Guests of the music festival(s), and fans of Oscar Wilde aside, Reading isn’t an obvious tourist destination. But it is surrounded by some of Berkshire’s most picturesquely rolling countryside, dotted with pretty thatched-roofed towns and villages, and run through by both the Thames and Kennet rivers. Reading is also a convenient point en route to the Cotswolds and the Chilterns, and is situated between the villages of Pangbourne, Marlow and Thatcham — all known for being particularly old and particularly lovely. Which Reading is not! But it’s certainly central and easy to get to, and the best places to stay in Reading offer an excellent opportunity for easily escaping London for some sightseeing.

For our Gurus, the best places to say in Reading are smaller picks, converted from charming buildings, and offering great attention to detail when it comes to decorations. They like converted mansions in the prettier parts of town, a couple of colourful boutique hotels, and a rather rustic pub-with-rooms in Sonning-on-Thames. Most are set up to welcome families, but also offer a peaceful, and romantic setting.

If you’re using the best places to stay in Reading as an opportunity to see some of Berkshires’s sights, you could nip over to the Palladian manor at Basildon Park, the Roman ruins at Silchester or see the working watermill at Mapledurham. We also recommend a visit venturing out of town, to Windsor, Oxford or Henley-on-Thames.

The Best Places to Stay in Reading

For a City Break

• The Roseate, Reading is an elegant, red-brick mansion in Forbury Gardens, close to a large park dating from the Victorian era. The facade is grand, with pillars and an enormous balcony and within there’s plenty of grandeur too: more pillars, and marble, and open fireplaces. The 23 rooms and suites feel spacious, and are decorated with a confident eye for colour, bold fabrics and furnishings. Expect patterns and commissioned artwork throughout. The gourmet restaurant is memorable for all the right reasons. Close to everything, and great for families too.

For Romantics

• The Elephant at Pangbourne is just a short distance from the 'city' part of Reading, in a charmingly bustling village right beside the Thames. Loved by design aficionados, and anyone who appreciates accommodation that’s uniquely quirky, as well as being comfortable, The restaurant has an excellent reputation, and you’re just a short drive from Windsor, and from the races at Ascot or Newbury.

Best Pubs-with-rooms

• The Bull Inn is a charming riverside pub-with-rooms in nearby Sonning-on-Thames. The rooms are above the pub and restaurant; there are just seven of them in three different sizes. All of the rooms feel light, but cosy, with printed wallpapers, and furnishings that are a great mix of real antiques, and reproductions. The hearty restaurant fare adds to the charm, and to the pub’s popularity with walkers. Bring your dog and/or your kids.

For Great Value

• The Market House is a chic, boutique style hotel in the centre of town, with a collection of 24 rooms and suites in a range of shapes and sizes that allows for some great value options, as well as fancier picks. Expect an eclectic collection of decorative choices, but plenty of colour, original art, and a good amount of wicker. Even the bathrooms have been creatively imagined. The Market House has a couple of bars, including one on the rooftop, and their sourdough pizzas are very good. 

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Reading is linked to London by rail from Paddington, Waterloo, and by the Elizabeth London Underground Line, which is also connected to Heathrow. So, if you’re flying in, Heathrow is only half an hour away by road, or an hour away by train. All other routes towards Reading will probably take you via London.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Reading’s climate is fairly mild, not far off that of London. If you’re planning to do a lot outdoors, the best time to visit Reading will be in the spring and summer months, from April until September. Like a lot of the UK, Reading gets rain indiscriminately, so there’s not really a season or month to avoid if you want to avoid the rain. It’s better just to pack your wet weather gear and cross your fingers, or just look forward to the event you’re planning to attend.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Berkshire
• Consider the best places to stay in nearby Windsor or Henley-on-Thames
• Refine your search by the kind of hotel you’re looking for, and focus just on Berkshire’s best pubs-with-rooms or Berkshire’s most romantic hotels
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.