STAY : Crowne Plaza Reading on the banks of the Thames
Crowne Plaza Hotel Reading Caversham Locke is a 5 minute drive from the heart of Reading, hugging the bank of the Thames and offers a blend of contemporary style and traditional charm.
Although located in the hustle and bustle of Reading, the hotel offers tranquillity and a sense of serenity with its focus on Caversham Locke providing a picturesque setting for a very comfortable stay.
REVIEW OF THE CROWNE PLAZA, CAVERSHAM, READING
The Crowne Plaza Reading is in the perfect location whether you're visiting for business or pleasure. It’s a 15 minutes' walk from Reading town centre, and trains from Reading Station reach London in less than 30 minutes, the M4 motorway is four miles away, providing easy access to Heathrow Airport (LHR) in around half an hour.
You're five minutes by bus from the Oracle shopping centre and businesses in central Reading. Picturesque Henley-on-Thames is only eight miles away, and you can be at Ascot Racecourse to watch the horses in half an hour.
The Executive Twin Room with balcony
As you open the door, this room unveils a spacious haven with a balcony that bestows enchanting views of the River Thames. Sunlight cascades through floor-to-ceiling windows, and I was thankful for the thick black out curtains. The room boasts a harmonious blend of contemporary elegance and timeless charm, adorned with soft neutral tones, plush furnishings, and sleek wooden accents.
The rooms each have an LCD satellite TV, tea/coffee making facilities and a mini bar. An iron and hairdryer are also provided.
The bathroom greeted me with its no-frills simplicity, and a clean and minimalistic vibe. The sink surround provided enough space for my toiletries and the shower over the bath offered decent water pressure. The bathroom was functional and neat, providing all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
The private balcony, offers the picturesque panorama across Caversham Locke and the activities of people, swans and rowers. There is seating available on the balconies but the unpredictable weather and downpours deterred us from relaxing here.
The hotel offers you a chance to relax in the Revive health club which features a heated 17-meter swimming pool, a jacuzzi, sauna, steam room (which was unfortunately closed for maintenance on our visit) and gym. The health club is accessed via the main hotel lobby and you are allowed to take all your possessions into the pool area as the lockers are not available.
It’s a superb space for a swim and just to kick back and unwind.
The dining area is directly in front of the main entrance lobby. There’s a grand staircase ushering you down into the Riverside Restaurant area with wonderful large glass doors that can open up onto the terrace overlooking the water. In the height of Summer this will be a most wonderful area in which to dine.
We tucked into one of the best gooey Baked Camembert Cheeses I’ve ever had as well as Steaks which were cooked perfectly to our medium rare request and desserts of cheesecake and sticky toffee pudding.
After a very comfortable sleep it was time to break the fast.
Breakfast here is superb value for money. For £9.99 you can tuck into a vast breakfast buffet from pastries to a Full English. As you can imagine, weekend mornings are extremely busy and the staff handled the flow of food and table bookings well.
The hotel is clean and very comfortable, but could do with a refresh in some areas. The staff are lovely but I did notice understaffing for the amount of guests and diners. On my visit, I noted a wedding party, business people, families and couples, all staying at the hotel. It certainly serves a multitude of folk!
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT CROWNE PLAZA READING
Accessible rooms are available with lifts and wheelchair accessibility
No dogs allowed
Restaurant does cater for vegetarians
Parking is available
Crowne Plaza Reading, Caversham Bridge, Richfield Avenue, Reading RG1 8BD www.igh.com/reading