Reading
Industrial-chic boutique hotel with railway heritage references. Dark, atmospheric interiors with exposed brick, filament bulbs, and a cool-without-trying vibe. Business-friendly but not sterile.
The Reading Station Short Stay Car Park directly opposite is free for 20 minutes — useful for dropping luggage before parking at the long stay (RG1 8BT), a 6-minute walk away
Why It Matters
Claims to be the world's oldest station hotel (1844). Directly opposite Reading station — genuinely seconds from the platform — which makes it the most convenient overnight in town. The Chez Mal Brasserie with its Josper and Konro grills is one of the better hotel restaurants in Reading.
Malmaison Reading occupies Great Western House, a Victorian railway hotel built in 1844 — the brand claims it as the world's oldest station hotel. The exterior is a handsome white corner building sitting directly opposite Reading's main train station. Inside, the Malmaison playbook is in full effect: moody lighting, exposed brickwork, custom artwork, and rooms that feel genuinely designed rather than just furnished. It's a well-executed formula, and this particular outpost delivers it with character.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Club Deluxe Room
The Club Deluxe adds a designer lounge chair to the Club Room spec — not a huge leap, but it gives the space a more considered feel. Super king bed, monsoon shower and bath, Nespresso machine, bathrobes and slippers. Good option when you want more comfort without going full suite.
Super King
Club Room
A step up from Standard — bigger space, super king bed, and some welcome extras like a Nespresso machine, bathrobes and slippers. Separate monsoon shower and bath (some rooms shower only). The kind of room where you actually feel like you're on a stay rather than just crashing.
Super KingJunior Suite
Open-plan layout with the railway heritage design dialled up. These rooms were a deliberate showcase for the interior designers — think bolder finishes and more personality than the Club rooms. Super king bed, sofa bed, monsoon shower and bath (some shower only), Nespresso machine, bathrobes and slippers. Big-screen TVs and more breathing room than the standard categories.
Super KingStandard Room
The entry-level room, but Malmaison's standard is noticeably higher than most. King bed, en-suite bathroom with bath and shower (some rooms have shower over bath or shower only), mood lighting, flatscreen TV, and the full set of in-room extras including minibar nibbles, complimentary tea and coffee, and toiletries. Desk working space included.
KingStandard Twin
Same spec as the Standard Room but configured with two comfortable twin beds rather than one king. Good for colleagues sharing or friends who want separate beds. En-suite with bath and shower (some shower only). All the usual Mal in-room amenities included.
TwinSuite
The top of the Reading Malmaison range. Spacious suite with a super king bed, separate lounge area with sofa bed, and an indulgently deep standalone bath alongside a monsoon shower. Nespresso machine, bathrobes and slippers, and full in-room service. If you're celebrating something or just want to properly unwind, this is the room.
Super KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Malmaison Reading offers a full Matterport 360° virtual tour of the property, accessible online before booking.
Hands-on cocktail masterclasses run from the Chez Mal Bar. Called 'The Emperor's Pour', these sessions are described as perfect for groups and parties. Participants learn to shake and stir classic cocktails from the Malchemy menu.
A dedicated private dining room seats up to 20 guests — suits intimate celebrations, business dinners, or small corporate events. Full Chez Mal menu and service available.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Work+Play meeting facilities including a boardroom setup. Event spaces accommodate up to 100 guests for weddings, conferences, and private functions. Private dining room seats up to 20.
Complimentary fast WiFi available throughout the hotel — all rooms and public areas.
Full 'Vroom' room service available at any hour. Means you can eat properly regardless of when your train gets in.
Same-day laundry service available for guests.
Reception staffed around the clock. Useful for late train arrivals or early morning departures.
The hotel operates on a fully cashless basis. Card payment required for all transactions on-site.
The hotel has no on-site parking and no drop-off/pick-up zone (double red lines outside). Nearest options: Reading Rail Station Long Stay Car Park (RG1 8BT, 6-minute walk) or The Oracle Riverside car park (RG1 2AG, 10-minute walk). Short Stay Car Park opposite is free for 20 minutes for quick luggage drops.
BUILD YOUR MALMAISON READING PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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