So, at long last my preferred hotel has re-opened. I volunteer at a wildlife centre a hundred miles away from home, and I like to stay overnight after a day there. The HI Reading West is just down the road from it - a very convenient location. It's been closed since March, however, hence my reviews of the HI Reading South and Voco Reading in recent weeks. The HI Reading West is a former Marriot Courtyard hotel, a small unassuming place with only 50 or so rooms. It's also in the middle of nowhere, so not likely to be on many people's lists! Normally it makes its money from tourist coaches and weddings.

So, donning a mask I stepped inside, wondering what I'd find...

There was no queue and the receptionist called out "Hello Mr Retron" as I walked towards the desk - the same staff I knew from before were there, so it got off to a good start.

It became less good, though, as the suite I'd booked was out of service... they seemed genuinely puzzled as to how I'd booked it, although that would be because the booking was made early last December, before Covid was on the radar...

What is your Priority Club status?
Spire

Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked a suite and received a basic room, so quite the downgrade! They were very apologetic and charged me less than the going rate for the room I received.

How are the rooms?
Recently refiurbished, so absolutely spotless and with no marks or scuffs anywhere to be seen. No a/c any more though, sadly: their central a/c system broke two years ago and it seems they can't afford to replace it... an oil-filled radiator and a fan were supplied, but neither were needed.

Due to Covid tea and coffee is on request (free), as are the usual amenities like combs, shower caps etc. They did provide two free bottles of water as per the old days, though!

The room service menu has gone (along with most of the paperwork - facilities guide, "what's on" guide etc) and it's now accessed by scanning a QR code on your phone. It takes you to what looks like one of those "pre-order at a restaurant" sites and I gamely went through and ordered some bits and pieces (noting that the sandwiches I usually have are off the menu now). It all felt a bit - odd - but it worked. 25 minutes after tapping away, there was a knock at the door and my order was delivered. For those without phones, orders can be placed at reception.

How is the exec. lounge?
There isn't one.

What was good and what was bad?
Good:

The room was refurbished and as fresh as any room I've seen anywhere... with no paint smell, either, as it must have been done during the closed period.
With barely any other guests and none on my wing of the hotel, it was the quietest night's sleep I've had anywhere. No door slams, no conversations, not even any noise from cars.
The old staff were there and they're always friendly to me.
Room service was efficient and although it felt odd ordering by tapping away at a phone, it worked.
The massive car park was mostly empty, as usual, so no problems finding a space. They have more spaces than rooms, too, which always helps!

Bad:

The loss of a/c is a blow. It was never that effective, but it's needed in the warmer months of the year. Perhaps that's why they waited until September until re-opening...

Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
I'd pre-booked last December at £100 or so for the suite, which is the going rate (I always book flexibly and add extra points - an easy way to get Spire each year).
The downgraded room was £60, which was slightly less than the rate on the site for that room (flexible + points) last week.

As for would I return? Yes, I will be - at least until it gets hot again next summer! The location is absolutely perfect for me and that's something that can't be replicated elsewhere.