Your stay — Malmaison
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The Property — Malmaison
Malmaison Reading occupies a converted Royal Mail sorting office, so the lobby feels more like a grand station concourse than a hotel reception: high ceilings, exposed brick, brass accents and a bar that hums with a cocktail crowd. The rooms are moody-dark with velvet and leather, aimed at couples and business travellers who want something edgier than the bland chains. It suits someone who wants a loud bar downstairs and a quiet bedroom upstairs, not a family or a sleep-eat-sleep tourist.
Chronicles of Reading
Reading grew rich on biscuits and beer – Huntley & Palmers and the Berkshire Brewery were the 19th-century engines that turned a market town into a railway-era boomtown. The Great Western Railway put it on the map in 1840, and the Victorian red-brick civic buildings along Friar Street still anchor the centre. Today it’s a dormitory for London commuters and a tech-and-insurance hub, with a riverside that has finally shaken off its industrial grime for cycle paths and gastropubs. The cultural highlight is the Reading Festival in late August, which brings three days of big-name rock and camping chaos.
Best Time to Visit
Full Reading guide →Best months
May, June and September – warm enough for the Thames Path walks and riverside terraces, with the town less frantic than during the university term or the August festival.
Peak / festival surge
August is the obvious peak because of the Reading Festival (late August bank holiday). Hotel prices double or triple, and rooms book out months ahead. The town is overrun with festival-goers, so avoid it unless you have a wristband.
Budget shoulder season
April and October are the sweet spots: midweek rates at Malmaison can drop 30–40% versus summer, the weather is still decent for walking, and museums like the Reading Museum are quiet.
Weather & packing
Reading gets more rain than London – it’s in a Thames Valley damp spot – so a waterproof jacket is non-negotiable even in summer. Pack layers: the temperature can drop 10°C between 3pm and 10pm, especially near the river.
Live City Briefing — Reading
- Reading’s new pedestrianised ‘Station Link’ opened in late 2025, making the walk from the station to Malmaison (directly opposite the station) smoother and safer.
- The Oracle shopping centre has added several new independent food stalls in its lower mall, including a solid Korean bibimbap stand and a craft beer pop-up.
- Thames Path flood warnings have been rare this spring, so the riverside pubs on Thames Street should have their outdoor tables open through July.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Malmaison, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Ask for a room on floors 3 or 4 facing away from Station Road (i.e. towards the rear of the building). These floors are high enough to avoid street-level clatter but still below the roof if there’s any plant noise. The rear aspect overlooks the car park and low-rise buildings, which is far quieter.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid any room on floor 1 or 2 facing Station Road – you’ll get bus and taxi noise from the station forecourt, plus delivery trucks pulling into the loading bay by the hotel entrance. Also skip rooms next to the lift shaft (usually marked on floor plans) on any floor: the lift motor clunks and whines at all hours.
Best views
The best view from this hotel is from any front-facing room (Station Road side) on floors 3–5, looking over the train station and Reading’s skyline – you can see the hexagonal tower of the Blagrave Buildings and the distant hills. Rear-facing rooms just see the car park and a brick wall.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 to 4 are the quietest. Floor 5 (top floor) might have some ventilation or lift-machinery noise, so 3 or 4 is safer.
🔊 Noise notes
Station Road is a busy dual carriageway with constant buses, taxis and delivery vans. The train station is directly across the road – announcements are muffled inside but you’ll feel the rumble of departing trains (especially diesel units). The hotel’s own bar can be lively until 11pm on weekends.
Insider tips
1) Use the hotel’s discount code for the adjoining NCP car park (entrance on Wharfedale Road) – it’s cheaper than the on-street meters and less hassle. 2) Check-in can be slow at peak times (5–7pm); if you arrive early, leave your bags and grab a coffee in the bar rather than queuing. 3) Request a kettle and a fan at booking – rooms can get stuffy and reception often runs out of fans in summer.
- 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 — Malmaison
Free standard Wi-Fi (approx 10 Mbps); premium tier at £5/day for HD streaming
Single lift serves all three floors
Digital PressReader via free code at reception
Check-in 15:00–00:00, baggage drop from 10:00; late check-out until 14:00 for £15 weekdays/£20 weekends
Free storage for same-day arrivals/departures
Step-free from street via ramp; one accessible bedroom on ground floor; lift small – wheelchairs under 70 cm wide fit
No on-site parking; nearest public car park is Reading Station Car Park (100m) at £18 per 24h; no EV charging on site
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (no tourist tax in Reading)
Deposit & card hold: First night charged at booking; £50 per stay incidental hold on card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: St. Laurences Church (300 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin (359 m · ~4 min walk)
- Church: Greyfriars Church (366 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: St Mary's Church, Castle Street (496 m · ~6 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Harris Arcade — 76 m · ~1 min walk
Forbury Gardens — 498 m · ~6 min walk
Reading Museum — 254 m · ~3 min walk
Sub89 — 171 m · ~2 min walk
Randolph Mews Play Area — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
HSBC UK — 151 m · ~2 min walk
Boots — 166 m · ~2 min walk
Davina's Local — 11 m · ~1 min walk
RailAir Lounge — 230 m · ~3 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Pound Sterling, GBP
Use high-street banks or post offices for the best rates; avoid currency exchange bureaux at airports or tourist spots which offer poor rates.
Cards, especially contactless and mobile pay, are widely accepted everywhere; cash is seldom needed but useful for small purchases.
Restaurants: 10-15% for good service (service charge often included). Taxis: round up or tip 10%. Hotel staff: £1-2 per bag for porters, optional for housekeeping.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Costa Coffee or similar chain kiosk: £2.50-3.00 for a regular americano; supermarket cafes may be cheaper.
A sandwich or meal deal from a supermarket or bakery: £4-6; pub lunches often under £10.
Main course at a mid-range pub or casual restaurant: £12-16; fish and chips takeaway: £8-10.
Reading town centre has occasional market stalls with street food; the Oracle Riverside area has budget eats.
Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Lidl are common budget supermarkets in RG1.
Primark and high-street chains on Broad Street and in The Oracle shopping centre; charity shops offer bargains.
Day bus pass in Reading: £4.50; cheapest airport option is the RailAir coach from Heathrow to Reading station (around £20-25 one-way).
1. Use a contactless card for pay-as-you-go bus/train fares (capped daily). 2. Eat at market stalls or supermarket meal deals instead of sit-down restaurants. 3. Take advantage of free attractions like the Museum of Reading and Forbury Gardens.
Good to know — Reading
Type G · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ £0.75 · GBP
Emergency Contacts
ReadingIn the United Kingdom, dial 999 for all emergency services (police, ambulance, fire). For non-emergency situations, call 101 for police or visit your local NHS walk-in centre. Reading is in Berkshire, England.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Reading, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Malmaison
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · HSBC UK — 151 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Boots — 166 m · ~2 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Bath Hotel, Reading Town Centre → Reading Train Station, Town Centre, Oracle Shopping
💡 Day Rider ticket (£4.80) best for multiple journeys; buses are free for under-16s with Residents Discount Card; real-time tracking via app
Bath Hotel, Reading Town Centre → London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
💡 Book in advance for airport transfers; traffic on M4 can add 20+ mins during rush hours (7-10am, 4-7pm)
Reading Bus Station (10 min walk from Bath Hotel) → London Airports (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted)
💡 Budget-friendly but slower; allow extra time for airport check-in; services can experience delays in traffic
Reading Station (5 min walk from Bath Hotel) → London Heathrow Terminal 5 / Central London
💡 TfL Rail Elizabeth Line fastest option to Heathrow; purchase Contactless/Oyster for savings; platform 10-12 for airport services
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Malmaison?
Ask for a room on floors 3 or 4 facing away from Station Road (i.e. towards the rear of the building). These floors are high enough to avoid street-level clatter but still below the roof if there’s any plant noise. The rear aspect overlooks the car park and low-rise buildings, which is far quieter.
Which rooms should I avoid at Malmaison?
Avoid any room on floor 1 or 2 facing Station Road – you’ll get bus and taxi noise from the station forecourt, plus delivery trucks pulling into the loading bay by the hotel entrance. Also skip rooms next to the lift shaft (usually marked on floor plans) on any floor: the lift motor clunks and whines at all hours.
Is Malmaison noisy?
Station Road is a busy dual carriageway with constant buses, taxis and delivery vans. The train station is directly across the road – announcements are muffled inside but you’ll feel the rumble of departing trains (especially diesel units). The hotel’s own bar can be lively until 11pm on weekends.
Which rooms have the best views at Malmaison?
The best view from this hotel is from any front-facing room (Station Road side) on floors 3–5, looking over the train station and Reading’s skyline – you can see the hexagonal tower of the Blagrave Buildings and the distant hills. Rear-facing rooms just see the car park and a brick wall.
What are insider tips for staying at Malmaison?
1) Use the hotel’s discount code for the adjoining NCP car park (entrance on Wharfedale Road) – it’s cheaper than the on-street meters and less hassle. 2) Check-in can be slow at peak times (5–7pm); if you arrive early, leave your bags and grab a coffee in the bar rather than queuing. 3) Request a kettle and a fan at booking – rooms can get stuffy and reception often runs out of fans in summer.
What time is check-in at Malmaison?
Check-in at Malmaison is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Malmaison have Wi-Fi?
Free standard Wi-Fi (approx 10 Mbps); premium tier at £5/day for HD streaming
Is there a city or tourist tax at Malmaison?
None (no tourist tax in Reading)
Where can I eat cheaply near Malmaison?
A sandwich or meal deal from a supermarket or bakery: £4-6; pub lunches often under £10.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Malmaison?
Day bus pass in Reading: £4.50; cheapest airport option is the RailAir coach from Heathrow to Reading station (around £20-25 one-way).
When is the best time to visit Reading?
May, June and September – warm enough for the Thames Path walks and riverside terraces, with the town less frantic than during the university term or the August festival.
Top Attractions in Reading
💡 The Bayeux Tapestry gallery is on the first floor—go straight there before browsing the rest, as it's quieter in the morning.
💡 Bring your own food: the cafe is overpriced, but the gardens are perfect for a sandwich on a bench near the lion.
💡 Combine with Forbury Gardens—they're adjacent. Visit on Saturday for the Abbey Quarter guided walk (free, 11am start).
💡 Start at the Oracle shopping centre and walk east towards the King's Meadow—the murals change every few months, and there's a hidden sculpture trail.
💡 Walk over Caversham Bridge from town—it's a 20-minute stroll. Best in late spring when the roses are out.