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Reviews of Elephant Hotel

3 out of 5
Elephant Hotel
Church Road, Pangbourne, Reading, England

Reviews

8.4

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 34 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 28 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 12 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 80 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 80 reviews" "

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

7.6/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Jane

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I love the rooms here, car park is small but paying car park right next door which is free from 5pm till 8
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

6/10 Okay

Richard

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Room comfort
Poor sleep, nice building
Stayed overnight for work. Good: very nice and efficient girl for check in; comfortable bed; very good shower; nice tea/coffee/shampoo etc; large TV; room decorated nicely; good price; good breakfast service Poor: Cold room at night and morning; loud intermittent plumbing noises all night affected sleep; road noise; small carpark
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

4/10 Poor

Brioney

Business traveller
Liked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Customer Service Non existent this time
So the last time I stayed here, I had to complain about a dog going absolutely ballistic in the room next to me. Poor thing was throwing itself at the door and howling. When I spoke to reception they advised that it was the Managers dog and he keeps it in a room when he's at work. Prior to this a car alarm was continually going off in the car park. That was the same dog before he got moved into a room. I even offered to have the dog in my room to keep it company. It was moved and sat at reception with a colleague.Anyway, I decided to give the hotel another go. After a 3 hour drive to my works office, all I wanted to do was have a hot bath and go to bed. Bath run but as soon as I was in it, it drained in a matter of seconds. I've emailed the hotel 3 times about this asking for a refund but have had no response. I did say I would be leaving a review if they didn't come back to me. Essentially I've paid for something I didn't get and as this is the 2nd time I've experienced issues feel I have to leave a review. No response to my complaint is unacceptable.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

6/10 Okay

Ali Hakan

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Really needs a refurbishment!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Jane

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Jane

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The room was really spacious and decorated in a quirky chic style, which I liked
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Unexpected delight
The Elephant Hotel was an unexpected delight - I was booked in as an overnight stop on the Thames Path National Trail. The room was really high quality - smart TV, leather sofa, high quality coffee and teas in the rooms. Plus a bath that was perfect after an 18 mile walk.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Richard

Disliked: Room comfort
Good for a couple of days
Parking was an issue. Location noisy as right on a busy junction. Restaurant was good with the meat being cooked in the room which was nice. Breakfast okay but limited cold selection limited
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

4/10 Poor

RJM

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very noisy room, we heard traffic all night. We asked for a room on a quiet location. Website says FREE PARKING. small parking was full. Park on the Village Hall parking where you have to pay. Toilet flushing was not okay. Breakfast service took a long time. Breakfast buffet would be easier and less complicated then your way of service.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristlynn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

David

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Paul Andrew

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
One Night Stay for Business
To start with, I booked this hotel because I wanted to stay somewhere with character, I could have gone to the Hilton, Crown Plaza or Voco but I chose the Elephant over them and I think Pangbourne is a lovely place. It's an old building with a few creaks. Things that could improve is the noisy air-con unit outside by room above the kitchen, it wasn't too bad but once I noticed it, that was it. Great complimentary tea / shower products etc.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Enrico

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Gem for a break near the River Thames
Eclectic, well restored, superb restaurant & breakfast, all wonderfully friendly staff. Nice little town alongside the Thames and short drive to equally wonderful Beale Wildlife Park as well as other attractions
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Brian

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

8/10 Good

Judith

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2023

6/10 Okay

Ian

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2023

6/10 Okay

Kenneth

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022

6/10 Okay

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
SHORT STAY
The hotel is lovely , Star who was off duty came to book us in as her bar colleagues were busy, staff friendly. Room was cold and radiator swirled and gushed in the night hopefully will be sorted
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022

6/10 Okay

Gary

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Character hotel. Cold room.
Nice hotel if you prefer less modern with more character which I do. Clean but some less than perfect finishes such as peeling paintwork. The heating in the room didn't seem to be working.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2022

8/10 Good

Andrea

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
A characterful hotel, but not great for business
A nice stay at the Elephant Hotel and the surrounding area is beautiful. On arrival I managed to get parked in the small customer car park (not sure if there was another one anywhere, but it only held around eight cars). I attended reception to be told that my stay was on a room only basis ad would be charged another £12.50 per person if breakfast was required. Produced my invoice which showed B&B booked - not sure if this was a genuine error or if the hotel was trying it on. The receptionist kept saying that they can only go by what is on the system, which seemed a pre-rehearsed line, although she was very pleasant throughout. Reached my room which was lovely and an impressive super king size four-poster bed which was very comfortable and beautifully crisp and clean bed linen. However, the lock on the door was poor and there was an inch of play on the door which was not encouraging from a security perspective. There was also only one power and as I had a phone, camera and laptop to charge, this was somewhat inconvenient. If two of us had stayed as originally planned, this would have been impossible. Shower was ok and some lovely toiletries provided. Light to the right of the mirror flashed constantly. Nice selection of tea, coffee and water. Food in the restaurant was nice. Overall, a satisfactory stay, although I would suggest a little overpriced for the £102 paid (especially if breakfast not included as the hotel suggested).
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Philip

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sabine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Excellent steak dinner
Very friendly staff, comfortable bed. Room quite bright and noisy at night as facing main road. Outstanding steak dinner in restaurant and tasty breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kamini

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Quirky rooms, lovely gardens, friendly efficient staff and other than facilities being slightly dated a very lovely overnight stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely stay in a lovely hotel in a lovely village. Catered amazingly for dogs, staff were very friendly and lthe decor was unique and stylish. The hotel was clean and the bedrooms were cosy.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

4/10 Poor

John

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

8/10 Good

Debbie

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Will return
Lovely hotel in perfect village with lots of bars and restaurant options. Bedroom was so comfortable but bathroom really needed some serious TLC. The condition of bathroom was only letdown Staff could not be more helpful. Breakfast was great.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Tee, South West

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Good location in delightful village with river meadows to walk in. Ideal also for stopover as near M4. Quirky hotel - African theme so all quite dark. Service was good and staff friendly. Restaurant specialises in steaks which were very good. Breakfast was served as opposed to a buffet (due to covid?).
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Short stay
Yes lovely clean hotel. The lady on the bar is a fabulous employee she is so friendly and helpful nothing was to much trouble she really stood out.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Melanie

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely hotel
Amazing hotel with beautiful rooms. Staff were very accommodating and friendly. Enjoyed the fine selection of gin at the bar and a lovely dinner in the restaurant.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Lee

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Weekend break
Very comfortable stay at the Elephant. The bar staff were excellent, great location for walks along the Thames. Restaurant was fully booked (Valentines Day), but the bar food was great. The lounge areas were also great.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Simon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
As it says, its quirky. Clean, good food with very friendly and helpful staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

john

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Appreciation
Really appreciated being able to change rooms when we found we were in a front room which was close to the main road and very noisy.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Simon D

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Quirky but fun
Like stepping back into the time of the Raj. Comfortable and clean. Old building but brought up to a modern standard. Parking for free directly outside.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Ok stay. Needs to try harder.
Nice privately owned hotel and bar. Room was nice but a little dated and in need of some decoration. Perfectly acceptable at perhaps a slighly lower price point. The main issue for me was the lack of staff interaction from reception through to tge breakfast team. No interest in how we slept, no nice good morning and the service at breakfast was disconnected. No instruction on whats available, no offer of sauces etc. Its a shame because its a quirky hotel and you would imagine that service could be an area they excel in compared to chain hotels. Also beware parking is limited so we used the car park next door. Good location in pangbourne and quality items served at breakfast. However ai would recommend a thorough clean under the till counter. Not the best sight whilst eating. Would i stay again, maybe but only if it was substantially cheaper than the 120 pounds we paid. Shame could be really good as public spaces are really comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Guests to wedding had taken car parking space so had to pay in car park next door. Parking was available when we returned after the wedding had ended. Reception not particularly bothered. Staff at breakfast were excellent.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Top elephant
Very nice hotel small problem with radiator not been able to turn off, reported it they sent a guy straight up could turn it off so offered us another room. Rooms very nice n very clean bathrooms r getting a little tiered but over all good 👍 Breakfast great
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kirstin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Quirky Luxury
The Elephant's slogan is "Quirky Luxury," and my husband and I found that to be a keynote as we stayed here for one night while walking the Thames Path. From the nearly life-size elephant sculpture outside made of scavenged metal objects to the airplane-wing furniture in the bar and lobby, quirkiness is definitely on display. And the luxury was present as well—a big, comfy bed; good-quality toiletries; a well-stocked tea tray; and, best of all, lots of regular and USB outlets to charge all of our devices.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Matthew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent hotel, large bedroom, very comfortable bed. Dinner was very good as well.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Milly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pleasant stay, ticked all the right boxes
Room was clean. Good shower with nice toiletries. Bar area very nice for evening (lots of gins and yummy food!) Were able to allow me a late check out which was appreciated. Also bed was really big which was nice!
Stayed 1 night in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

t

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
a night at the elephant
2nd time here stayed several years ago. we had room 7. had a lovley big comfy bed. didn't like the pillows though. but that's just a personal.thing. the tv was the wrong wall . and the showers was a very nice raindrop shower. the toiletries were lush and lovley fluffy towels. tea and coffee in the room was 5☆ we meet with friends and had a fabulous Sunday lunch the staff were exclant and very attentive. will definitely go back.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

2/10 Terrible

richard

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
slightly Fawlty Towers - nice staff.
Unfortunate to have cold water - no hot - in the bathroom, a leaking shower with water on the floor, and a room right with a window full-view of the car-park. However, a refurbishment plan is apparently in progress. They halved the bill. Wi-Fi poor.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great staff - very friendly, helpful and efficient. Property is fun and quirky but little tired in places
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019