This is the only hotel for me in Basingstoke, and I never stay anywhere else. Yes, it does need some investment, and it was no doubt hit hard by the Covid virus lockdowns. But its response has not been to hike prices to the insane levels of some hotels and inns. The staff are uniformly helpful, cheerful and friendly, and the night porter ( a workaholic South African) would quickly earn the concierge's cross keys in any 5* London hotel. I hope the Red Lion recognises his valuable contribution. The breakfast here is always excellent, and there is now a dinner menu in the evening. The location is perfect, of course, being a former coaching inn, and the bar and dining-room are open to non-residents. A spacious and secure car-park ensures the safety of guests' vehicles throughout their stay.

Bar prices are high. Television sets in the rooms are tiny.

Everything! The location of the hotel is perfect because there are plenty of restaurants around, especially the Omakase restaurant that is basically opposite and does amazing sushi; though if you feel like having a lazy day then you can always order takeaway with UberEats that has plenty of options available! It's also a short walk to The Malls which makes it ideal if you want to go shopping! The Hotel staff and extremely friendly and accommodating, always making sure you have everything you need, and if you don't have something then you can ask them and they'll do their best to get you what you need! There is an attached Café called The Dice Tower which is accessible from outside but also through the doors in the lobby, and it is such an amazing place! The staff are incredibly friendly and the food and drinks are amazing (100% recommend the Lock & Loaded Fries, Hot Brownie Bites and the Deep Dive)! They have loads of Board Games for people to play, and hold events regularly for games like Blood on the Clocktower and D&D. So if you're into that and are staying at the Hotel there's plenty for you to do and enjoy!

The only "issues", and I put that word in quotes because they didn't really impact the stay at all, were the bottles of Shampoo and Body Wash were a little awkward to reach on the wall in the shower, and the sudden disappearance of the hot water midway through having a shower. Turns out there were some workmen doing some maintenance at the Hotel while we were there so they had to turn the hot water off for a bit, but there was no notice or message anywhere saying that would or could be something that might happen, so that came as a bit of a shock lol. But it was only on one day so it's negligible really!

We liked the service, the hospitality, the clean rooms, especially enjoyed the breakfast (best porridge ever! ), the ample parking In fact everything but the hote/ pub/bar.

We didn't like the lack of signage out on the one-way system. Miss the turning, and you drive 1.6 miles to get back to it ! The hotel/pub bar. Walking through from the hotel was, well, a bit of a shock, being as the hotel is so nice! But then it seemed like every independent pub in the town centre, including this one, had become a scruffy hangout, or a venue for heavy rock music. We went to a chain pub, whose ethos is based on a traditional English pub. This didn't spoil the stay, which on the whole, exceeded expectations.

Our room was a good size and spacious. The king size bed was extremely comfortable. The lounge bar area was lovely. Very light and inviting. We met 3 members of staff. Sarah on reception, Wendy the Deputy Manager who was behind the bar and Anna who was working in the breakfast room. All 3 members of staff were absolutely lovely. So friendly and helpful. Really easy to talk to. Tje. Breakfast was delicious. The property was very clean and very near to The Anvil where we were going to a show. I think it was a 9 minute walk. Lovely on a sunny evening.

Our hotel room was a little dated.

Booked a 1 night stay following a family party in one of the hotel’s function rooms. Having booked a room via booking.com at a really good price I was not sure what to expect! Hotel exceeded my expectations considering what I paid for the room! Modern building without much character but very good sized, clean room, crisp white bed linen and plenty of fresh towels. The staff were absolutely delightful and nothing was too much trouble! Breakfast was great; plenty of options; full English to pastries and fruit with plenty of tea and coffee. Parking in the hotel car park was a bonus.

Room was a bit warm for me but that’s personal preference!

I loved how clean it was and the bed was very comfortable. There was a fan in the cupboard by the bed, which I needed, a hairdryer was in the dresser drawer and ample hangers for my clothes. The staff were lovely and welcoming too!

There was no issue with the hotel for me as it was NYE and situated right opposite to the venue, the Gabardine bar, that I was attending. The only issue I had was a couple were arguing in the early hours and really disturbed what was a fab sleep; This made my long drive home feel even longer! Not down to the hotel… just people peopling! 🤦🏽‍♀️

The room, the staff, the breakfast, the location.

Armchairs and sofas removed from restaurant and bar area, so no more sitting comfortably with a drink or to watch television. Sometimes the place feels as though hotel guests are way down the list of management's priorities. The staff fight hard to make up for it, and in large part they succeed. A great shame that the Christmas festivities are not going ahead. Significant loss of revenue there, one can't help thinking.

Large hotel perfectly located in the very centre of town above a pub (no noise whatsoever) with shops and restaurants at the doorstep. Very clean spacious rooms, lovely comfortable beds. Staff very friendly, going above and beyond. We as a family were visiting because of a food festival at a 5 mins walking distance & were even allowed to check out a little later free of charge. Breakfast was very good & extra's are available on request, very friendly service.

We could hardly find anything wrong, but if pressed; the only thing missing from our family room was a hairdryer. However, when we asked at reception, staff were very accommodating/helpful & immediately gave us a hairdryer, problem solved.

Friendly receptionist on arrival and all reception team.very nice helpful and informative Straight to our room ready Clean and comfortable Good location for the theatre Lovely choice for breakfast friendly cheerful staff serving included in our booking price excellent value Friendly ckeaning team who work very hard especially in this extremely hot weather

There is nothing just possible update to blinds when coats allow. Good value hotel

Convenient, great access and location. Comfortable beds. Clean towels.

Microwaved, bland meals in the restaurant. No hairdryer Black mould around the window Stale hard coffee in the sachets Cobwebs Staff and management arguing in reception, in front of guests. (Poor management ethos, rather than saying I can only spare a few minutes but come through for a chat, telling the staff member who had come in especially to see management to air a grievance, “we all have stuff going on you’re just playing tit for tat” in front of guests.