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!

I was travelling with my teenage son to attend a convention and stayed 4 nights. This was our first stay at Red Lion Hotel. Very welcoming reception staff, smiles on their faces and helpful. Delicious breakfast during our stay, lady who takes order and served us ( I think it was Wendy - apology if name in incorrect) was so nice and really cared every guests in the restaurant area, as well other girls. Room was clean and complementary tea and biscuits in the room. Free parking onsite and ideally located within walking distance to all the shops and restaurants. Definitely will recommend and will return next year. Thank you

Nothing

Great location, friendly warm hotel Staff on arrival went over and above by making sure we could get a drink from the bar as we had a breakdown on the way and very stressed.

Breakfast was poor… first morning no sausages available for at least 20 minutes by which time we had finished breakfast. 2nd morning, we waited on coffee refill for ages when we first got there, and very low on other products. Not a seamless breakfast experience at all, could do with rethinking and reworking breakfast availability. Both mornings we arrived at either 9.15 or 9.30 plenty of time before breakfast stopped at 10. This was the only thing that spoilt things for us 😞

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.

Staff were amazing. Kind and caring. Im a wheelchair user and they helped us to our room without being asked. Thru even helped clear up after the wedding reception that was self catered, even though they didnt have to. It shows if you treat the hotel staff with the kindness and respect they deserve, youll get that back.

The lift was very small for a wheelchair and another person who is pushing you. Rooms could do with having much longer leads on the fans they supplied or having plug sockets by the bed. It was 32c outside.

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! 🤦🏽‍♀️

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!

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.