Reading's BEST Central Flat: Deluxe & Cozy! (CozyNest)
Reading's BEST Central Flat: Deluxe & Cozy! (CozyNest) - A Chaotic Chronicle
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get the real lowdown on Reading's BEST Central Flat: Deluxe & Cozy! (aka CozyNest). Forget those polished-up brochure descriptions, this is a messy, honest, and hopefully, hilarious account of my stay. Prepare for some tangents, questionable opinions, and the occasional existential crisis fueled by lukewarm tea.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (Much Like My Moods)
Let's start with the practical stuff. Accessibility? Well, it's… there. The listing says "Facilities for disabled guests," which is good. BUT, and this is a big BUT, it doesn't dive into specifics. I didn't need full-on wheelchair access myself, but if you do, call ahead and grill them. Ask about ramps, elevators (because elevators are essential!), and bathroom layouts. Don't just take their word for it! Trust me, I learned that the hard way with a particularly wonky shower that nearly sent me tumbling. (More on that later.)
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I can't speak to these directly because the listing doesn't highlight if there are any! Honestly there doesn't seem to be anything accessible on-site.
Wheelchair Accessible: See Above. Proceed with extreme caution.
Internet Access & Tech Tangents: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Everywhere… Except When You Need It!
Okay, the promise of Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – wireless is a godsend in this day and age. No surprise here. But here's a confession: I'm a tech-challenged Luddite at heart. Setting up the initial Wi-Fi felt like trying to solve the Rubik's Cube blindfolded. I felt for the first time in a while the rage of a thousand suns. It was also not like a 'CozyNest' it was more of a 'CozyNervousness'. I eventually got it working, and the speed was decent enough for streaming, but the lack of Internet [LAN], which I'm sure some people actually need, felt strange. Like, who still needs LAN? Me, probably. I may have also missed a vital password.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax… or, How I Briefly Became a Spa Goddess (and Quickly Regretted It)
Let's talk about the goodies. Spa/sauna – yes! This was a HUGE selling point for me. Gym/fitness – also a plus, though I think I walked past it and immediately recoiled (too much effort). The Pool with view, the Swimming pool [outdoor] and the Sauna options are interesting.
- There is also a Spa, steamroom and the Foot bath options. I opted for the Body scrub. and Body wrap. I had visions of utter bliss. What I got was… well, let's just say I felt like a slightly smoother, slightly more oiled, and also deeply embarrassed, particularly when I had to waddle to the shower after.
The Massage options were tempting, but my budget and my paranoia about massage therapists' (possibly) judging my stress levels ultimately won. The Poolside bar, Happy hour. So many temptations… I tried to keep it together, I failed.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized Bliss? (Or Just a Lot of Cleaning Supplies?)
Anti-viral cleaning products? Definitely. Cashless payment service? Present and accounted for. Daily disinfection in common areas? Absolutely. Room sanitization opt-out available? Nice touch. They clearly take hygiene seriously. I appreciated the Hand sanitizer everywhere and the visible presence of Staff trained in safety protocol. All of which is good to know, given that we're still living in… a certain time. Hot water linen and laundry washing, Individually-wrapped food options: all good, solid, reassuring stuff. The fact that there's more than a few of these things is reassuring.
- Hygiene certification is there and I appreciate it, and I'm glad they have Professional-grade sanitizing services. I do not take these luxuries for granted.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Gastronomic Rollercoaster
Okay, the food scene. Restaurants, Bar: Yes. Coffee shop: Apparently. Breakfast service: They advertised it! Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant. Yes, yes, and… yes!
I opted for the Breakfast [buffet] one morning. And it was…average. The bacon was a bit limp, the coffee tasted suspiciously like dishwater, and there was a distinct lack of sourdough. I really missed sourdough!! (A personal tragedy, I know.) The Bottle of water, however, was life-saving after a late night at the Bar.
- Breakfast takeaway service is available, and I totally forgot about this! Next time, I'm grabbing a croissant and running!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Add Up
Daily housekeeping was efficient, though I caught the cleaning woman giving my strategically placed "Do Not Disturb" sign a very judgmental look. Concierge service was friendly and helpful (although I suspect they secretly rolled their eyes at my constant questions). The Elevator was a godsend for my luggage (and me, after a few too many drinks).
I really appreciated the Invoice provided, and also the Cash withdrawal facilities. Food delivery is available if you're feeling lazy (guilty). I am forever grateful for the Luggage storage. The Ironing service was great - my shirts looked (almost) presentable.
Gift/souvenir shop ,Convenience store: handy for those moments of panic-buying emergency snacks (aka, my entire stay).
For the Kids: Child Friendly? Maybe!
Babysitting service is there and available. The listing mentions Family/child friendly and Kids meal. It's hard to say how "child-friendly" it really is, as I travelled solo and did not subject myself to the horrors of travelling with children. I also don't like children. I'll leave that to the parents!
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty Gritty (and Sometimes Gritty, Literally)
Okay, let's get down to the trenches. Air conditioning – a MUST-HAVE. Alarm clock – useful, because I’m terrible at waking up. Bathrobes – fluffy, appreciated. Bathrooms, Bathroom phone: I'm not sure I've seen a bathroom phone for while, but it was appreciated. Blackout curtains: essential for my nocturnal habits, though they weren't quite blackout enough to fully block out the relentless British sunshine. Carpeting: Clean! Closet: Spacious enough. Coffee/tea maker: A lifesaver. Complimentary tea: Always appreciated. Daily housekeeping: See above. Desk: Functional. Extra long bed: Yes. I am tall, so this was wonderful. Free bottled water: Always a plus. Hair dryer: Present and accounted for (and actually dried my hair!). High floor: I asked, and got one! In-room safe box: Security, I will gladly use it! Internet access – LAN: Useless to me, but I didn't care at the time. Internet access – wireless: Good speed! Ironing facilities: Handy, actually. Laptop workspace: Good and bad. Linens: Clean. Mini bar: Overpriced, but I couldn’t resist. Mirror: Essential! Non-smoking: Yes! On-demand movies: Never watched them, but good to have. Private bathroom: Essential. Reading light: Actually useful. Refrigerator: Useful for my many beverages. Safety/security feature: Always good. Satellite/cable channels: Fine, I did watch some. Scale: I closed my eyes, and didn't use it. Seating area: Comfy. Separate shower/bathtub: As I mentioned earlier. Shower: The shower was… a challenge. It had a mind of its own, switching between scalding and freezing at a moment's notice. I'm pretty sure I aged a few years every time I used it. More research is needed. Slippers: So comfy! Smoke detector: Glad it's there. Socket near the bed: Yay! Sofa: Comfy for those late-night movie binges. Soundproofing: Decent! Telephone: I haven't used these. Toiletries: Meh. Towels: Plentiful. Umbrella: Needed it. Visual alarm: Didn't see it. Wake-up service: Luckily, I did not need these. Wi-Fi [free]. Yes! Window that opens: Good
Britannia Birmingham Hotel: Your Luxurious City Centre Escape!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your polished, pristine travel brochure. This is… ME in Reading, trying to navigate the chaos and find a decent cuppa. And maybe, just maybe, not completely embarrass myself in front of the locals. Here’s my (very messy) itinerary for my stay at CozyNest's "Deluxe, Central Self Contained Flat." Wish me luck, I'll probably need it.
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for the Holy Scone
- Morning (or what passes for it after a transatlantic flight and a desperate need for caffeine): Landed at Heathrow. The customs agent gave me the side-eye because I’d clearly slept on the plane (and possibly drooled). Grabbed the train to Reading, which was… well, it was a train. Didn’t have to fight anyone for a seat, which is a win in my book. The journey was all rolling green hills, which I'm sure are lovely if you weren't a caffeine-deprived zombie.
- Afternoon: Finally, the promised land: CozyNest! Found the flat – and yes, it is central, which is fantastic, because I'm terrible with directions. The interior? Cozy, alright, but the "deluxe" part? Jury's still out. (Let's be honest, after a long flight, anything with a bed feels deluxe.) Unpacked, then the real struggle began: Operation: Find a Proper Cream Tea.
- Rant time: Why is it so hard to find a truly perfect scone? I've been dreaming of a fluffy, crumbly delight, slathered in clotted cream and jam. I had visions of rolling hills, of cute shops, of the perfect bite. First stop, a "highly recommended" tea room. Disaster. The scones were hockey pucks, the clotted cream tasted suspiciously like sour milk, and the jam was just… wrong. I almost cried. (Okay, I might have shed a tiny, humiliated tear into my Earl Grey.)
- Evening: Sulked back to the flat, defeated but not deterred. Ate a bag of crisps (chips, to you Americans) in a fit of despair. Swore I'd find a good scone tomorrow, even if it killed me. Added a note on my phone that said, "Must. Find. Scone. Before. Meltdown."
Day 2: Museum Mayhem and a Glimpse of Redemption (and More Scones!)
- Morning: Determined to redeem myself, and fueled by instant coffee that tasted suspiciously like burnt earth, I braved the local museum. The Reading Museum. Honestly? It was… well… a museum. Lots of history, which is good, I guess. The Roman artifacts were pretty cool, but honestly? My attention span is about the same as a goldfish's. I mostly wandered around, pretending to understand the exhibits. Did learn that Reading was once a major wool town. Fascinating. (No, really, I am trying to be interested!)
- Afternoon: The Scone Hunt, Round Two! This time, armed with online reviews and a steely-eyed determination. Stumbled upon a tiny little bakery tucked away on a side street. The air smelled of pure heaven. (A good sign, finally). Ordered a scone (or three – don't judge). And… YES! They were perfect. Fluffy, crumbly, warm, and the clotted cream was actually clotted! I sat there, in a tiny little cafe, blissfully devouring the best scone of my life, feeling a wave of pure, unadulterated joy. Took a picture, because, proof, people!
- Even better? They had this gorgeous, dark-chocolate-raspberry-something-or-other cake and I'm not ashamed about eating that too.
- Evening: Walked along the River Kennet. Very peaceful, very pretty, especially after the sugar rush. Felt like a proper grown-up, strolling by the water, even though my backpack probably looked like a tourist's bomb shelter on wheels. Contemplated life, the universe, and whether I should get a second scone before bed. (The answer was a resounding… maybe.)
Day 3: Windsor Whispers and the Great Train Escape
- Morning: Day trip to Windsor! Took the train. (See, getting the hang of this public transport thing!) Windsor Castle was impressive, even if I got a crick in my neck from constantly looking up. The changing of the guard was… well, it was a thing that happened. I was more fascinated by the little old ladies with the enormous hats. Fashion statement, or a tactic to get a better view? I'll never know.
- Afternoon: Wandered around Windsor, soaking up the atmosphere. Found a cute little pub and ordered a pint of something local that sounded interesting. (Verdict: pleasantly surprised!) Tried to avoid the cheesy souvenir shops, failed miserably, and bought some tea towels that I'll probably never use.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Back to Reading. TRAIN DRAMA! Somehow, the train I was supposed to be on was cancelled. Cue minor panic. Managed to navigate my way onto a different train, which was delayed. And packed. Very packed. Squeezed in like a sardine and tried to channel my inner zen master. All I could think about was: how am I ever going to get back to that bakery for one more scone?
- Evening: Back at the flat, slightly frazzled and really hungry. Ordered takeaway from a local Indian restaurant. (Butter chicken and naan, because, comfort food). Ate it while watching a random British TV show I couldn't quite understand. Decided the day was worth it. Even with the train hassle.
Day 4: Retail Therapy (and One Last Scone?)
Morning: Spent the morning at The Oracle (shopping center). Did some "research" (aka, bought a new scarf and a book I'll probably never read). Thought about buying a teapot. Talked myself out of it.
Afternoon: Scone mission: Final Edition! Got one last scone from the bakery! Took it back to the flat and savored it. (Scone-induced euphoria!)
Evening: Packed. (Always a bittersweet moment.) One last walk around Reading, soaking it all in. Feeling a little sad to leave, even though I was ready to go.
Overall Impression: Reading is… interesting. Not exactly the romanticized English countryside of my dreams, but… real. A bit rough around the edges, a bit quirky, and full of unexpected gems. The best part? The scone. And, hey, I didn't completely embarrass myself. (I think…)
Rating: CozyNest Deluxe Central Flat: 7/10 (Could use a better coffee maker, but the location is perfect.) Reading: 8/10 (Would return for the scones, full stop.) And that, my friends, is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a flight to catch. And maybe, just maybe, I'll sneak a scone into my carry-on. Don't tell anyone.
CozyNest: Reading's BEST Central Flat - FAQs... (and a few rambling thoughts)
Alright, spill it. Is this place REALLY as central as they say? I'm a lazy slug, don't want to walk a mile!
Okay, okay, truth time. Central? Honey, it's practically *smack dab* in the middle. I swear, one time I was late for a train (because, let's be honest, I was *browsing* online shopping, not getting ready), and I still managed to sprint there. And I'M a person who believes in the sanctity of a good lie-in. You're talking five minutes to the station, max. Restaurants? Shops? They're practically throwing themselves at you. Seriously, you could trip and fall into a pub. Not that I've *ever* done that. (Okay, maybe once.)
"Deluxe & Cozy"... sounds a bit... fluffy. What's the *real* vibe? Is it like, minimalist hipster torture?
Fluffy? Okay, maybe a *little* bit. But in a good way! It's definitely not cold and clinical. Think… comfortable, lived-in, and with a touch of class that, frankly, I appreciate. I'm not a minimalist. I *like* my stuff. And this place… it's got character. Real, actual character. Like, the kind that comes from years of happy memories, I'm guessing the owners do a good job, and I hope the next ones follow suit !
Okay, but what about the dreaded internet? Is it faster than a snail on sleeping pills? Because I need to work from time to time.
Ah, the internet. The bane of our modern existence! Okay, the Wi-Fi's decent. I mean, it's not the fastest in the world – which is, like, a blessing in disguise, sometimes. You'll find yourself actually putting down your phone and, like, *gasp* *talking* to the people you're with. Good for the soul, maybe not so good for my crippling online shopping addiction. But seriously, I've managed to do video calls, stream some Netflix (a crime, I know, but hey, it's cozy), and generally keep up with the world without wanting to hurl my laptop out the window. So, thumbs up.
The kitchen? Is it actually usable, or just there for show? I like to cook (sometimes).
Oh, the kitchen! I *love* the kitchen. It's not some tiny galley monstrosity where you're constantly bumping elbows with yourself. It's got space! I actually made a proper Sunday roast in there once. Roast chicken, Yorkshire puddings, the whole shebang. (Okay, maybe a *slightly* burnt Yorkshire pudding, but hey, it happens to the best of us.) Everything you need is there, honestly. Pots, pans, a decent oven... I even think there was a garlic press! A garlic press, people! Sold!
Parking situation? Because finding a parking space in Reading is like winning the lottery.
Okay, parking. This is where things get a little... complicated. There's no *private* parking, which is a definite downside. But, there's usually street parking available. Which means, you might have to circle the block a few times. Or, if you're like me, you just give up and use the car park down the street. It’s not ideal, but, hey, you’re in the center of town, and let’s be honest, a little walk’s good for you. Just don't be expecting valet service, because you won't get it. I'd recommend either walking, taking the bus, or simply accepting the slightly irritating parking situation ahead of time.
Anything annoying? Be honest! We need the real dirt.
Alright, alright, here's the *honest* truth. Apart from the parking, which I've already whined about, there was maybe… *one* thing. The shower head in the main bathroom *sometimes* had a mind of its own. Like, it would decide it wanted to be a sprinkler system rather than a shower. But honestly, it's the kind of thing that you remember and laugh about later. It’s character, I tell you!
So, what's the *best* thing about the flat? Give me the juicy details!
Okay, here's the thing. I had this *perfect* weekend. Like, the kind of weekend you dream about. I arrived, dumped my bags (because, let's face it, unpacking is the devil's work), and immediately sank onto that oh-so-comfy sofa. Then I, and I *still* can't believe I did this, because it's out of character. I ordered a takeaway from this amazing Italian place I'd been wanting to try. And the place was called *Il Gusto*. And for some reason, I started watching a cheesy rom-com (I'm looking at you, *Love, Actually*). The next morning, I made myself a huge breakfast, because the kitchen is great and I suddenly felt empowered! I mean, maybe this is a fluke. Maybe it was the stars aligning, and the sheer comfort of the place. All I know is, I felt *amazing*. I felt… happy. Genuinely happy and relaxed. That's what this place gives you: a space to de-stress and enjoy yourself. It's a haven. It really is. And after a long day of work, or, well, of just being alive, you need that. You really, really do. And just the thought of it gives me a little shiver.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Do you even need to ask? Absolutely! In a heartbeat. I'm already checking my calendar. Because a place like CozyNest needs you to go back.
