtful design in terms of accommodating all guests.
Honeymoon
Malmaison Reading offers a good value experience for honeymooners with a nice ambiance and a romantic atmosphere that many couples appreciate. The honeymoon room is noted for being clean, providing a luxurious and elegant setting ideal for a honeymoon getaway. Despite the location not being ideal for some, the overall experience is enhanced by the charming and pleasant environment of the hotel.
Romantic
The Malmaison Reading has consistently been highlighted as a superb choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway. Guests speak fondly of the romantic ambiance and beautifully decorated rooms, making it an ideal setting for a cozy and intimate retreat. The hotel staff are frequently described as friendly and attentive, ensuring that visitors feel well-cared for during their stay.
The comfortable, good-sized beds and relaxing atmosphere contribute to a calm and enjoyable experience. Although the darkness of the room was noted by some as slightly off-putting, this minor detail did not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of their visit. Additionally, guests appreciated the poolside service and found the hotel to be perfect for couples desiring a special time together. Overall, the Malmaison Reading stands out as a fantastic destination for a lovely, romantic trip with a partner.
Dog Friendly
Malmaison Reading stands out for its dog-friendly atmosphere, offering a positive experience for guests traveling with their pets. The hotel boasts spacious and comfortable rooms, excellent for accommodating both humans and their four-legged companions. The friendly staff are notably attentive, going out of their way to make pets feel welcome, even making a fuss of dogs like Lola. Additionally, the hotel features a patio area specifically designated for dogs, ensuring they have a pleasant outdoor space. The central location of the hotel is another asset, providing convenience for guests and their pets. Overall, Malmaison Reading is a commendable choice for those seeking a pet-friendly stay.
No, Malmaison Reading doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Malmaison Reading.
Yes, Malmaison Reading welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Malmaison Reading.