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  5. Reviews of The French Horn

Reviews of The French Horn 3 stars

Play Hatch Road, Reading, RG4 6TN, United Kingdom

Review score

Based on 42 hotel reviews

8.7

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.0

  • Comfort

    8.9

  • Location

    9.6

  • Facilities

    8.4

  • Staff

    9.3

  • Value for money

    8.3

  • Free WiFi

    5.0

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 26 August 2024

    10
    Beautiful location, amazing views, incredible staff
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    The views were exceptional! Such a beautiful location! The views of the river from the bedroom was incredible. The property itself was a gorgeous 200 year old building with a perfect terrace to drink and dine on. Every single member of staff was incredible and made it feel as though they truly cared about their guests. The service was the best I’ve ever received

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: 25 August 2024

    10
    Exceptional staff and location and a must stay! 100% recommended
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    There is everything to love about this property! The staff are extremely welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable about the area. The property itself has an amazing character and charm, overlooking the beautiful lakes, the grounds are beautiful and so calming to sit in. The room was extremely comfortable and clean with the most idyllic view. My stay was finished with a delicious breakfast.

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: 24 August 2024

    8.0
    Very nice hotel in a lovely setting, with extremely good customer service from the staff.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The aircon didn't work, despite there being a control on the wall, which was annoying as the room was very hot (the weather was exceptionally hot, though). However, I didn't ask the hotel about this, so it was entirely my fault as it might have been possible to fix this. The French doors were a little stiff and difficult to close once opened, but I managed. The handle on one of the bedside drawers came away in my hand with only a light touch, and the legs on the dressing table stool were very wobbly - it felt a little as though some furniture was starting to need a bit of tlc. The pillows were huge and varied in thickness, but each was a bit too hard, so a slightly softer one as an option would have been nice. Breakfast in the room was an option, but it would have been great to have had the option to eat downstairs, as the bedroom was still awfully hot in the morning. There was no ceiling light for the bedroom section of the room and the bedside lamps were very dim, so it was rather dark. A wi-fi password was provided but didn't work; again, I chose not to query this as didn't have too much work to do so used my phone for this.

    The room was very spacious and beautifully clean (although there were a couple of marks on the bath where it had clearly not been completely wiped down, but they were tiny). The chap who met me on arrival and the lady at reception when I left were both extremely cheerful, helpful and professional. The bed was large and super comfy and the duvet was awesome. The view outside my room across the garden was lovely. Despite its location next to the main road through Sonning, the room was surprisingly quiet and what sound there was was not a disturbance. Overall, the hotel is lovely and I would definitely go again (but would enquire about the issues encountered).

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 July 2024

    8.0
    A beautiful hotel, lovely large room with a view over the river for an extremely reasonable price which included breakfa
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Dinner prices! Our own fault, we hadn’t checked the menu before we booked. But the cheapest starter was £25 - way over our budget

    Location & character. View of the river & lovely grounds.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: 20 May 2024

    8.0
    Relaxing in a friendly environment.
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Nothing

    Being on the river

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: 19 October 2023

    9.0
    A lovely comfortable place to spend a week-end.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    No lift and fairly steep stairs, but we were helped with our luggage up to the room. So, not really a problem.

    The location is stunning. Situated on a bend of the Thames, our room had access to a balcony with wonderful views over the hotel gardens and the river. All the staff were very helpful and friendly. We ate in the restaurant one evening to celebrate a birthday. The food was great and the service was attentive without being intrusive. A perfect balance. A very cosy bar with open log fire for pre and post dinner drinks. Car parking just across the road.

    Stayed in October 2023

  • Reviewed: 17 September 2023

    8.0
    Wonderful hotel and restaurant
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The shower didn’t work very well but the room was lovely otherwise

    Beautiful location and charming inside

    Stayed in September 2023

  • Reviewed: 20 July 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Great location, extremely helpful staff. Fabulous room overlooking river, drinks on terrace. Wonderful!

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: 3 July 2023

    8.0
    A Rare Delight!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Whilst the restaurant is excellent, the pricing is on a par with some of the most expensive in Mayfair or Knightsbridge and feels probably a tad too much for this part of the world.

    It's rare to find in this corner of England these days, where so many old hotels have been given anodyne, cookie cutter makeovers (all the latest design trends but totally souless and uncomfortable such as The Great House over the bridge or The Bell at Hurley) whereas The French Horn retains it's old style English charm and character. Please don't change it!

    Stayed in July 2023

  • Reviewed: 18 June 2023

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    no fridge in a room

    location,atmosphere,staff

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: 13 June 2023

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    dangerous exit from hotel accross busy rd to carpark

    Breakfast complimentary in roomoverlooking river

    Stayed in June 2023

  • Reviewed: 9 May 2023

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The cosy friendly atmosphere and I had the most lovely room

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 23 April 2023

    10
    We’ll be back.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Junior Suite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Fabulous food, as always, the best service, as always, just perfect.

    Stayed in April 2023

  • Reviewed: 6 November 2022

    10
    Par excellence
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    I didn't like that I could not stay another day!

    Every single detail is exceptionally integrated to make the hotel a lush, relaxed and superior venue.

    Stayed in November 2022

  • Reviewed: 18 September 2022

    10
    We stayed here for our wedding anniversary, the staff were so helpful and friendly, we had the most beautiful cottage ne
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Suite
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    some parts of the property are very dated but this adds to the charm.

    Characterful property located right on the Thames, very picturesque. Food was great and staff were very attentive.

    Stayed in September 2022

  • Reviewed: 11 September 2022

    10
    An outstanding Thames side inn with fantastic food.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The old staircases were very steep.

    The dining room was extremely characterful and the food delicious.

    Stayed in September 2022

  • Reviewed: 6 September 2022

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing.

    Room with view over the river. Friendly and professional staff. The nearby village of Sonning is delightful

    Stayed in September 2022

  • Reviewed: 11 July 2022

    10
    Exceptional
    • Business trip
    • Group
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    The shower didn't work very well, but I gather this was something to do with a pump and the owner had promised to get this looked at first thing next morning.

    The owner of this hotel was so friendly and made our stay very enjoyable. The view of the river from my bedroom window was lovely.

    Stayed in July 2022

  • Reviewed: 4 June 2022

    10
    Exceptional
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    nothing

    easy to find

    Stayed in April 2022

  • Reviewed: 31 May 2022

    8.0
    lovely staff, lovely downstairs rooms, bedrooms in need to TLC
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    We were a party of 8, having dinned the night before in the restaurant we had to have breakfast in our rooms separately, The reason given was COVID which is senseless. In room breakfasts were specified at the time of booking but we hoped they had come into line with other hotels. This rather took the shine off the stay. The room itself had a fire exit sign that glowed brightly above the door all night, illuminating the room, so much so my husband had to hang his shirt over it. No hot water until 8.00am

    Lovely setting. Full of old world charm Carpeted dining which means a much nicer dining environment for people with hearing problems

    Stayed in May 2022

  • Reviewed: 30 May 2022

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Loved the accommodation. Beautiful setting. Fabulous breakfast. Staff lovely and very helpful.

    Stayed in May 2022

  • Reviewed: 22 May 2022

    10
    Very memorable,the staff were exceptional especially the hostess in the restaurant
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The boiled eggs were totally undercooked and the toast was tasteless and overcooked

    The service was exceptional and friendly

    Stayed in May 2022

  • Reviewed: 8 September 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great location and view. Also good full English breakfast. But all a bit dated. But great value for money

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: 6 June 2024

    7.0
    Ducks look amazing on the fire
    • Business trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Small details. Coffee machine didn’t work. No kettle. No water glasses provided. Menu for dinner looks fantastic but no bar menu so will put off solo/business travellers. Thousands of pictures of past glories and certificates is tired and decor could do with being brought into this century

    Loved the slightly faded grandeur of this old lady that is hanging on. If you manage to cross the race track road from the car park then the peace and quiet of the grounds to the river is welcome. Rooms are spacious and have lovely views.

    Stayed in June 2024

  • Reviewed: 3 June 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Superior Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    No fridge in room so bottle if water warm; no glasses either

    Excellent hotel manager, mainly very nice and friendly staff; beautiful view; nice meal

    Stayed in June 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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