First impressions
Reading isn't what you might call a holiday destination, unless of course your prime form of relaxation is shopping. The town, however, is one of Britain's most redeveloped in recent years, and this new four-star hotel, located right in the centre, just five minutes' walk from the station, is mainly about one thing - business (there are no fewer than nine meeting rooms in all). So, donning a metaphorical suit and tie, my visit was a mid-week power-meet to test how quickly I could relax during a heavy work schedule.
Expensively revamped from what was formerly a Renaissance hotel built in the 1970s, this is the UK's first Pentahotel, adding to the chain's 10 in Germany and one in Shanghai. The style is a modern, masculine, Matteo Thun-designed mix of brick, wood and leather, all open plan with a huge herd of brown-and-white cowhide sofas.
Flatscreen monitors with news and sport abound, with an enormous pull-down screen for big football matches at the bar, which is also open to the public. You can even play big-screen Nintendo Wii with fellow guests. I enjoy my football, and confess to liking old leather furniture, but still found a certain level of overkill.
The rooms
The view of the A329 aside, our VIP suite was impressive - it had two bathrooms, one with a massive 6ft x 6ft double bath. The underfloor-heated tiling was also a nice touch, and the living room was so spacious it even had a pool table. Probably not great for a romantic break, but I heard that the hotel's former guests include the Manchester United team and the Arctic Monkeys, so just imagine what fun had happened here.
There's eye-catching wallpaper and another huge leather sofa moos at you. Standard rooms (there are 206 rooms in all) are of the same high quality, but simply smaller. I slept well, thanks to a thick and comfortable memory-foam mattress.
The food
The restaurant is more functional than fancy. The fairly limited menu, dominated by steak and fish, is quite pricey, with main dishes up to £20, not including sides - so a three-course meal for two with wine could easily set you back £100. My fillet steak was tender, the vegetables fresh, but my companion's saffron risotto rather dry and salty. King prawn starters and the cheesecake desert were an improvement, but all in all food isn't the hotel's strong point (though the service was faultless and friendly).
The verdict
With high standard rooms and excellent facilities for events and parties, it's a modern, convenient and cost-effective choice for the business traveller. However, some may consider the hotel's style a bit soulless, there is no discernible green policy, and vegetarians may find the sight of so many cowhides a little disturbing.
The rates
Doubles from £99 room only, VIP suite from £220. Pentahotel, Reading, +44 (0)1805 49 55 55; Reading is served by First Great Western trains (08457 000 125; firstgreatwestern.co.uk).
