My room on the third floor was exactly what you’d expect: a hypoallergenic pillow menu, a massive TV, and a bed that feels like it was invented by a committee of sleepy angels. The highlight? The blackout curtains. They were so effective I woke up at 2 PM thinking it was midnight. I’m not sure if that’s a win or a cry for help, but I’ll take it.
The bathroom was compact but functional—the shower pressure was strong enough to wash away my shame about eating a whole packet of biscuits from the minibar (yes, they have one). One small critique: the room could use a few more power outlets near the bed. I had to choose between charging my phone or sleeping in a weird yoga position. I chose the phone. Priorities, right?
Premier Inn Reading Central hotel | englandrover.com
Location, Location, Location (and a Serious Dose of Practicality)
Here’s where Letcombe Street really shines. You’re a five-minute walk from Reading’s train station, which is a godsend if you’re arriving by rail and don’t want to navigate the city’s confusing one-way system. The Oracle shopping centre is basically around the corner, and there’s a Tesco Express across the street for emergency snacks. (Because hotel food is fine, but a bag of ready-salted crisps at midnight? That’s a lifestyle.)
But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Letcombe Street itself. It’s a bit of a liminal space—not quite the main drag, not quite a quiet back alley. You’ll hear some traffic noise if your window faces the street, but the double glazing handles it well. Pro tip: Ask for a room on the higher floors overlooking the courtyard. That’s where the silence lives.