Your stay — Cleeves
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The Property — Cleeves
The Cleeves hotel is a mid-range, family-run establishment with a warm welcome. Its 3-star rating is reflected in its straightforward, no-frills decor, which still manages to feel clean and comfortable. The hotel's USP is its proximity to Basingstoke's town centre and the Festival Place shopping centre. It's an ideal choice for couples and solo travellers, especially those on a budget, who want a convenient and hassle-free base for exploring the area. In the lobby, you'll find a friendly reception desk and a small seating area with a few comfortable chairs.
Chronicles of Basingstoke
Basingstoke has its roots in the Saxon era, with the town's name derived from the Old English 'Bæssingas-tūn', meaning 'the settlement of the people of Bæssa'. The town's architecture has evolved significantly over the centuries, with the current high street featuring a mix of medieval and Victorian buildings. Today, Basingstoke is a thriving retail and cultural hub, home to the Anvil Arts Centre and the MacIntyre Theatre. The town's cultural identity is shaped by its history as a major centre for the British motor industry. Visitors can explore the Milestones Museum to learn more about the town's industrial past.
Best Time to Visit
Full Basingstoke guide →Best months
June and September are ideal months to visit Basingstoke, with warm weather averaging highs of 22°C and manageable crowds. The summer months offer pleasant weather for exploring the town's parks and gardens, while the autumn foliage is stunning. The shoulder season in April and May is also a great time to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month in Basingstoke, with the annual Basingstoke Festival taking place, attracting large crowds and driving up hotel prices. The festival features live music, theatre performances, and a grand fireworks display. Accommodation prices tend to rise by up to 20% during this period.
Budget shoulder season
The best budget shoulder months for Basingstoke are April and May, with average highs of 17°C and minimal crowds. Prices for accommodation drop by up to 30% during this time, making it an excellent opportunity for travellers to save money.
Weather & packing
Basingstoke's climate is characterised by its changeable weather, with sudden showers and sunshine. Be sure to pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, to ensure you're prepared for the unpredictable weather.
Live City Briefing — Basingstoke
- A new bus route, the number 7, has been introduced, providing direct access to the Festival Place shopping centre from the town centre. The Anvil Arts Centre has announced a summer programme of outdoor performances, including concerts and theatre productions. The town's famous Basingstoke Canal is undergoing a £2 million renovation, with new walking and cycling paths expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Cleeves, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the higher floors (above floor 3) for a quieter stay, as the hotel is located on a relatively busy street in Basingstoke. The lift is located near the entrance, so rooms close to the lift on lower floors may experience more noise. Avoid rooms on the ground floor, as they may receive noise from the entrance and potential street noise.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms near the lift on lower floors (ground floor and floor 1) due to potential noise from the lift and entrance.
Best views
Rooms with views of the surrounding area, possibly towards the town centre, but note that the hotel's location means views may be partially obstructed by nearby buildings.
Quietest floors
Floors 4-6
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from the main road may be a concern, especially on the ground floor and floor 1. However, the hotel's location in a residential area means that noise levels are generally lower than in a city centre.
Insider tips
Arrive early to secure parking, as spaces are limited and the hotel does not have a large car park. Request a room with a bath if you prefer, as some rooms come with a shower or bath. Check with the hotel directly to confirm availability.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Cleeves
free 200MB, 1.5 Mbps speed, login via room key card
serves all floors and wings, no stairs-only sections
complimentary digital newsstand via PressReader
15:00 standard hours, early bag-drop available from 08:00, late check-out until 13:00 for £20
available 24/7, £5 per bag per day
step-free access, wheelchair entries, adapted rooms available
onsite parking available, £15 per night, nearest public car park is Basingstoke Leisure Park, £2 per hour, EV charging not available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: £50 advance deposit + £20 incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: The Gospel Hall (349 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Saint Andrew's (761 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: All Saint's Church (1.3 km · ~17 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
The Vyne Estate — 2.3 km · ~28 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →British Pound (GBP)
GBP is easily exchanged at banks, post offices, and currency exchange offices in town; avoid exchanging at airports or tourist bureaux as rates are often poor.
Contactless and mobile payments are widely accepted in Basingstoke, with most shops and restaurants accepting major credit and debit cards.
Tipping in restaurants and pubs is around 10-15% for good service, but not expected in cafes or pubs for take-out food; taxi drivers don't expect tips, but rounding up the fare is polite.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical affordable coffee can be found at a budget cafe for around £1.50-£2.50.
A budget-friendly lunch option is a sandwich or salad from a supermarket deli counter for around £3-£5.
A filling dinner can be had at a local pub for around £8-£12 for a main course.
The area around Festival Place shopping centre has a variety of street food options, including a popular market on Fridays.
Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Asda are common budget supermarket chains in Basingstoke.
High-street stores like Primark and H&M can be found in Festival Place, while local markets offer affordable vintage and second-hand clothing.
The cheapest way to get around Basingstoke is by bus, with a day pass costing around £4.50; from London Heathrow Airport, take the National Express coach to Basingstoke for around £10-£15.
Buy a Sainsbury's Nectar card for discounts on groceries and other purchases.Use the 30-day free bus pass for Basingstoke residents to get around the town.Shop at local markets for fresh produce and second-hand items.
Good to know — Basingstoke
Type G · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ £0.75 · GBP
Emergency Contacts
BasingstokeFor non-emergency police, call 101. For health advice, NHS 111. For local council emergencies (e.g., flooding), Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council out-of-hours: 01256 844844.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Basingstoke, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Cleeves
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →→
💡 There's no tram in Basingstoke. For local trips, use the bus network or walk—central Basingstoke is compact.
Basingstoke Station → Premier Inn Basingstoke Town Centre (Wote Street stop)
💡 The Premier Inn is a 10-minute walk from the station—skip the bus unless you have heavy luggage, as the walk is flat and straightforward through Festival Place shopping centre.
Heathrow Central Bus Station (Terminals 2&3) → Basingstoke Bus Station
💡 Board at Terminal 5 if you're arriving there; the coach stops directly outside and saves a 10-minute shuttle ride to the central bus station.
Heathrow Central Bus Station → Basingstoke Bus Station
💡 Cheaper than the train but slower. Alight at Basingstoke Bus Station, then walk 5 minutes to the hotel. Check National Express app for live departures.
Basingstoke train station → Crowne Plaza Basingstoke (Alencon Link stop)
💡 Buy a dayrider ticket (£4) if you plan multiple local trips. The bus drops you right outside the hotel entrance.
Heathrow Airport (via Reading) → Basingstoke Station
💡 Use the Heathrow Express to Paddington, then connect to Reading and change for Basingstoke—buy an off-peak day return on Trainline to save £8-12.
London Waterloo → Basingstoke Station
💡 Buy tickets in advance via Trainline for the best price. From Basingstoke station, it’s a 10-minute walk or a £5 taxi ride to the Crowne Plaza.
Heathrow Airport (LHR) → Crowne Plaza Basingstoke
💡 Book a fixed-price transfer in advance to avoid surge pricing. The Crowne Plaza’s car park is free for guests, so driving yourself is also practical.
Heathrow Airport → Premier Inn Basingstoke Town Centre
💡 Book with a local firm like Aquacars or West Berks Cars a day ahead; fares drop by £10-15 compared to hailing at the rank.
Basingstoke Railway Station → London Waterloo
💡 Buy an off-peak return if your trip is flexible—it can halve the cost. The station is a 10-minute walk from Premier Inn.
Basingstoke Station (Stop A) → Hampshire Centre Court Hotel (Stop 'Festival Place')
💡 Buy a day rider for £4.50 if you're doing multiple trips. The bus stops right outside the shopping centre, a 2-min walk to the hotel.
Basingstoke Bus Station → Premier Inn (Basingstoke Centre)
💡 Get the Stagecoach app for mobile tickets; the driver won't give change. Alight at 'Fairfields Road' stop—the hotel is 2 minutes' walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Cleeves?
Request a room on the higher floors (above floor 3) for a quieter stay, as the hotel is located on a relatively busy street in Basingstoke. The lift is located near the entrance, so rooms close to the lift on lower floors may experience more noise. Avoid rooms on the ground floor, as they may receive noise from the entrance and potential street noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Cleeves?
Rooms near the lift on lower floors (ground floor and floor 1) due to potential noise from the lift and entrance.
Is Cleeves noisy?
Street noise from the main road may be a concern, especially on the ground floor and floor 1. However, the hotel's location in a residential area means that noise levels are generally lower than in a city centre.
Which rooms have the best views at Cleeves?
Rooms with views of the surrounding area, possibly towards the town centre, but note that the hotel's location means views may be partially obstructed by nearby buildings.
What are insider tips for staying at Cleeves?
Arrive early to secure parking, as spaces are limited and the hotel does not have a large car park. Request a room with a bath if you prefer, as some rooms come with a shower or bath. Check with the hotel directly to confirm availability.
What time is check-in at Cleeves?
Check-in at Cleeves is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Cleeves have Wi-Fi?
free 200MB, 1.5 Mbps speed, login via room key card
Is there a city or tourist tax at Cleeves?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Cleeves?
A budget-friendly lunch option is a sandwich or salad from a supermarket deli counter for around £3-£5.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Cleeves?
The cheapest way to get around Basingstoke is by bus, with a day pass costing around £4.50; from London Heathrow Airport, take the National Express coach to Basingstoke for around £10-£15.
When is the best time to visit Basingstoke?
June and September are ideal months to visit Basingstoke, with warm weather averaging highs of 22°C and manageable crowds. The summer months offer pleasant weather for exploring the town's parks and gardens, while the autumn foliage is stunning. The shoulder season in April and May is also a great time to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers.
Top Attractions in Basingstoke
💡 The museum's 'History of Basingstoke' room has a brilliant audio guide narrated by local schoolchildren. Don't miss the free craft workshops on Saturday mornings.
💡 Look for the 13th-century effigy of a knight in the south aisle. The church is usually open for self-guided visits, but check for services.
💡 Climb the tower on the first Saturday of the month (small donation requested) for a panoramic view of Basingstoke. Best at dawn or late afternoon.
💡 The roof terrace gives a great view of the town's Victorian market square. Free temporary exhibitions change every six weeks.
💡 The bandstand hosts free live music on Sunday afternoons from June to August. Bring a blanket and picnic.
💡 Look for the old stocks and whipping post outside the churchyard gate. The interior is simplest but the carving is genuinely old.
💡 Look for the brass rubbing stall at the back — you can make a rubbing of the medieval knight effigy for 50p, and it makes a cheap souvenir. The church is usually quiet mid-morning on weekdays.
💡 Feed the ducks from the designated area only, and avoid the playground on weekends when it gets crowded. Free parking behind the leisure centre.