Malmaison Reading in Reading, England

Malmaison Reading occupies the Great Western Hotel, built in 1844 and recognised as the oldest surviving railway hotel in the world. The hotel offers free, fast Wi-Fi throughout the building and provides pet baskets and bowls for guests travelling with animals. Facilities for disabled guests, a lift, and non-smoking rooms are available across all floors.

Each room includes en-suite bathrooms with mood lighting, superior king-size beds, and effective climate control. Club Deluxe rooms feature Nespresso machines and complimentary chocolates, while Standard rooms offer tea and coffee facilities. Guests report high levels of comfort from the beds and quiet secondary glazing that blocks street noise.

Chez Mal Brasserie serves contemporary British cuisine with a creatively crafted menu that includes a popular steak night and afternoon tea. The cocktail bar is known for its signature Malchemy cocktails prepared by expert mixologists. Breakfast includes home-baked pastries, fresh juices, and cooked-to-order items such as Eggs Benedict and Full English.

The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Reading train station and sits directly opposite the bus terminus, giving easy access to the town centre. Nearby attractions include Reading Abbey ruins, The Oracle Shopping Mall, and cultural venues like The Hexagon and Reading Film Theatre. Staff at reception will escort guests across the busy road to the station with luggage, a service frequently praised in reviews.

Versatile meeting spaces accommodate a range of events, from small board meetings to wedding breakfasts and Christmas parties. The hotel has hosted weddings with a dedicated planner who coordinates menus, drinks, and room layouts. Business travellers benefit from 24-hour front desk service, room service, and a location that puts offices within a 100-yard walk.

History: World's oldest surviving railway hotel (1844)

Dining: Chez Mal Brasserie with steak night & afternoon tea

Cocktails: Signature Malchemy drinks by expert mixologists

Location: 5 min walk from Reading train station & city centre

Breakfast: Home-baked pastries & cooked-to-order items

Pet-friendly: Pet baskets and bowls provided