Holiday Inn - Reading West
The hotel is now the last one remaining in the area, a few miles SW of Reading and close to the village of Beenham. It's much the same as it was last time I reported (a year ago), with 51 rooms, 2 suites and a large free car park (with electric car charging points being installed).

I visited on a Saturday and the hotel was relatively quiet. I'd also visited the previous Sunday. I had the same room both times, so this is a double review!

What is your Priority Club status?
Diamond Ambassador

Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, it still fits my needs and still has the same staff (who greet me by name on arrival, even if I've not been there for several months). It's perfect for retiring to after a day at the nearby wolf centre.

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Sunday: Booked a suite, was given a suite (The Gardenia Suite, as the nameplate on the wall calls it).
Saturday: Booked a suite, was given the same suite as the previous Sunday.

How are the rooms?
The suites have a small living area with chairs, a TV and a sofa, then an archway into the main bedroom, which is larger (and windowless). There used to be a curtain dividing the two rooms, but it went several years ago when they refurbished the rooms. The bathroom is off the bedroom, and there's another TV, a minibar and a proper desk in the bedroom itself (along with a king bed, compared to a queen bed in the regular rooms). The air-con system was replaced a year ago and it's still very effective - you have full control, and can switch between heating, fan and cooling modes.

The minibar (both times) had the same contents as last year: two bottles of mineral water, a Pepsi can, a Pepsi Max can and a 4-finger KitKat, all complimentary. Illy coffee pods were provided for the coffee machine, along with teabags and a kettle, and there was also a pack of oaty biscuits (which I've just realised I forgot to swipe - pah!)

How is the exec. lounge?
N/a

What was good and what was bad?
Good - an effusive welcome both times.
I was able to check into the room an hour early on Sunday, on Saturday I arrived an hour after checkin time.
No noise either time, so a good quality sleep.
Very fast room service both times, with the app they use (TableTop) offering a wide selection of food and drink.
A perfect minibar from my point of view (I'm not into booze) and all for free.
Parking remains free

Bad - there's still a bit of the original 90s Marriott Courtyard decor in the corridors. It was looking tired last year and the intervening period hasn't done anything to improve it!

Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Sunday was £120 for the room and a 5000 points package, Saturday was £150 for the same room and points. I think the value's fair and will be returning next month.