The Narrowboat

3.5 star property
Comfortable inn near University of Reading

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your current months are April, 2024 and May, 2024.
April 2024
May 2024

The Narrowboat

Photo gallery for The Narrowboat

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Lobby
Shower, free toiletries, hair dryer, towels
Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

Overview of The Narrowboat

Reviews
9.2

Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Parking included
  • Restaurant
  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Business services

Your area essentials

Blakes Lock, Gas Works Road, Reading, England, RG1 3EQ
  • Popular LocationRoyal Berkshire Hospital8 min walk
  • Popular LocationOracle11 min walk
  • Popular LocationUniversity of Reading4 min drive
  • AirportLondon (LHR-Heathrow)39 min drive
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Room options

Double Room, Ensuite

cleanliness

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Digital channels
Desk
Daily housekeeping
  • 96 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

Single Room, Ensuite

cleanliness

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Digital channels
Daily housekeeping
  • 53 sq ft
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Twin Bed

Deluxe Double Room, Ensuite

cleanliness

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hair dryer
Private bathroom
Free bottled water
Digital channels
Desk
Daily housekeeping
  • 12 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Reading

The Narrowboat is located in Reading City Centre, a neighborhood in Reading. Lapland UK and Lagoona Park are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Oracle and John Lewis Reading. Predator Assault, Laser Combat and Weekend Warriors Paintball are also worth visiting.

What's nearby

  • Royal Berkshire Hospital - 8 min walk
  • Oracle - 11 min walk
  • Reading Museum and Town Hall - 12 min walk
  • Hexagon - 18 min walk
  • University of Reading - 4 min drive

Getting around

  • Reading Station - 14 min walk
  • Heathrow Airport (LHR) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • McDonald's - 4 min walk
  • The Jolly Anglers - 7 min walk
  • Back of Beyond - 5 min walk
  • Veeno - 11 min walk
  • The Lyndhurst Bar & Kitchen - 6 min walk

About this property

The Narrowboat

Inn located in Reading City Centre
A terrace, a coffee shop/cafe, and a bar are just a few of the amenities provided at The Narrowboat. The onsite British cuisine restaurant features light fare. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
You'll also enjoy the following perks during your stay:
  • Free self parking
  • Express check-out, smoke-free premises, and barbecue grills
  • A banquet hall, coffee/tea in the lobby, and wedding services
Room features
All guestrooms at The Narrowboat include comforts such as free WiFi and free bottled water.
Extra amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and free toiletries
  • Flat-screen TVs with digital channels
  • Heating, daily housekeeping, and phones

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited onsite parking

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Terrace

More

  • Banquet hall
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water

More

  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:30 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
For more details, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Reception and check-in hours are noon to 10:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

Property is also known as

BEL DRAGON READING Inn
BEL DRAGON READING
BEL THE DRAGON READING
The Narrowboat Inn
The Narrowboat Reading
Bel The Dragon Reading
The Narrowboat Inn Reading

Frequently asked questions

Is The Narrowboat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Narrowboat?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at The Narrowboat?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 11:30 PM. After-hours check-in is not available.

What time is check-out at The Narrowboat?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Narrowboat located?

Located in Reading City Centre, this inn is within a 15-minute walk of Kennet & Avon Canal and Thames River. Reading Abbey Ruins and Reading College are also within 10 minutes. Reading Station is 14 minutes by foot and Reading (XRE-Reading Train Station) is 14 minutes.

The Narrowboat Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 65 out of 100 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 29 out of 100 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 100 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 100 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 100 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.6/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Martyn

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location, lovely rooms, great pub/restarurant and cracking view of the canal. The staff were super nice,so friendly and polite. Food was out of this world too, and with free parking and easy access I'm totaly blown away by the place.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay in Reading
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Paul

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christiane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely location and fabulous ambience. A great combination of rustic and industrial decor. Staff more than happy to go the extra mile. I was staying there to be in time for a hospital appointment early the next morning so was unable to sample the food but what I saw coming out of the kitchen looked delicious. I have already invited three of my friends for a night out there in January to beat the January Blues. If you are looking to stay somewhere nice in Reading, the Narroboat is an inspired choice!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Roy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Really lovely hotel would recommend A+
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gill

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Steve

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff were lovely and made us feel welcome. The room was a bit disappointing. Wasnt cleaned well and a bit dusty, dirty. Thier was a crack in the sink and tap was leaking. Needs a update and bit more luxurious for the price. Also rang ahead for let them know it was our wedding night. They said they would arrange somthing special for us which they didnt. But the staff did give us a free drink from.the bar. Thought the restaurant was too expensive and need more choice..
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Pui Fung

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice place, not expensive hotel. The cafe is really good.

10/10 Excellent

Lee

Business traveler
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fabulous
Food was wonderful .Bedrooms were beautiful. Great location
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Phillipa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely stay… beautiful room in a fabulous pub. Very friendly staff. Very noisy early in the morning with deliveries. Gorgeous breakfast, which we didn’t realise was included in the stay so was a nice surprise! It should be advertised as included. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

General hotel information

Reasons to Book
Spacious Rooms
Check-In Time
3:00 PM
Check-Out Time
10:00 AM
Star Rating
3.5