The Elephant Hotel in West Berkshire

It's a nice hotel, got a beautiful garden.

The Elephant Hotel is in a fantastic location, right by the river and nestled amongst some wonderful shops, pubs and restaurants. The location really couldn’t be better. With that, the value for money is fantastic, especially if you book one the ‘offer’ packages which, in our case, meant breakfast was included and we enjoyed a discount on the dinner meal. The room, as others have said, does feel a little tired, but, for the money, I can’t really complain. The bed was large and comfy enough, although the pillows were a little flimsy, even after recruiting the spares from the cupboard to try and provide more support. The bathroom was decent, although I struggled to get hot water from the shower at around 8:30am in the morning. The provided toiletries were lovely, though. Dinner in the ‘Babar’ (as we were there with our dog) was a great experience. The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable. The steaks we ordered were top notch and cooked perfectly to our request. The only thing I would say is that the staff seemed a little shy when ordering cocktails. My main negative was the experience dealing with the main reception desk. At check-in, we were really given any information related to our specific package, e.g. that breakfast was included, what time it was, or where it was; that we had an allowance towards dinner; that we had a late checkout; or really anything other than out room key and number. There is definitely room for improvement here. On that, as part of the package, our dog was supposed to receive a complimentary breakfast but we were never asked about this so it went missing. Indeed, I had to claim back the dinner allowance the following day after paying for the meal in full the night before which, although partly my fault, would have been avoided with better communication. All in all, a great experience and I would return as it’s a fantastic option for a stay with a dog! Having access to the garden area directly from our room is also a wonderful plus.

This was a gem of a place. We booked it last minute and there was an offer on so only paid 50 pounds b&b. The car park is small so parking is limited but there is a public carpark next door. It's a very short stroll into Pangbourne village which has some lovely shops.

Not only did we stay here for 4 nights we also hosted our baby shower. The stay: Check in was super easy, on the website says payment is collected on departure: the payment is on check in. As stated the parking at hotel is small (5 spaces) so we had to park in the pay and display next door; similar hotels we've stayed (no or small car park) have offered a discount, the elephant does not. It's £8 a day and £1 over night. It is no longer free. The rooms are clean and well looked after, very impressed with the tea and coffee selection in rooms. I think due to the age of the hotel the rooms are not sound proof, I could here people walking past room at all hours, the TV from the room next door and as we was on top of the bar any noise coming from there, so if you're a light sleeper might be a problem. The breastfast is very good: good section of food and their cooked breakfast was superb, good quality produce used!! The few times we used the bar had to wait a while or most often then not had to go and find someone to get served. The baby shower: organising this shower was the easiest thing I've ever had to do. Emily was amazing with emails; Very responsive, could not fault. We had afternoon tea which was delicious, served I a timely manner. All of our guest complimentary of the food. Only two negatives: I did inform staff that I will be coming to set up for baby shower between 12/12.30. This was agreed in emails and on the contract (Room hire paid for). At 12.20 they was showing a couple around (looking for a wedding venue). The person showing them when entering the room did look surprised we was there and did feel awkward. The other negative is if guests and myself wanted anything more to drink other then tea and coffee offered in the afternoon tea, we had to go to the bar and again gonon the hunt for someone to serve us. All in all I would book again.

Very nice place to stay, Popped in here for a night when traveling for work. Clean, good wifi and a lovely bathroom. Not to mention a bar for a cheeky adult beverage.

Overall, the restaurant at the Elephant Hotel offers great value for money with decent food quality and a unique atmosphere. One of its standout features is the charcoal-grilled steaks, which are not commonly found elsewhere—definitely a highlight for steak enthusiasts. I ordered the 12oz rib-eye steak, cooked medium-rare , but it felt more like medium to medium-well While the cooking didn’t match my preference exactly, the flavor was still enjoyable, with a nice char from the grilling process. The ambiance of the restaurant is also worth noting. It has a cozy and distinctive vibe that enhances the overall dining experience.

Generally it was a good hotel but as a hotel in a town like pangbourne I expected more. The room wasn't warm enough for a cold night.

Delicious steak cooked and served by lovely accommodating staff.

Lovely hotel, friendly staff and the restaurant is great. Good food, reasonable prices We keep in popping back

Great Hotel Pub , with separate restaurant Staff were friendly and easy check inn Nice outdoor space for the summer . Need a heater in Breakfast room in a morning

Lovely quirky hotel, food was excellent. Please prioritise parking for guests who are staying. A cheaper breakfast option would be good for business travellers.

We didn't use the hotel service so I have not marked "Rooms" The service was OK but not brilliant. Although we'd booked via a pre-booked voucher, it took about 20mins before a drink was offered which was part of the voucher. The location is good although the patron parking is tiny so there's a pay and display carpark next to it and its free from 1800hrs. A couple of EV chargers might be useful. Now the food. The food was great! We had the Tomahawk Steak meal that was the steak (750g) a rub, two sauces, two sides. We chose roast potatoes and salad. The picture doesn't need more words, it was amazing and cooked to perfection. Compliments to the Chef... The open fire was a little smokey but expected. Might not be for everyone. We also had the the Dog who was welcome in the bar area.

Friendly staff ,themed rooms are great 👍

Really nice rooms and good breakfast

The hotel is very reasonably priced, though reception closes rated early for checking in and you can be waiting for ages for breakfast (which is nice when it comes)

This 4* review could have easily been a 5 but there are certain factors outside their control. The hotel is an old building and the 'boutique' rooms whilst quirky could be a little bit better. They offer free water and posh tea and coffee. The hotel is in a lovely area but on a busy road junction. Parking is free but limited. There is a large car park next to the hotel, free 6pm to 8am. The best bit is the steak restaurant, it's fantastic and highly recommended by moi.

Having stayed here before on a business trip and having a wonderful experience, I rebooked again. The room was lovely and comfy ( if a little to warm despite turning down the radiators.) Dinner was good and a no fault service. Breakfast however was disappointing. They have moved breakfast into the dinning room. On entering I was asked to choose a table. All tables that were empty had places on them that could be used but were opposite uncleared. So I sat for my whole breakfast opposite dirty plates. I asked for decaffeinated tea, they didn't have any. Tea came in a teapot. When I asked for milk the waiter provided it me in a glass, what happened to a jug or little pouring bottle? Next I ordered porridge, no words please see picture. The waiter was no where to be seen to check if I was ok with things. So ate my toast and left. On checking out I discussed breakfast with the receptionist who said “ thankyou” but no sorry. She did say she would pass the feedback on but I sensed no genuineness in what was being said. A tainted experience.

Very beautiful garden and a good stake

Got married here so very special. They gave us a lovely treat for our 10 year anniversary. Very personal touch.

Eat the steak. Please, eat the steak. And watch how an expert cooks it. I had hanger, notoriously the hardest cut to get right, and it was perfect - cooked on an open fire in front of me. It more than makes up for slightly bleak rooms. Please, the steak.

Good bar to drink in. Could do with having cask ale on the pumps though.

Incredible hotel with a unique old world charm. Loved my stay. Should be at least a 4 star.

Five minutes from the station, 50 yards from the absolute centre of Pangbourne, this is a historic building with a distinct atmosphere. There are apparently an array of rooms here, with a number in the annex which look over the gardens. I'd recommend those without looking at them, over the room we had which was on the main road and a tad noisy. The room was quite large, clean, tastefully decorated and modern. The staff couldn't b more helpful and they are a reason to go again. We had Full English breakfast in the sultry (probably a better term for the way it has been decorated) restaurant. The bar is well stocked. There is a surprisingly large lawned garden with plenty of seating. There is also ensure parking but there is the main village car park next door.

Very tasty and generous afternoon tea. Service could have been better. Confusion over our booking on arrival and need to go find staff to order more tea. Seemed to be a party group elsewhere in the facility taking most attention...

Only came for dinner so cannot comment on the wider hotel. Funny place. We were recommended to eat here by locals we had just collected an ebay bike from. Dining room felt grand - interesting decor with some really cool pieces of furniture spoiled by some odd, dark pieces that didn't quite "go". We were really excited by the steak offering being cooked on an open fire in the dining room by chef, but the whole experience didn't quite hit the mark. Steak was pretty good but we think mine and partners were the wrong way round and by the time we realised it was too late to do anything. Service was pleasant enough but uncertainty from young team member and we had to chase our drinks after waiting 10 minutes when the restauranr wasn't even busy. I thought the chips was good but wasn't sure about the sauce. Such a shame as a few little improvements could have made this a 5. Prices were reasonable for food closer London but felt high for a very very weak lime cordial. 4/5.

It's ok. Stayed there twice now and some of the staff are really nice others don't seem interested and cold. Rooms again are ok, first night didn't get much sleep due to some teenagers playing loud music in the middle of the night but not the hotels fault. Lighting in the bathrooms needs improving as very dark.

I was pleasantly surprised at how great this place looked and the interior was lovely and stylish. Unfortunately it took a while to have our order taken, and we had to remind them of our drinks. Food was served quickly and looked amazing. Regrettably the steaks were mixed up, and we hadn’t realised until after we’d poured on our different sauces. We didn’t want to be those people that complained and got new steaks, plus we were pushed for time so didn’t say anything. My partner enjoyed his food however I felt the potatoes lacked the flavour that eluded to on the menu, and I personally felt the red wine sauce was too fruity and lacked depth. Final remark is that the lime soda was very weak, so overall this restaurant had great potential but was let down by a few things that could quite easily be fixed. Good value for money but just missed the mark, and I loved the experience of watching the chef cook our steaks in front of us.

Bedrooms and bathrooms a fair size but the whole room was full of stains, ripped furnishings and unclean in appearance. There are 2 massive bulky chairs in the room that are so uncomfortable that they were impossible to sit in. TV reception was non existent and just stressful to try and even work out how to use it. Bathroom was fine with plenty of hot water. The traffic outside is SOOO loud but that was to be expected but what wasn't to be excepted was the 2 guests outside getting pissed until 3am on a Thursday outside our window. I got no sleep and didn't want to spend any time in the room as it wasn't a comfortable room. I think we were probably given the worst room! TV selection was impeccable 👌 The bar was nice and the restaurant seemed nice but we didn't want to stay for breakfast. Reception and bar staff friendly and helpful

When I arrive I couldn’t park in their carpark. It’s very small and no one left the whole time I was there. I drove up and down the high street several times hoping someone would leave. There is a public carpark next door, charges apply at certain times. The reception was closed when I arrived at 6pm ish so I was looking around for someone to check me in. However, once checked in the room was nice, the bed was comfy, there was noise from I think the kitchen below until about 9:30pm. The water was fast and hot for a nice bath.

Excellent place. Would certainly come again.

Great staff and wonderful place

Cannot comment on accommodation as I only ate there, and didn't stay. Service was slow and inattentive - we were never asked if our food was OK, for example. I had the poussain. Odd combination with a lump of stuffing, thin jus which was strangely sweet and soggy chips. Just average. Chicken was fine but tending towards dry and overcooked. All agreed that the food was average and overpriced, and the best thing about the break was the wine. As for the decoration, the whole aesthetic is tired and needs ripping out. Describing itself as "Indian Empire" is at best cringeworthy and at worst downright ignorant. This place needs a complete revamp with proper investment, new staff and chef, with fresh ideas.

Had a lovely Sunday roast lunch here today as a birthday celebration. All the lunches were freshly cooked and very large! Starter boards were tasty too and 2 more than satisfied our party of 5. Staff couldn't have been more helpful - even brought in a cake for the celebration on our behalf. Reasonable price too.

Happy to say this is one of the nicest small hotels we've stayed in for ages. Charming staff, super-comfy bed, something different for dinner and breakfast, EV charge point in carpark. On the map it looks like a busy road junction right next to a railway line but our room was quiet and we slept well. We'd stay there again.

A little gem of a hotel. The staff were friendly, the food was very good and the rooms comfortable. Great value for money.

Utterly awful, once pleasant, hotel with very little to recommend it other than its location in Pangbourne. Unless you absolutely, positively, have to be in the centre of Pangbourne, stay anwhere else. Small bedrooms are over-stuffed with oversized furniture, bathrooms are tiled in black with dim lighting to conceal whatever lurks there, windows open onto rooftops viewed through dusty, torn curtains, the bar/restaurant features furniture with ripped upholstery or which has been abandoned in a corner with other random detritus, and the staff - other than housekeeping who were just lovely - seem to want to be anywhere else too. This was our fifth stay in the last decade or so. Never again.

Food and environment were top notch! Atmosphere lacking as we and one other table were the only ones occupied when we dined, but maybe that is normal for a wet Wednesday evening. Loved having a great steak cooked well on a fire right in front of you! Would definitely highly recommend it and go back my only gripe was the lack of confidence and knowledge of the waiting staff, not knowing what beers were currently available, and what dessert came accompanied what on the menu. But other than that a truly great evening!

Room was clean and well equipped, only bad point was road noise during the night. Hotel in general was quiet and relaxed with a nice bar and steak restaurant (I didn’t visit this though). Breakfast spot on. Location right next to main road and loud the only thing that lat it down, I needed ear plugs.