Mercure George Hotel Reading

We just tried to go in here for a coffee and before we could even open the door, a scowling man dressed as a security guard opened the door, said "yes?" and when we asked if we could have a coffee, he answered abruptly "No." You get a warmer welcome at the Job Centre. This used to be a very welcoming Hotel. Not now.

I was looking for somewhere to have coffee and perhaps breakfast. I am writing this as I don't think this is what I would consider a normal hotel and recommend that anybody interested in booking investigates further beforehand. My reasons: a) The courtyard between the street entrance and the door marked hotel entrance is packed with bikes. b) What should be a welcoming reception is now occupied with 2 rows of tables being used as desks by some people. c) Behind this almost office-like area were several fridges and a row of microwaves adorned with laminated signs/instructions. I have been in hostels that have a more welcoming entrance area! I did have a lovely coffee in the Workhouse Coffee Shop to the left of the entrance. The coffee shop is well worth a visit if you are interested in coffee from different parts of the world. For the toilet was I was told that the Coffee Shop was part of the hotel and directed to the Hotel Entrance. Hence my observations above. I never actually stayed in the hotel.