THE HOTEL
The hotel is adjacent to Reading Football Club’s stadium, formerly the Madejski (some of the road signs still say this) but now with the not-so-catchy name of the Select Car Leasing Stadium. It’s just off the M4 and 10 minutes in a taxi to Reading Station. Voco is an IHG brand that promises to “combine the reassurance of a big brand with the informality and charm of an individual hotel”.
THE CHECK-IN
I parked easily (there’s a huge, free car park for guests) and entered through the large, glass-fronted lobby. It was Henley Regatta week so smartly-dressed guests were waiting for taxis. I checked in, ordered my taxi with the front desk (I was off to Henley too) and then nipped quickly to my suite to get changed. The taxi was delayed so I had time for a quick cup of tea in the Atrium Bar.
THE ROOM
My suite was divided into two areas – a living area with a mini-fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, complimentary filtered water and comfy seating, and an adjoining bedroom with a kingsized bed and a large ensuite bathroom, with a bath.
There are two 49-inch LED TVs and a decent-sized desk with above desk power sockets. The decor is masculine and minimalist with splashes of colour thanks to bright yellow cushions. There was a laptop-sized safe, too, and adjustable lighting.
THE FACILITIES
One of the hotel’s highlights is the Elevate Health and Fitness Club, with a well-equipped gym, heated pool, sauna and steam room. It’s open to locals too (with membership) so I had to book a slot for my pre-breakfast swim. Sports fans will love the Atrium Bar, with screens showing live sporting action. It links to the stadium too.
I enjoyed some late-night fries and a beer while watching the euros. For a refined dining experience, there’s also Cilantro, with its own Champagne bar. A good buffet breakfast is served in Le Café. For meetings, there are four rooms for events with up to 66 guests and a private dining room for up to 60 guests in banquet style. For larger events of up to 500 people, there’s an adjacent Conference Centre.
THE VERDICT
The added bonus of free parking and the health club makes this a great choice for meetings and events. The staff were super friendly too.
THE DETAILS
Standard doubles from £170 a night, suites from £212, vocoreading.com
