Novotel Reading Centre Exterior photoNovotel Reading Centre Exterior photoNovotel Reading Centre Exterior photo

Novotel Reading Centre

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From$81 /night
Check-in
17Jul
Check-out
18Jul
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

25B Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1DP
-
Close to The Museum of Reading
Very good
7.9
8.2
/10
4.2
3.9
/5

Offering a steam room and a sauna, the 4-star Novotel Reading Centre hotel is nestled around 5 minutes' walk from the Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin and merely 1.2 km from the Riverside Museum at Blake's Lock. Featuring a restaurant, the hotel is located just moments from The Museum of Reading.

Location

The centre of Reading can be reached within a 5-minute walk, and natural attractions like the public Prospect Park are about a 25-minute walk away. The further education school "Reading College" is merely 1.5 km from the Novotel Reading Centre in Reading.

Guests might as well enjoy proximity to Rose Garden, situated a mere 550 metres away. The hotel will also take you to the extensive medieval Reading Abbey Ruins, which is just 1.4 km away.

Novotel Reading Centre hotel is approximately 5 minutes' drive from Friar Street bus stop and in close proximity to Reading train station in Reading.

Rooms

The property has 179 rooms, comprising a sitting area. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels, along with a mini-fridge-bar and coffee/tea making machines, are offered. An iron with ironing board are featured for guests' comfort. Bathroom comforts include hair dryers and bath sheets, and such essentials as a walk-in shower and a separate toilet.

Eat & Drink

Breakfast is served from 06:30 till 10:00. Nando's Reading offers a selection of dishes a few steps from the Novotel Reading Centre.

Leisure & Business

This Reading hotel has a heated swimming pool and a fitness studio.

“This is a modern property that stands out for its leisure facilities, particularly the pool, sauna, and steam room - a rarity in Reading. For families, the room layouts are thoughtfully designed and children enjoy free breakfast. I think its location just a two-minute walk from the train station makes it a practical choice, though parking can be tricky.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels

Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers
  • Executive Room
    2 persons
    30 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Standard Twin Room
    2 persons
    22 m²
    2 Single beds
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Standard Room Mobility Accessible
    2 persons
    24 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
Show all rooms

Rates & availability calendar

See current prices and availability for your chosen dates!
July 2026 - July 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable
Facilities: Great
8.0/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Lift
  • Smoke detectors
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Room service
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Snack bar
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

  • Toilet for disabled
  • Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Leisure/ TV room
  • Sauna
  • Steam room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Sitting area
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Direct dial telephone
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

The onsite dining option at Novotel Reading Centre offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere for guests seeking a culinary escape. With a menu inspired by international flavors and a setting designed for comfort and enjoyment, it invites travelers to indulge in delightful dining experiences any time of day.
Novotel Reading Centre Restaurant photo
Novotel Reading Centre Restaurant photo
Novotel Reading Centre Restaurant photo

Gourmet

International
Ambiance
Bright and welcoming, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
Key Offerings
Enjoy tempting food and drinks from an internationally-inspired menu, featuring favorites like hot hash browns with baked beans and an enticing bakery selection. Ideal for families and special occasions.
Reservation
Not needed.
Open daily from 06:30 to 22:00, serving Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, High tea, and Cocktail hour.

Location

25B Friar Street, Reading, RG1 1DP
Explore Reading
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
The Museum of Reading
The Museum of Reading
4 minutes' walk
A journey through Reading's history with fascinating exhibits on local heritage and culture.
Reading Abbey Ruins
Reading Abbey Ruins
17 minutes' walk
Historic ruins of a once-great abbey, featuring lovely gardens and insights into medieval life.
Forbury Gardens
Forbury Gardens
5 minutes' walk
Beautifully landscaped gardens perfect for a leisurely stroll, picnic, or photography.
Douai Abbey
Douai Abbey
10 minutes' walk
Tranquil abbey offering serene surroundings, well-maintained gardens, and spiritual reflections.
Deadlocked Escape Rooms
11 minutes' walk
Challenging escape rooms with exciting themes, perfect for thrill-seekers and team-building.
Reading Cycle Hire
8 minutes' walk
Bike rental service offering a fun way to explore local parks and scenic routes nearby.
Revolucion de Cuba Reading
1 minute' walk
Vibrant Cuban-themed restaurant serving tapas and cocktails with a lively atmosphere.
Chez Mal Brasserie & Bar at Malmaison Reading
2 minutes' walk
Stylish brasserie with a contemporary menu featuring British classics and a comfortable ambiance.
South Street Arts Centre
South Street Arts Centre
11 minutes' walk
Eclectic venue hosting live music, theater, and art events that cater to diverse tastes.
The Oracle
The Oracle
8 minutes' walk
Shopping and entertainment complex with cinemas, restaurants, and lively events throughout the year.
Local transport and travel tips
  • City Centre
    Reading 5 min  ·  400 m
  • Airports
    London Heathrow (LHR) 68 min  ·  44.7 km
    Southampton (SOU) 110 min  ·  73.2 km
  • Train
    Reading Train Station 4 min  ·  300 m
  • Bus
    Bus stop 2 min  ·  100 m
Want access to early-bird pet-friendly hotel deals?
Access exclusive discounts today!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 12 pm
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site (reservation might be needed) at true.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP18 per person per day.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Japanese, Polish, Tagalog / Filipino
Number of floors:
13
Number of rooms:
179

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Novotel Reading Centre from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Novotel Reading Centre is appreciated for its convenient location, especially its proximity to the train station and town centre restaurants. Guests often find the rooms lovely and spacious, and some have enjoyed the spa facilities that stay open late. While some guests have occasionally noted issues with the older rooms, many appreciate the option to book parking and the overall cleanliness and modern feel of the hotel's downstairs lobby.
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Review score
Based on 1382 verified reviews
7.9 /10
Very good
77 %
Recommend
Location
8.8/10
Staff
8.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.3/10
Breakfast
7.9/10
Pros
Great location
Helpful staff
Comfortable room
Cons
Failing key cards
Guest reviews
based on 1382 reviews
7.9/10
based on 1737 reviews
4/5
based on 2467 reviews
7.9/10
Olivia from United Kingdom
Business traveller
executive room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 12, 2026
9.2/10

modern stay experience

comfy bed pleasant atmosphere cute space
i found the beds comfy the general hotel atmosphere was definitely pleasant. the reception area created a cute space for all arriving guests. i was very pleased with my stay
parking availability proved challenging upon my arrival and alternative parking options were scarce nearby
Rooms
9/10
the room included both a shower and a separate bath which i appreciate. the space felt nice and clean contributing to an enjoyable stay. the room was quite spacious allowing me to relax and unwind.
Location
10/10
the location offers convenient access to various amenities and attractions. getting around the area was pretty easy because of the hotel's central position. it provided a great base for exploring the surrounding area.
Dining
8/10
the hotel features vending machines near reception offering alcohol and snacks. these vending machines seem to provide alternatives when the bar is closed later. the selection looked quite extensive catering to various tastes.
Service
9/10
the staff members were helpful and friendly offering assistance when needed. i found them very polite which contributed positively to my experience. their attentive service.
Facilities
10/10
the hotel has excellent fitness options including a pool sauna and versatile fitness room. this gym provides a good range of equipment to meet different workout preferences. guests can maintain their fitness regimes effortlessly
0 Helpful
|
Show less
rowan from united kingdom
Single
standard twin room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 14, 2025
9.4/10

central hotel stay

convenient location quiet room efficient staff
the location proved convenient for moving around without a car. rooms on the higher floors were calm and quiet. staff members were efficient and always ready to satisfy requests. breakfast each day included a delicious array of options.
i noticed the absence of working air conditioning in the rooms. The hotel cited a "green" initiative as the reason. this policy caused the rooms to become hot, stuffy, and rather suffocating. i found this quite uncomfortable.
Dining
9/10
The breakfast service started early. This was greatly appreciated. there was lots of choice and the food was delicious and ready , as early as 06:50 each morning. it made a significant difference to my travel plans.
Location
10/10
The hotel benefits from a central location, close to shops and restaurants. nearby car parks, like broad street mall, offered discounted rates, i found. the rail station is also a short walk away. This enhances accessibility.
Rooms
9/10
my room was quite spacious, and the bed was comfortable. the room was very clean and tidy. i found the space adequate for both rest and relaxation.
Facilities
9/10
i appreciate the gym, pool, sauna, and steam room access at this hotel. i found the pool to be of a fantastic size, it included a few sun loungers around it. this made the facilities especially enjoyable.
Service
10/10
reception staff members marissa and hind were super efficient and very cute. they made a nice change to the usual reception one gets. their service was notably pleasant and helpful.
0 Helpful
|
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Jacob from United Kingdom
Business traveller
Standard Twin Room
3 nights in June 2025
|
Reviewed: August 16, 2025
8.7/10

Excellent Location and Cleanliness

rail station town centre leisure facilities hotel staff
The hotel is in close proximity to the rail station and the town centre, a great convenience for travel and exploration. I presented my parking ticket at reception and got a discount for the Broad Street Mall car park. The breakfast offered a lot of choices (especially English style) and the leisure facilities also seemed nice. The hotel staff was helpful during check-in.
The tea and coffee facilities provided in the room were a bit limited.
Dining
9/10
The breakfast area features a wide selection of hot and cold items, including pastries, cereals, and cooked options. there is fresh fruit available. There are several tables with enough space between them, which helps with navigating during busy times. The staff keeps the area clean and well-stocked during service hours.
Facilities
8/10
The hotel features a spa area, it includes a swimming pool and a fitness center (I saw 3 treadmills there). The reception operates 24 hours a day. Staff ensured prompt assistance at all times. There is also convenient access to nearby shopping and dining options.
Rooms
9/10
The room was kept very clean , and it was quite spacious. It had a comfortable bed and ample storage space for luggage and personal items. The bathroom included complimentary toiletries and fresh towels daily.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About Novotel Reading Centre
What are the check-in and check-out times at Novotel Reading Centre?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 12:00.
How far is Novotel Reading Centre from Reading Train Station?
The hotel is located just 0.3 km from Reading Train Station.
What amenities does Novotel Reading Centre offer for leisure activities?
The hotel features a fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.
Are pets allowed at Novotel Reading Centre?
Pets are permitted for a small fee.
What dining options are available at Novotel Reading Centre?
The hotel has an on-site restaurant, Elements, which serves an international menu.
How can guests access Wi-Fi at Novotel Reading Centre?
Wi-Fi is available for free in all guest rooms.
Is parking available at Novotel Reading Centre?
Private parking is available on-site for £20 per day, and reservation is required.
What nearby attractions are close to Novotel Reading Centre?
Nearby attractions include Forbury Gardens (0.5 km), The Oracle Shopping Mall (0.5 km), and The Museum of Reading (1 km).
What are the breakfast hours at Novotel Reading Centre?
Breakfast is served from 06:30 to 10:00 on weekdays and from 07:00 to 11:00 on weekends.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Novotel Reading Centre?
The staff primarily speak English.
What room amenities are available at Novotel Reading Centre?
Rooms include air conditioning, a minibar, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with free toiletries.
Are there any specific offers for families at Novotel Reading Centre?
Up to two children under 16 stay free and receive free breakfast when sharing a room with adults.
What transportation options are available near Novotel Reading Centre?
Reading Train Station is a 2-minute walk away, with direct trains to London Paddington taking approximately 30 minutes.
What facilities are available for business travelers at Novotel Reading Centre?
The hotel provides business services and meeting facilities for business travelers.

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