Best Hotels in Reading
Best Hotels in Reading - curated picks with prices, locations, and honest reviews. Updated for 2026.
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The town centre near Broad Street puts you walking distance from abbey ruins, restaurants, and the train station. Budget hotels start around £65-85 per night, while boutique options near the university run £95-140. Chain hotels dominate, but several independent options offer better character.
The town centre near Broad Street puts you walking distance from abbey ruins, restaurants, and the train station. Budget hotels start around £65-85 per night, while boutique options near the university run £95-140. Chain hotels dominate, but several independent options offer better character.
We reviewed 8 hotels across Reading's key neighbourhoods to help you pick.
Best Areas to Consider
Abbey Quarter - best for history enthusiasts, museum visitors (mid-range)
Town Centre - best for shoppers, business travellers, restaurant seekers (mid-range)
University Area - best for budget travellers, young visitors, university-related trips (budget)
Riverside Thames - best for nature walks, cycling enthusiasts, riverside dining (mid-range)
Caversham - best for quiet stays, independent shopping, village atmosphere (mid-range)
Daily budget guide: Budget £45-65, Mid-range £85-125, Luxury £180+.
Hotel Picks
Budget
Travelodge Reading Central (Town Centre) - £45-75/night. No-frills accommodation with super-king beds and excellent value in the town centre.
YHA Reading (Town Centre) - £25-45/night. Clean budget accommodation in converted Victorian building with kitchen facilities and central location.
Mid-Range
Premier Inn Reading Central (Town Centre) - £65-85/night. Modern rooms in the heart of Reading with reliable quality and early check-in options.
The Forbury Hotel (Forbury Gardens) - £120-180/night. Elegant Victorian mansion hotel with period features and gardens, offering refined comfort near Forbury Gardens.
Holiday Inn Express Reading (Winnersh) - £70-95/night. Modern business hotel with included breakfast and good transport links to Reading centre.
Millennium Madejski Hotel (Green Park) - £85-130/night. Modern hotel connected to Reading FC stadium with spa facilities and business amenities.
Malmaison Reading (Town Centre) - £110-160/night. Stylish converted prison building with bold design and excellent brasserie in the town centre.
Luxury
The French Horn (Sonning) - £180-280/night. Riverside luxury hotel in historic Sonning village with award-winning restaurant and Thames views.
Booking Tips
Book early for May to September when abbey ruins and riverside walks are most enjoyable, plus Reading Festival happens in August - this is peak season and prices rise.
Getting around: Reading Buses day ticket £4.50 covers town centre and university.
Common mistake: Booking expensive London hotel rates when Reading offers better value as a base
8 reviewed properties in Reading
Independent editorial reviews
The Forbury Hotel
Forbury Gardens£120-180/night
romantic getawayshistory enthusiaststravellers wanting character
Millennium Madejski Hotel
Green Park£85-130/night
business travellersfootball fanstravellers with cars
Travelodge Reading Central
Town Centre£45-75/night
budget travellersshort staystravellers who just need a bed
Holiday Inn Express Reading
Winnersh£70-95/night
business travellersvisitors with carsbudget-conscious families
Premier Inn Reading Central
Town Centre£65-85/night
families with childrenbusiness travellersfirst-time visitors
YHA Reading
Town Centre£25-45/night
backpackerssolo travellersstudents
The French Horn
Sonning£180-280/night
luxury seekersromantic occasionsfine dining enthusiasts
Malmaison Reading
Town Centre£110-160/night
design enthusiastscouplesfood lovers