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Great Expectations Reading

eee - 0800 031 8416
Great Expectations Reading, 33 London Street, Reading -0800 031 8416
Area: Reading
(Map)
3.45
HOTEL RATING: 
PLEASANT
3.45 out of 5 (1533 Ratings)
0.5 miles The Hexagon Reading
v6 mins driving
t11 mins walking
BOOK ONLINE OR CALL - 0800 031 8416
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The Spotlight on Great Expectations Reading

Historic Charm Meets Concert-Ready Convenience in Reading

Modern comfort wrapped in literary history, Great Expectations Reading sits in the heart of Reading inside a building once connected to Charles Dickens himself. This centrally located boutique hotel blends Victorian character with contemporary vibes, right across from The Oracle shopping center and just a 10-minute stroll from Reading Railway Station—making it ideal for catching trains to London or reaching local venues with ease.

Why Concert-goers love it

If you're in town for a gig, this hotel checks all the boxes. You're within walking distance of live music spots and the station, so no stress grabbing a late-night train or taxi. The rooms are quiet enough for post-show wind-downs, and with check-in from 15:00 and check-out at 11:00, you've got flexibility to fit your schedule. The free Wi-Fi and chill communal areas—like the grand Victorian Library—make it easy to relax or plan your next night out.

Who this Hotel is great for

  • Groups of friends heading to a show
  • Solo travelers chasing a dream concert
  • Couples turning a gig into a weekend getaway
  • Fans who want a peaceful spot after the music ends
  • Budget-conscious music lovers looking for value with character

Food and Drink Options

The on-site Calico Bar & Eatery is a real bonus for night owls, serving up global dishes and vibrant cocktails in stylish surroundings. Whether it’s a pre-show bite or a late-night snack, the menu has you covered. Breakfast is freshly prepared and worth sticking around for—even if you were out late. While there's no 24/7 room service, the central location means tons of walkable eateries nearby.

Nightlife Options

You're steps away from Reading’s buzzing bar scene, plus the hotel’s own Eatery doubles as a social hot spot with a fun drinks menu and comfy booths for lingering. It’s not a party hotel—but you’ll find plenty of action nearby and a stylish base to return to.

What People Say

Guests love the hotel’s character-filled design, friendly staff, and convenient location. Many mention the cozy yet spacious rooms and how easy it is to get around town. The Victorian library and floral dining booths get special shout-outs for atmosphere.

Areas for Improvement

Some guests note that the building’s age means a few quirks—like stairs instead of lifts and occasional creaky floors. Room decor may vary, and while Wi-Fi is free, signal strength can dip in some corners.

The Bottom Line

A stylish and historic stay in central Reading, Great Expectations Reading is a great pick for concert-goers wanting comfort, character, and walkable access to all the action.
Enter Your Dates
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7
1 room
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2 guests
Amenities View More
y
Free Internet
w
Non Smoking
x
Free Breakfast
j
Free Parking
u
Swimming Pool
E
Fitness Center
A
Business Center
B
Airport Shuttle
r
Pets Allowed
q
Accessible
Other Amenities
` Bar
` Express Check-In/Check-Out
` Heating
` 24-hour security
` Designated Smoking Area
` Family Rooms
` Free Wi-Fi
` Live entertainment
` Restaurant(s)
` Daily Housekeeping
` Non-Smoking Rooms Available
` Wine/champagne
` Key access
` Smoke alarms
` Fire extinguishers
` Guests can opt-out of daily cleaning service
` Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
` First aid kit available
` Cashless payment available
` Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
` Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
` Invoices
` All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
` Access to health care professionals
` Contactless check-in/out
` Daily disinfection
` Kid-friendly dinning
` Non-smoking property
` Soundproof rooms available
` Physical/social distancing guidelines
` Professional cleaning services
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Great Expectations Reading Guest Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Pleasant (3.45 out of 5)

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3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Paul Sun, 13 July 2025

Good value convenient location

Liked: Affordable price and a very good location for central Reading with an affordable car park close by. Good value for the lower price bracket. Polite and helpful staff. Had all I needed and reasonable size room. Comfy bed - I slept like an absolute log - and good to have an en suite shower room with a hairdryer. Had a bar with a bit of life about it (20% discount for patrons). Would stay again as a cheaper, convenient stop over type place.
Disliked: The shower was a bit trial and error to work out how to use it with sudden changes in pressure and temperature.but it did the trick. Needs a bit of work on it.Tiny complimentary tea cup (perhaps shouldn't grumble 🤣)The TV kept pixilating in the morning.The decs are a bit tired if fine to be fair.

2.5

Fair - 2.5 out of 5

David Sun, 13 July 2025

If in need you'll be...

Liked: Location was good
Disliked: Room was basic, for price of accomodation I didn't feel this was good value.

3

Pleasant - 3 out of 5

Julie Sun, 13 July 2025

Pleasant

Liked: Location and price.

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Elnaz Sat, 12 July 2025

Good

Liked: Everything was good, apart from breakfast. The coffee was not good and there were not many choices. There was only carbs, no protein.
Disliked: Everything was good, apart from breakfast. The coffee was not good and there were not many choices. There was only carbs, no protein.

3

Pleasant - 3 out of 5

Megan Fri, 11 July 2025

Great for when you just...

Liked: Price for week of Henley. Close to rail. Convenient. Only needed a bed.

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Siennah Fri, 11 July 2025

Good

Liked: The staff were quite friendly. The hot breakfast on the Weekend was an unexpected surprise!
Disliked: I feel like it’s value for money. Yes, It is outdated and could be “cleaner”. Though I did not have a bad stay.

5

Exceptional - 5 out of 5

Diego Wed, 9 July 2025

Exceptional

4

Very Good - 4 out of 5

Dominic Wed, 9 July 2025

Good value, comfortable stay.

Liked: Room was comfortable along with a decent continental breakfast.

0.5

Poor - 0.5 out of 5

Susan Tue, 8 July 2025

I have never seen a...

Liked: nothing
Disliked: WC bowl extremely dirty with faeces attached was promise replacement -never happened Hole in bedroom wall.Wallpaper peeling off. Fire escape diagram on the floor.Room not serviced.

1

Poor - 1 out of 5

Rachel Mon, 7 July 2025

Never again.

Liked: The downstairs of the property was all nice and done out really well.
Disliked: The bedrooms were awful no air con thread bare carpets infact we stayed 1 less night than we booked for as we just wanted to get home as the rooms were awful. Plus no contintal breakfast available, which it said free breakfast with the room but nothing but toast available I even rang to check about breakfast and he said its contintal pastries etc, but nothing to offer the lads who stayed.

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Great Expectations Reading 33 London Street, Reading
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