Originally Posted by nldogbert

Introduction Booked this property due to getting a reasonable rate and using it as a base to explore the southwest area of England for a 4 night stay. The hotel seems to be one of the newer hotel and fairly modern. They were at the tail end of the refurbishment of the F&B (Oxbo Restaurant) during my stay. Location The property is located just outside of Reading town centre and close to the M4. The hotel area seems to be a fairly new mix of residential area and industrial/company area. There's a few small shops around the area, but nothing much else. Without your own car, it might not be the most convenient location. Currently parking seems complimentary, hopefully this is kept as it is especially due to the location. There's 2 large retail park close by with the usual chains. Check In Arrived quite late in the evening to a rather empty lobby area. Was checked in quite fast - although for the first time in the UK, my ID document had to be copied. Not sure if this was due to corona as I did not ask. I did ask about the additional benefits as a Diamond member, but was informed it was just what was as per the HHonors site - no replacement for no lounge for example any welcome drink chits, etc. The associate tried to make the whole thing much better than it was but saying you get a nice Nespresso in the upgraded deluxe room and complimentary breakfast and complimentary use of the LivingWell fitness pool/sauna. Since it's hotel management that decides these items, did not make any fuss about it and accepted it with a smile. Room The room was located on the highest floor of the hotel (3rd floor or 2nd floor - depending on how the 1st/Ground floor is defined) facing the major road. I was initially a bit worried about this (I felt that I should have been informed of this during check-in), but luckily the noise isolation from external traffic was acceptable - it was only when cars/motorcycles revving their engine that would be audible in the room (includ sirens).The room was not too bad - sufficiently spacious and the usual UK Hilton type of furnishing - but much more modern compared to previous UK Hiltons that I've stayed. Climate control in the room was efficient and fan noise was minimal even at high fan speed. Wifi was also good and stable (option to login with your room number or code given at check-in - both options seems comparable). It was also a 1-login activation for the whole stay.The TV seems to have been replaced (?) as it was quite new and quite large (47"?) with the usual mix of local and international channels. Too bad they did not upgrade it for the use with the TV connectivity for streaming functionality. Hopefully this will be something the hotel will improve on in current times.The bathroom size was ok - and it was here that you could see that the hotel is not that new - but still very welll maintained. There's no walk-in shower but the usual bathtub and shower with a glass protection. Luckily this was sufficient to not wet too much the floor after a shower. The mirror was fog free - which was a nice touch.There was the usual tea/coffee making facilities and in this deluxe room, a Nespresso machine (only 2 capsules provided and replaced every day). A mini fridge was present - although it was clearly it needed unfrosting as the whole freezer section was engulfed in ice. (reported this to the front desk during check-out).Strangely at the working desk, they had a US type plug type but none for European plug type ( effect of Brexit?) - however there was something not working right with this series of plug on the desk as it seems the connections were not good - crackling sound could be heard and it does not work always). Only 1 of the 3-pin plug seemed reliable for use. Other than that, no other charging points at the bedside tables nor around the room. Bed quality was ok - matress was still firm but not too hard. Maybe the pillows could be improved - it was quite flat. In general sleep quality was ok. Breakfast The breakfast is at their Oxbo restaurant, which the breakfast area seems to be the first part that was open after the refurbishment. Breakfast selection was good - your typical UK Hilton options - mix of cold and hot items. Made to order eggs seems to be an option - but this was not really promoted. Quality of the breakfast in general was good.Service during breakfast was a mix bag - there were some really good servers, but also some that did not really want to be there. On one day, ordered eggs from sadly the did not want to be there server and nothing came nor any apology even when this particular server saw us leave. Luckily for the other days, the good and hardworking server was there and no issues. (He was really good at picking up your used plates/bowls). Overall All in all for the price I paid, it was a satisfactory stay despite no further recognition of elite members. I will for certain return if service level and value for money is at current level.

Originally Posted by richardhall99

Lived across the road from this place and had parents stay, but tomorrow will be my first stay here.

Booked queen guest room an hour ago as gold for £86 but checked app and now in King Deluxe.

Will let you know how it goes

Originally Posted by wizla

Brilliant, I have a stay booked here too for July 28th so would be interested in your report….cheers.

Originally Posted by richardhall99

Had swim at 7 when pool opened. Was nice and clean and had the place to myself until about 730 when some families started arriving. There was a sauna and steam room but didn't use. Lockers are £1 but risked it and out my phone with towel on a shelf by the pool.

​​​​​​Breakfast was served in the oxbo restaurant which gives off scandic vibes. No menu was offered for but waitress spoke me through options. I went for the ham and cheese Omlette which was nice. Also had buffet of usual items in the pic. Also porridge, beans mushrooms etc

Couldn't take that many photos at breakfast as there were some other groups in there but was pleased overall with good cooked, cold meats/fish and pastry selection.

Originally Posted by wizla

Arrived just now , free ample parking underneath hotel, reception quiet so got physical card, surly FD guy , no information, no breakfast times , etc….. he clearly didn’t want to be here.

ROOM - upgraded to king deluxe, top floor, it’s reasonably big, huge bed ( super king) comfy too….. two robes , air conditioning very effective, nespresso machine….all neat and tidy.

BATHROOM - fair size, shower over bath arrangement, two lots of toiletries , fluffy towels.

Plan is to eat in Bar/ restaurant tonight…..will report back!

Originally Posted by wizla

Up early, went to spa, it’s very nice, quite a small area but works well, 5 loungers, sauna and steam room.
Sauna nice, could have been a bit hotter, smallish pool , didn’t try steam room.
It was fairly quiet at 6-30 am ( opens 6am ) with just a few swimmers.
Now off to breakfast…..will report back!