The Elephant at the Market

The hotel offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern convenience, making it a memorable stay in the heart of Newbury. Its signature feature is its central location coupled with private, on-site parking, a significant advantage for guests. Many visitors highlight the consistently friendly and attentive staff, the comfortable beds, and the generally good food available. This establishment is particularly well-suited for sightseers and race-goers due to its proximity to local attractions and the racecourse. Business travelers and couples also find it a convenient and comfortable base, while families appreciate the accommodating atmosphere. To ensure a smooth arrival, guests are advised to clarify parking access beforehand, as it can be tricky to locate initially. Additionally, those sensitive to noise should be aware of the potential for street sounds given the hotel's vibrant town center position.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel provides a good range of facilities, though some areas could see improvement. Free Wi-Fi is available, though a few guests reported issues with login and connectivity. In-room amenities typically include tea and coffee making facilities, which are appreciated, although some noted a lack of variety in beverage options or missing items like coffee pods. While fans are provided in rooms, particularly those that can get warm, some guests found the lighting in their rooms to be dim, making activities like reading or applying makeup challenging. There were also isolated mentions of non-functional hairdryers or basic televisions lacking smart features. The hotel's historic nature means there is no elevator, which some guests found challenging when carrying luggage up the stairs through multiple fire doors.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is somewhat mixed. Many guests describe their rooms as clean, very clean, and well-maintained, praising the comfortable beds and quality bedding that ensure a restful night's sleep. Rooms are often noted for being spacious and well-heated, providing a warm and cozy atmosphere. However, some reviews mention rooms appearing tired, grubby, or poorly maintained, with issues like dust, peeling paint, or cobwebs. Noise is a recurring theme, with many guests experiencing street noise from the central location or sounds from neighboring rooms due to thin walls, including showers or conversations. Bathroom conditions also vary; while some are described as clean and well-appointed, others note issues such as dim lighting, non-functional extractors, or a lack of bath mats and grab bars in showers.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive varied feedback, with many guests enjoying the offerings. The breakfast is frequently described as very nice, tasty, and delicious, often made to order. However, a common point of contention is that tea and coffee are not included with breakfast and incur an additional charge, which some guests found surprising. Service at breakfast can also be slow, and the options sometimes feel limited, focusing primarily on cooked items without extensive continental choices. The restaurant and bar food generally garners positive reviews, with guests praising dishes like homemade pizza, buttermilk chicken burgers, and fish and chips for being delicious, hot, and fresh. Conversely, a few guests reported disappointing experiences with overcooked food or slow service in the restaurant, and some noted staff appearing unenthusiastic during meal times.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in Newbury is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, placing guests within easy walking distance of the town center, shops, cafes, and local attractions like the racecourse and train station. This prime position makes it highly convenient for exploring the area. A significant benefit is the availability of free, private parking on-site, which is a rare find in such a central area. However, guests frequently advise that the car park can be tricky to locate initially due to its discreet entrance and the town's one-way system, recommending calling ahead for directions. While the central location offers great accessibility, it also means that some guests experience street noise from the vibrant town center, particularly during evenings and weekends.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise from guests, with many describing them as friendly, attentive, helpful, and welcoming. Guests appreciate their willingness to answer questions, engage in conversation, and accommodate requests, contributing significantly to a positive stay. The check-in and check-out processes are generally reported as easy and efficient, with staff often making arrangements for late arrivals. While the majority of feedback is positive regarding service, a few guests noted instances of staff appearing indifferent or unconcerned, particularly in the bar area or during busy periods. Despite these isolated comments, the overall sentiment is that the staff are a key asset, providing a warm and accommodating atmosphere for visitors.

Additional Information
The hotel is housed in an old, characterful building, which many guests appreciate for its unique and quirky decor, including features like sloping floors and exposed roof beams. While this historic charm adds to the appeal, some guests noted that the property shows signs of wear and tear, with areas needing maintenance or refurbishment, such as peeling paint or damp patches in corridors. The hotel operates as a pub with rooms, meaning guests should be aware of the lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings. Many guests consider the hotel to offer good value for money, particularly given its central location and included parking. However, those sensitive to noise should note that the hotel's information often mentions providing earplugs due to potential street noise, though availability can vary. Some rooms are located in separate outbuildings or annexes, which can offer a quieter experience but may lack some of the main building's charm or convenience.