Travelodge Basingstoke

This hotel is consistently praised for its exceptionally friendly and welcoming staff, who often go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay, making it a memorable aspect for many guests. Despite being an older property within its chain, it maintains a reputation for cleanliness and offers comfortable beds, providing a solid foundation for a good night's sleep. Its convenient location near major roads and local amenities is a significant draw, appealing to a diverse range of travelers. The hotel is particularly well-suited for business travelers seeking a practical base, families looking for spacious and clean accommodations, couples on a short getaway, and pet owners due to its accommodating policy. For an optimal experience, guests might consider requesting a room located at the rear of the property to minimize potential road noise, and it's useful to note the traditional physical key system for room access.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers ample parking which is generally free, though guests must remember to register their vehicle at reception to avoid potential fines. While some found the car park to be well-lit, others noted it could be dark in certain areas. Wi-Fi access receives mixed feedback; some guests found the free allowance to be limited, opting for the paid option, which worked well for some but was deemed almost useless by others. It is important for guests with mobility concerns to note that there is no elevator in the building, requiring requests for ground-floor rooms. Rooms are equipped with kettle, tea and coffee facilities, with extra supplies readily available upon request. However, some guests reported issues with the cleanliness of cups or spoons. The availability of hairdryers and even straighteners upon request is a thoughtful touch, though the number and placement of plug sockets in rooms were frequently cited as inconvenient or insufficient.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is largely positive, with many describing rooms as spotlessly clean, well-maintained, and tidy. The comfortable beds with soft sheets and towels are frequently highlighted, ensuring a good night's sleep. Rooms are generally considered spacious, including the bathroom facilities which often feature a hot bath. However, a recurring theme is the hotel's dated decor and overall tired appearance, with some areas noted as being in need of refurbishment. Specific concerns included visible mould in bathrooms, a damp smell in corridors, peeling paint, and a non-functional extractor fan. While many guests found the hotel to be quiet, some experienced significant road noise from the nearby busy road, and a few mentioned hearing bass from reception music, indicating that the double glazing may not always be fully effective.

Dining & Food Quality
A significant advantage for many guests is the adjacent Harvester restaurant, which is frequently mentioned for its convenience and offering good meal options, including breakfast. However, it is often busy, and pre-booking is advisable. Some guests noted that the Harvester restaurant was undergoing refurbishment during their stay, impacting dining options. The hotel's own breakfast offering is described as a basic boxed breakfast, which some found disappointing compared to expectations or even out of date. Beyond the immediate vicinity, guests appreciate the proximity to a variety of other dining establishments, including Pizza Express directly across the road, as well as Nando's and Costa within a nearby retail park, providing ample choices for meals and snacks.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient location, making it an excellent base for exploring Basingstoke town and its surrounding areas. It offers easy access to the M3 motorway, making it suitable for those on longer journeys or visiting nearby cities like Southampton. Guests appreciate its proximity to various shopping outlets and a retail park, which house numerous amenities including a petrol station and a large Home Bargains store. This allows for easy access to essentials and additional dining options. However, the hotel's position next to a busy road is a common point of discussion, with many guests noting significant road noise, particularly in rooms facing the front. Finding the car park entrance can also be challenging due to its location on a dual carriageway and ongoing roadworks.

Staff & Service
The friendly staff and welcoming service are consistently highlighted as the hotel's strongest asset, with numerous guests praising their helpfulness and accommodating nature. Staff members are often described as going above and beyond, providing excellent local knowledge and assistance with various requests, from helping with luggage to offering directions. The quick check-in process is also frequently commended, contributing to a smooth arrival experience. Guests appreciate the staff's willingness to chat and their overall positive demeanor, which significantly enhances the stay for many. The hotel also offers pet-friendly service, with staff often providing treats for dogs, further demonstrating their attentive approach. While the vast majority of feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a very small number of reviews mentioned isolated instances of less satisfactory interactions or issues with housekeeping.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a strong pet-friendly policy, warmly welcoming guests traveling with their dogs and even providing treats, which is a significant plus for pet owners. While many guests find the hotel to offer good value for money, especially when booked in advance, some note that prices can rise significantly during busier periods, making it less competitive compared to other options. As an older property within its brand, there are frequent comments about its need for refurbishment, though some guests feel it is perfectly adequate as it is. The hotel has also served as emergency accommodation for some guests, who greatly appreciated the kindness and support from the staff during difficult times. A practical detail to note is the no elevator policy, which means guests requiring ground-floor access due to mobility issues should make this request when booking.