Great Expectations, Reading

33 London Street, Reading, RG1 4PS
4

Great expectations occupies a wonderful historic building within the centre of Reading In this hotel rld charm meets modern expectations. Old world ba... more

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£ Rooms from £49 (≈ $90) per night
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7/10 Overall rating

Category Average Rating
7/10 Check-in process
7/10 Your room
7/10 Working order of facilities / equipment
8/10 Order and cleanliness of the hotel
7/10 Performance of staff
7/10 Overall experience
7/10 Overall value for money
  • 9/10 Enrico ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Rapallo , IT  on  March 22, 2008

    "Nothing to add with respect to the hotel accomodation. My Great Expectations were all met. I had a problem with the online reservation that did not reach the hotel. Quite luckily, I rang the hotel in advance, therefore I realized the online reservation was not received and I could complete it." (97979648)

    1. convenient because very near to the public transports facilities 2. great food/drink 3. typical british atmosphere 4. nice price

    Nothing to complain about. Everything was OK.

    2 of 2 people found this review helpful:

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  February 23, 2008

    "We were delighted with the size of the room and the standard of cleanliness. Apart form this, the facilities were fairly basic- two small towels only for two people for example. The hotel was quiet and we slept well. The breakfast was adequate but basic. We had to ask for brown bread and there was no fruit available, which are usual in a hotel costing this much." (97037381)

    A large room with good facilities such as large TV, DVD, internet connection

    There was no information about facilities in Reading- i.e. where to eat etc. There were no 'extras' such as a 'phone, or tissues available, nor instructions for the use of the TV

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 2/10 Seton ( Same sex couple) 

    from Hertford , GB  on  August 26, 2008

    The booking I made 10 months ago got lost by your hotel and the service I received in getting my issue resolved was laughable, so I am not sure why i am getting sent this questionnaire.

  • 7/10 Owen ( Young couple) 

    from Oldham , GB  on  August 1, 2008

    "Not bad - bit pricey at 78 quid for the basic facilities on offer." (107118960)

    Well cooked breakfast.

    No Parking. £10 for 24 hours in car park.

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  July 18, 2008

    "Rooms are a nice size and cosy. I enjoyed the stay and would definatley consider staying here if I was in reading again. " (108021326)

    Good location - near to shops, take aways etc

    Only one - no hotel parking - but nothing major

  • 8/10 Lynn ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Orpington , GB  on  July 15, 2008

    "Very happy with my stay, will come back again." (97450039)

    Clean, tidy, warm, safe & secure Plenty of choice for breakfast. Nice pub downstairs as well selling good beer

  • 5/10 Colin ( Family with young children) 

    from Northolt , GB  on  July 10, 2008

    "Adequate but will not stay here again." (97686425)

    Great breakfast

    Blatant swearing at pool table by youngsters. Nightclub/music place next door, the noise was APPAULING AND DEAFENING. We only found this out on our return to the hotel at 22:45. Could not sleep for 2 hours or more. Absolutely will I not stay there again.Very upset by this and tired the next day.

  • 5/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  June 25, 2008

    "Room was not clean and had my wife been with me, we would not have stayed. Television had only about four channels. I would seek other lodging next time." (97386672)

    Easy check-in. Good bar downstairs. Very helpful staff.

    Not as clean as most other places I've stayed. Hairs from assumed previous occupant in bathroom. Carpet needed cleaning. Water heater for coffee/tea was not clean. Furniture had ring stains from drinking glasses or bottles.

  • 5/10 Anonymous ( Group of work colleagues) 

    on  March 14, 2008

    The room was a nice size, and so was the bathroom.

    Bathroom could have been cleaner

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  March 6, 2008

    The wifi £5 card I bought did not work, and to date I have received no response from the wifi provider

  • 7/10 John ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Ledbury , GB  on  February 8, 2008

    "Central, clean, functional and good value for money in Reading, with a good cooked breakfast included in the price." (97228430)

    Clean and reasonably comfortable.

    A little noisy at around 5 a.m. in the morning, when beer barrels were being delivered/collected.

  • 6/10 Susan ( Mature couple) 

    from Swansea , GB  on  February 2, 2008

    "The room was great although the radiators seemed not to be working. The did provide a small portable heater which was adequate. The TV was not plugged in and the areal with the freeview box did not work. The staff were friendly. As a town pub is was very convenient but there was no parking provision for the car." (97989146)

    The room and beath was excellent

    Checking in at the Bar in the pub!

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  December 19, 2007

    Large quiet and clean room. Friendly and efficient staff.

    Steep stairs between floors.

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  December 11, 2007

    size of room

    no iron in room and no phone to get in touch with reception to ask for one no lift either for heavy

  • 9/10 Elizabeth ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Sittingbourne , GB  on  December 8, 2007

    Convenient location, lovely staff, clean and comfy. Nice to have a cd and dvd player available.

    Breakfast hadnt much choice, noisy until the pubs close in the local area and lots of stairs!

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Other) 

    on  November 17, 2007

    "A good stay that met my expectations and fit for purpose." (97633680)

    practical value for money, clean, good breakfast

    Noise in the early evening, it stopped later, remote for TV seemed to be missing

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Solo leisure traveller) 

    on  November 9, 2007

    "Traffic was noisy & the walls very thiso you could hear other guests.Staff were excellent." (97061431)

    Staff

    Thin Walls

  • 6/10 Samantha ( Young couple) 

    from Hughenden valley , GB  on  October 25, 2007

    "Please note - the 'Poor' ratings on this review, all relate to the problem below: We were very disappointed that our front door key did not work properly and as our event finished late and we didn't arrive back at the hotel until after midnight, there was no-one at the hotel to help us get in. My partner had to almost break-in, for us to enter the room and get some sleep. However, this process took so long (and we had to leave the hotel at 06:15), that we got less than four hours sleep in the end. Very disappointing indeed. And to make matters worse, it was the coldest night this year so far! I would suggest the door is checked. There is obviously something faulty with the mechanism. I am sure we are not the first (nor will we be the last) to experience this problem. Very disappointing." (97386086)

  • 5/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  October 21, 2007

    Internet access only avaiable for 20 mines per purchase. Other Hotel can offer 24 hours services, and not limited by access card. Some of Hotel offer free internet access....

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Group of work colleagues) 

    on  October 13, 2007

    Location

    poor check in facility

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  October 12, 2007

    "Overall it was very good. I wasn't aware the hotel was part of a pub/ bar which came as a surprise and might have been offputting if it had been very busy/ noisy as there were no seperate facilities for eating etc. However, it was quiet when I stayed (a Thursday night) and wasn't a problem in the least. The staff were friendly and the facilities, service, cleanliness and food were all good and the location was very conveneient being in the town centre. I would certainly stay again if visiting Reading in the future." (97554125)

    The room was comfortably furnished and had all of the facilities I needed and would expect. It was clean and pleasant althoughthere was a little outside noise and no view (common and expected in city centre hotels.) The bar was pleasant and fortunately not too busy or noisy and the food was tasty, generous and good value for money although a stay at the weekend may have been a lot busier.

    A little more choise of television channels would be good but otherwise it was all good.

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  October 8, 2007

    "Food was good and the staff were happy to accommodate requests. The room was comfortable and the equipment was in good working order. Excellent location, a stone's throw from the town centre and frequent buses outside the hotel to take to the station." (97656167)

    The warmth, good working order of equipment. Friendly staff.

    The walls were quite thin so could hear everything from guests next door.

  • 8/10 Matthew joseph ( Young couple) 

    from Oxford , GB  on  September 28, 2007

    "great place" (97409747)

    bed tv size

    shower cutin

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  July 23, 2007

    "this is a good accomodation but in a slightly remote area than I expected. i liked the room as it is sufficient for myself for over night stay but did not quite like the the facility to contact the staff in need. a lift could have made it more convenient." (97441994)

    free from noise

    location

  • 2/10 Alessandra ( Group of work colleagues) 

    from Culemborg , NL  on  July 23, 2007

    see below

    the fact that i got a confirmed booking thru the Internet and afterwards received a call from the hotel that my reservation had to be canceled because they were overbooked. I had reservations for 4 people confirmed and 1 day before the trip had to book another hotel. This was very disappointing.

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  July 16, 2007

    The Dickens themed pub/eating area was intersting and I would certainly use it as a pub regularly if I lived in Reading. The staff were helpful and approachabl.e The room itself was very nice. Large, clean and generally well equipped. Some more tea bags and better TV reception would have been useful

    The room was too warm and I could not really leave the window open because of noise outside from what I guessed to be part of the heating or air con system. There was a loud banging of what sounded like bins for several minutes around 7am. Thankfully I was getting up at that time anyway.

  • 8/10 Jacqueline ( Other) 

    from Harlow , GB  on  July 10, 2007

    "I stayed at Great Expectations as my son was graduating from Reading University. I was impressed with the hotel and the pleasant manner of the staff. The young man that checked me in was very helpful to advise of a nearby car park that was not too expensive. The bar had a very nice atmosphere. I emjoyed the breakfast. I would not hesitate to book this hotel again, if I am ever in Reading. Jackie Webster" (99592488)

    The room was pleasantly decorated and the bathroom spotlessly clean. The breakfast was very good and the staff very helpful.

    There was no soap in the bathroom.

  • 7/10 John ( Mature couple) 

    from Redlynch, salisbury , GB  on  June 29, 2007

    "Fine" (99192964)

    Decor in room

    Smoky bar area

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Group of adult friends) 

    on  June 26, 2007

    "This hotel is excellent value for money food and accommodation very good. I will be stopping at this hotel next year." (99117847)

    Was more than happy with accommodation, rooms where clean and tidy and the bar area was spot on.

    only dislike was the hotel had no parking so you had to park in multi storey car over the road.

  • 7/10 John ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Ipswich , GB  on  June 24, 2007

    Bedroom was very modern and smart but needed some TLC.

    Minor niggles - 1 of 4 bulbs in main light not working; bedside light not working; external windows looked like they'd not been cleaned for months, noticeably dirty; no soap

  • 7/10 Roger ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Long eaton , GB  on  June 8, 2007

    "rooms better than the public areas" (99069547)

    location and price

  • 9/10 John ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Redcar , GB  on  May 26, 2007

    "Overall very enjoyable stay, the room was great and the breakfast was nice, the staff were welcoming and when i am away next i will try and stay in a chapman`s group hotel because the value and quality for money surpassed anything i have stayed in recently." (99159614)

    The room was clean and spacious, the staff were friendly and the service was good.

  • 7/10 Carol ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Dronfield , GB  on  May 5, 2007

    "Overall, accommodation was good." (99330915)

    Room was comfortable and clean

    being a female the hair dryer was totally indaquate and I would have appreciated ironing facilities, as I was living out of a suitcase this week

  • 9/10 Lisa ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Lincoln , GB  on  April 25, 2007

    It was central, clean and had a good shower

    The bed was not the most comfortable and there was no car park with the hotel

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  April 18, 2007

    "It met my needs, but generally I do not like staying in pubs that provide accommodation, mainly because the level of service is poor and breakfast has to be taken in the smoke-filled atmosphere of the public bar." (99236729)

    It was near to the conference venue and the bed was comfortable

    The room had not been hoovered, and it would have been convenient to have a telephone. In fact, I wanted the use of a telephone but there was not one available in the hotel at all! The breakfast service was poor. The glasses provided for fruit juice were stained from trhe dishwasher, there were no serviettes, the toast did not arrive and the man waiting at table did not seem concerned. We had to aask for the coffee percolator to be refilled.

  • 8/10 Hannah ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Sale , United Kingdom;GB  on  April 13, 2007

    "I was looking for a hotel both close to the city centre and to the University and this fitted the bill perfectly. It was only a 10 minute easy walk from the station and a 20 minute walk to the university. Staff were really friendly and gave me excellent directions to the university." (99817380)

    The staff were really friendly and helpful

    I had a no smoking room but the fan in the bathroom seemed to pump smokey air directly into the room from the bar - not very nice!

  • 10/10 Anonymous ( Group of adult friends) 

    on  April 6, 2007

    Right in the citycentre

    No resident bar

  • 8/10 Nick ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Frome , GB  on  March 31, 2007

    "Acceptable standard, but excellent value." (99526216)

    Excellent location - very close to centre Room - clean, modern Freeview in the room

    Check in in the pub Very small TV

  • 8/10 Lynn ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Orpington , GB  on  January 22, 2008

    "Generally very good value,and well placed for the town centre. Very convenient." (97336585)

    Nice pub with good beers. Staff pleasant.

    Only one problem, the radiator didn't come on in my room. Temporary glitch I guess.

    0 of 1 people found this review helpful:

  • 8/10 Peter ( Group of adult friends) 

    from Belfast , United Kingdom;GB  on  December 24, 2006

    "Good style to the hotel, staff friendly and helpful, rooms were plenty adquate, although had no phones in them. We were able to check in at about 12.00.Quite central for reading - bus/train station was only 10-15 mins walk away." (3305111252)

    Rooms were good, great breakfast, quite handy (15 mins walk) from the train station

    There was no facility for residents to get a drink after hours (probably just as well!)

  • 10/10 Anonymous ( Group of adult friends) 

    on  December 20, 2006

    Very comfortable room and great breakfast. Friendly staff.

    Nothing to fault the hotel on

  • 7/10 Mark ( Young couple) 

    from Colby , United Kingdom;GB  on  November 23, 2006

    "The check-in process was unusual. There is no hotel reception in the expected sense of the word! Check-in is at the pub bar. Two lagers, a bag of crisps, oh, and a room please! The hotel is central enough. Not having a car on my visit, parking was not an issue, however I imagine it could be for visitors with cars. The room was perfect, albeit on the top floor with no lift! The decor was pleasant and had a recently refurbished feel, which was good. Sky tv would've been a plus (unless I simply didn't know how to find it!). The dvd player was an unusual, but welcome touch. Breakfast was adequate (tasty, but not enormous volumes!). Generally, a very pleasant experience overall. Oh, I suppose we could've asked, but a couple more pillows would've been good (only 4 fairly flat ones). I would stay at this hotel again." (99715912)

    Up to date, fresh, well furnished, very clean, pleasant decor

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  September 14, 2006

    "Breakfast was very nice, lack of parking was not good." (3305291488)

    Very central location

    The room was fine but it had no air con & this made the room very warm.

  • 10/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  July 26, 2006

    "The hotel/pub is in the centre of Reading with everything in walking distance. The staff are helpful and friendly. They serve a good breakfast downstairs in the pub. The room is comfortable, clean and tidy. It is excellent value for money." (3304922830)

    Clean and tidy, good comfortable room, hotel in the centre of Reading, friendly and helpful staff, good breakfast and excellent value for money.

    The room was very warm - would have been good to open the window more or if there were a fan or air conditioning.

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  July 19, 2006

    "an interesting building with good-sized rooms easy walk from the station good breakfast" (3305034551)

    good size room coffee/tea facilities

    staffing problem meant our room was not cleaned or replenished after first day of our stay

  • 9/10 Steve ( Family with older children) 

    from Holmfirth , United Kingdom;GB  on  July 19, 2006

    "Hotel is a short walk (5 mins) from Reading town centre. Car parking at roadside is limited to 1 hour, but is free after 6.30pm and all day Sunday, so for a Saturday night stopover aim to arrive after 5.30pm. Food is good though not exceptional, rooms are clean and well-furnished. There are a lot of stairs to climb if your room is on the second floor." (3305038574)

    Friendly staff, clean well-furnished room, ease of parking outside hotel.

  • 10/10 Steve ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Hancock , United States;US  on  July 4, 2006

    "I thought the experience was a very good one. I was treated very well and the staff was very courteous and helpful. The food and facilities were excellent at a very reasonable rate." (3304940344)

    Friendly people nice atmosphere

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  July 4, 2006

    "OK" (3304942205)

    Clean room Good breafast

    No air conditioning or double glazing, noise from outside

  • 9/10 Jo ( Group of adult friends) 

    from London , United Kingdom;GB  on  May 31, 2006

    "Overall I was very happy with my stay at Great Expectations. The rooms were of a high standard and staff were friendly. Breakfast was included and was very nice." (3304771251)

    Clean spacious rooms, great breakfast, friendly staff

    Nothing

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  April 2, 2007

    porte de l'hotel fermee à midi cher

The views expressed on this page are the personal opinions of guests and therefore do not necessarily represent the views of Active Hotels, Active Reservations or our distribution partners (About our hotel reviews).

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