The Old Library - Within easy reach of Train Station and Racecourse - Excellent road links via the A34 and M4

Great property, central location and a fabulous host

nothing

Great location, friendly host and lovely property

nothing

I stayed at The Old Library in Newbury from April 11th–13th for my mum’s birthday, and unfortunately, the experience was incredibly disappointing from start to finish. Upon arrival, we were given the wrong key code and couldn’t get into the property. None of the contact numbers provided worked, leaving us stranded until someone eventually got back to us. When we finally entered, we realised we had been placed in the wrong apartment — smaller, with no balcony, and not the one I paid extra for. The property was aware that the correct apartment wasn't ready due to cleaning issues but chose not to tell us, seemingly hoping we wouldn’t notice. We were told we could move later, but only found out at 8pm that we wouldn’t be able to switch until the next day — due to a "bad smell" they couldn’t fix that night. This delay completely disrupted our Friday night and meant we couldn’t settle in or unpack. The apartment we were initially placed in had broken door handles, a flickering TV, no toiletries as advertised, and just half a roll of toilet paper — which was particularly problematic as both my mum and I have Crohn’s disease. On Saturday morning we were told to move, which meant rearranging our plans again. While the second apartment was much better, the experience overall had already been tainted. To make matters worse, I noticed an unauthorised £50 charge after we left. I was told this was a mistake, but it was an upsetting surprise. When I raised concerns and requested compensation, I was told it would be denied due to a phone call made by someone else (a friend who contacted the property out of concern for our experience). I had no knowledge or involvement in that call and feel it’s unfair to penalise me for someone else's actions. We left the apartment spotless and on time, and I even sent a thank-you message hoping to resolve things amicably. Sadly, I’ve been left feeling let down, out of pocket, and extremely disappointed.

Great location.

You have to send ID and check in online in advance which was an inconvenience having to mess around taking photos of driving licence etc. Flat was very grubby, needed a good clean and dust. WiFi very poor, kept losing connection intermittently. No coffee/tea/milk provided. No shower gel/soap. Shower screen needed a clean. Lots of mildew in bathroom and around sealant. Very, very overpriced for what it actually is.

Firstly, there was no shower gel or toiletries provided in the bathroom. Additionally, there was only one towel available, despite the booking being for more than one person. We contacted the property owner, who assured us the cleaner would bring another towel—but unfortunately, that never happened. We ended up having to reuse a damp towel. The bed was also quite noisy whenever we got in or out of it, and the bedding didn’t feel properly prepared—it wasn’t ironed and looked untidy, more like a casual setup at home rather than something you’d expect for the price we paid. Overall, it didn’t feel like good value for money. A bit more attention to detail would make a big difference.

The location was excellent, Check in was super easy and the apartment was ideal for a one night stay in Newbury with every possible amenity on the doorstep. The kitchen facilities were good as was the lounge lay out.

There were a number of issues that can be easily corrected. The bed creaked but the biggest issue was the badly fitted blind. It didn’t reach the floor and being off centre allowed light through at first light. Leading to a shortened nights sleep. We didn’t want to use the bath/shower due to stains in tub. There is heavy staining on the back of the bathroom door and wouldn’t what to guess what it was. The fan was chocked full of dust. The kitchen was functional but the kettle had water still in it. The pots and pans needed cleaning before use due to food residue which lead us to think we had to clean everything. There were only 3 sets of cutlery 4 of us for breakfast and sadly 2 of them were caked with residue probably food with no idea of how long since they were previously used so deep clean needed. There was also some scuffs and dirty marks on the bedroom walls and the bathroom needs some attention in regards to the sealing of the bath , the dirty shower guard, the exterior of mirror cupboard and the stained tub so a bit of tlc/redecoration and cleaning review easily sorts all of the above.

The apartment was OK. It was clean and the temperature was cool, which suited me.

Lack of cookware, one saucepan, one frying pan, grill with no rack, no oven trays. I raised this on day 1. But there was no offer to do anything except have a word with the cleaner. Might help next visitor, but not me. It lists complimentary toiletries, but there was just antibacterial hand-wash. Nothing else. In the cupboard, the coffee was really old and looked vile, the tea was out of date, and the sugar canister was empty.. The mattress felt like sleeping on the floor. It's really hard. There was supposed to be a rooftop terrace with views of Newbury. I looked but couldn't find anything in the building. Just a view of the supermarket and a busy main road. I use Booking.com because its so easy. This property required me to then go through 3 additional processes, which I wouldn't have mentioned if the trip hadn't been so not worth it.

Ideal for what we wanted, excellent location with easy walk into town and supermarkets. Bed was comfortable and living area was very roomy with good facilities for self catering. Property was surprisingly quiet.

AS we expected parking was a challenge, with confusion about what was allowed regarding the parking spaces at the end of the road. We made alternative arrangemens with a private car park for most of the time we were there.

nothing

very noisey road rite next to property very uncomfortable bed

This gem is steps from the train station and minutes from the centre of Newbury. Self check-in with codes and keys (love it).

-The wifi is very slow. There is no TV in the room. The towel dryer in the bathroom is not working. The coffee cups are small. No drying towels in the kitchen Fragile garbage bags that tear when we take them out of the bucket. Expensive price for 3 days.

positives are proximity to train station and decent size.

Not properly cleaned - bath screen and taps were dirty, there were still cups in the dishwasher & not obvious they’d been cleaned. something left in the washing machine - didn’t investigate. Lacking in basic things like milk in fridge. ironing board but no iron. Worst thing is the traffic noise - flat 4 was very loud. Not a pleasant stay at all, sorry.

The property was roomy, excellent location and felt very safe and secure. All the facilities I needed and the staff were very punctual with communication. For what I needed the venue for, it was perfect.

Maybe the bathroom could be a little cleaner? It was still fine, though.

Provided us with everything we might need for a short stayProvided us with everything we might need for a short stay

Was a bit noisy to begin with as there was a party on the rooftop terrace, which was locked when I went to use it.

Easy access for the keys and entry into the property. Property was of a good size with full range of facilities

Nothing

Fabulous location, apartment clean and tidy. Really nice apartment.

Good location. Clean and tidy

Location and value for money were great, would recommend. Kitchen and bathroom were clean and tidy, worked well for the 4 of us to stay for the night, when couldn't find the keys, communication was quick and easy.

Nothing - worked well for our needs.

The location was fine. The bed was very comfortable.

There was no roof terrace. There were no provisions when I got there. No milk, sugar or coffee.

The apartment was spacious and fully equipped with all that you need for a comfortable stay. Location wise, it was spot on. Close to the twin centre and the railway station. The level of service from the staff was excellent and responsive.

Very little to be honest.

Spacious and well maintained apartment in the heart of Newbury. Walking distance from shops. Great host who was helpful before, during and after the stay.

Nothing- loved it all.

The apartment was excellent - Clean Tidy and very well presented.

My only thing was there was tea, coffee BUT no milk in apartment

The location is perfect, the apartment is very new despite the outside looking being less attractive. Everything inside makes you feel at home.

If there was a coffee machine then the staying would be perfect.

The flat was clean and had a well equipt kitchen. The instructions to get in were clear and easy to follow. Communication from the host was good and they were as helpful as could be in the situation.

Heating: I visited on two of the coldest days we have had this year, unfortunately the two small electric heaters in the apartment weren't up to dealing with the temperatures and we had to hunker down in the bedroom with the door shut to warm up. The bathroom radiator didn't seem to be connected, it was just a towl hanger. Having worked outside all day it wasn't nice to come back to. The hosts did offer to bring an additional heater the following day if i wanted it, but keeping the bedroom heater on for the second day had made it more bareable the next night. Bed Size: My partner was only able to stay for one night as the bed was so small that neither of us were able to sleep so although he was due to stay again he drove all the way back to lincolnshire instead. Location: On top of this, bearing mind I was then alone the next night, I was woken up twice by drunk and seemingly violent people, attempting to force thier way into the communal buildings front door and buzzing the apartments doorbell at 3am. This was all happening right by the bedroom window. Although the property responded to my messages prompty and despite the time, there wasn't alot they could do and I was advised to call the police. It was a frightening experience and I wouldn't stay here again for this reason. Someone had also buzzed the flat earlier that evening saying they were staying in Apartment 4 which is where I already was, it seemed to be an honest mistake but coupled with what then happened it just added to what was overall an unsettling experience.

The apartment is beautiful and nicely appointed. It is really close to the train station and the town so very convenient. It was easy to gain entrance and the owner always answered questions promptly.

There was nothing major that was an issue. Only two fairly insignificant items; the first is that it was not possible to stop the kitchen tap from dripping, which probably is not as important in Britain as it is in Australia. The second is that there was almost no toilet paper supplied.

Good location and well organised

Rather impersonal

This place was perfect , wish I didn't have to leave

Like I said ,I had to leave

Location 5mins to train station. Very secure. Comfy bed.

Dripping tap in kitchen/lounge area where the sofa bed set up! No instructions on how TV worked

Location was excellent and flat had all the amenities needed

Too many codes to get in made it like getting out of an escape toom! No immediate parking when there is a near empty car park directly opposite. Would seriously suggest seeing if guests from the Old Library could grab another 4 digit code to open the gates on the car park.

Check in instructions concise and easy to follow. Sufficient space, property was as described, clean & had everything you’d expect. Was central to different work locations for me, Abingdon & Winchester, which is why I chose it. Centrally located to go for a walk around the town.

Parking was a challenge but that’s more the fault of the council with complicated rules in different bays. Overnight parking was a fair walk away which could be an issue for some. Property also located almost adjacent to main A339 which has constant traffic, which in turn is very noisy, thankfully there was a stand up fan as windows being open wasn’t an option with the traffic noise. Tv upgrade to a smart tv so not stuck with basic would be a good option.

The only problem is that if the packages arrive in the mail, if they stay in the mailbox, someone always steals them! There is no security when it comes to this!! I lost two orders

I didn’t stay, contacted booking.com for a refund

The smell, the hair in the bathroom. The fact the key collection was from a broken letterbox without a lock, And the door appeared to be the only one damaged by screwdrivers

I love staying in this apartment, I feel at home!!

Well situated apartment, opposite a large supermarket. Easy walk into town. Everything you'd need for a few days away. Second time I'd stopped.

Mix up with keysafe codes, the day was saved by the cleaners. Washing machine broken which wasn't a problem, however it had obviously leaked and there was a damp smell in the apartment. Can be difficult to park.

What I liked was the location, very close to the train station. Very cosy little apartment. I really liked the kitchen part & nice sofa with cushions & a throw blanket. I would definitely come back!

I think cleaners could do a better job, old food was left in a little bin….

my stay was wonderful!!

The space.

The noise from the road. The key safe access was faulty. Bed creaky and uncomfortable.

It was close to Newbury Town centre

No parking facilities

clean & convenient location

washing machine wasn’t working

very close to train station, centre of town and large supermarket. we had no problem finding free on street parking

everything is absolutely perfect

everything was perfect

It was warm and dry.

The misleading description said it had modern TV with satellite and cable channels and also stated outdoor space it has none of these. It wasn't clean, the cooker oven was very dirty. The bathroom had mould. Looked under the beds and wardrobe very dusty. It states there is a view that it's of the busiest roads in Newbury A339.

Everything was wonderful like many times before

Very comfortable and clean apartment, ideal for us. We were a family of 3, visiting a relative that lives and works nearby. We stayed in the bedroom of the apartment, and our 16 years old daughter stayed in a sofa-bed in the living room. And even with the sofa bed opened, the living room had plenty of space for us (it included a table with 4 chairs, and there was plety of space around, as well as in the kitchen area). This apartment, which is both close to the center of Newbury and the train station, was the perfect location for us, to not only visit Newbury, but also to visit the surrounding cities and towns, using the train. Also, our host was very kind and efficient. We did not actually meet him, but everything was extremelly well organized, we got all the information we needed on time, including the codes for entering the building (we arrived around 11pm on a Sunday), the desciption of where we would find the lock box (key safe) for our apartment, and the code to open it, etc. Everything was in place when we arrived and all went great. We had a very pleasant stay and recommend. We plan to return.

location kitchen was decent

miss leading picture on website led me to believe the sofa would pull out to be a sofa bed but it didn’t not. we had to buy a airbed in the end. no bath towels provided difficult to get out of shower with out a handle

everything

nothing

location

the bed is not a double bed and as such had to get in a blow up mattress

everything was wonderful

Dishwasher not working

good

location and facilities are good

Everything was great. Clean, great location, perfect utilities and easy to enter.

Nothing.

Good location

Incredibly warm and not sure why the underfloor heating is always on in the bathroom