Beech House Hotel

No 24 hour check in desk. Our EasyJet flight was delayed by 2 hours (the usual terrible service from them) so we couldnt get to the hotel before 10:30pm. They need to offer a 24 hour check in desk imo

Perfect for me as it’s right across from the office but probably not so great if you wanted to be in the city centre although it’s only an £8 taxi ride or £2 bus ride. Opposite a Beefeater which was handy but I would prefer an on-site bar and restaurant. Felt a bit uncomfortable on check-in to be asked if I was a smoker (I’m not) and if anyone would be joining me later 😳. Didn’t like the bed being made up with sheets, blanket and counter pane as it’s quite uncomfortable particularly on one of the hottest days of the year although the mobile air conditioning unit helped (first time I’ve had sheets and blankets for over 30 years since the day I got married despite extensive business (weekly) and leisure travel (4-6 times a year)). Hotel was very clean and the bathroom was well equipped. A bottle of water would have been a welcome addition to the room particularly in such hot weather. Not sure who to recommend the hotel to as it’s neither a corporate hotel with all the amenities or a home from home. Breakfast was on offer for an additional £15 and I decided to wait until I checked in to see. As I wanted to be in the office for 8am and there was no menu available, times of service or visibility of a dining room, other facilities or even other guests, I decided it may be too intimate and opted for a cold sandwich I had stored in the office fridge ‘just in case’. Was similarly priced to the executive room I had in the Novotel last week which had a full buffet breakfast included.

This was our third visit to The Beech House, and every time we arrive it feels like coming home. The owners are so welcoming and incredibly thoughtful, nothing is ever too much trouble, and you’re made to feel more like a friend than just a guest. The rooms are a joy, spacious, immaculately clean, and wonderfully comfortable, a real haven after a busy day. Breakfast is always a treat, with plenty of choice and everything cooked to perfection. We’ve stayed in many places over the years, but The Beech House is in a class of its own. Consistently warm, comfortable, and full of charm, it’s our first choice every time we visit Reading.

Where do I start with how simply lovely this hotel is? The proprietors, Nazlee and Umar could not have been more welcoming, warm and friendly. A few days before check in, my schedule changed and I wouldn't arrive until between 10pm and midnight depending on traffic on the drive from the Lake District. I called to ask about late check-in and Umar guaranteed to be on hand personally to ensure the best welcome. Upon arrival he saw my tiredness, took my bags, sat me in the lounge to check me in rather than standing in the foyer. Just superb, customer centric empathy and service, like being welcomed by a family friend. My room was comfortable, with a fantastic mattress (medium firm, great support). Breakfast is a choice/combination of cereals, fresh fruits, yoghurt and juices, cooked breakfast items including vegetarian options. It is served quickly, and gently by either Nazlee or Umar, who obviously put their heart and soul into their personal involvement in running the business. The hotel is ideally placed on the main road into Reading - a 20 to 25 minute walk, with regular buses also running from a stop around 100 metres from the hotel.