Premier Inn Newbury Town Centre South A339 Hotel

So there I was, exhausted after a six-hour drive, my satnav cheerfully announcing I’d reached my destination. The only problem? I was staring at a roundabout and what looked like a car dealership, not a hotel. If you’ve ever tried to find Premier Inn Newbury Town Centre South A339 Hotel for the first time, you know exactly that moment of panic. (Spoiler: it’s behind the petrol station, tucked away like it’s playing hide-and-seek.)

First Impressions: The "Where Am I?" Factor

Let’s be honest—this isn’t a hotel you stumble upon by accident. It sits on the A339, a busy road that feels more industrial than charming. But once you actually park (free parking, by the way—rare these days!), the building itself is clean, modern, and surprisingly quiet given the traffic. You know that feeling when a place looks unassuming from the outside but inside is a cozy fortress? Yeah, that’s this place.

Check-in was a breeze, partly because there were only two other people at the desk. The staff had that "we've seen it all" calmness, which immediately makes you trust them. One guy even remembered my name when I asked for extra pillows—creepy or impressive? You decide, but I was sold.

The Room: Standard Premier Inn, but with a Twist

The room was exactly what you’d expect: the signature Hypnos bed (the one that makes you forget you’re in a budget chain), a white duvet that screams industrial cleanliness, and a TV that only works if you hold the remote at a specific angle. (Pro tip: the angle is 45 degrees, pointing at the left corner.) But here’s the twist—my room faced the car park, and I still heard nothing. Double glazing works miracles, folks.

I will say this: the bathroom was spotless, with that weirdly satisfying lime-green accent wall. You know the one—it’s trying to be fun but ends up looking like a dentist’s waiting room in Ibiza. Still, the shower pressure was strong enough to power-wash your soul after a long day.

Location: The Good, the Bad, and the Greggs

This hotel’s location is a double-edged sword. On one hand, you’re two minutes from the A34 and M4, making it perfect for a pit stop on a road trip. On the other hand, "Town Centre" in the name is a gentle lie—it’s a 15-minute walk to the actual centre, past a Lidl and a bus stop. (Bring comfy shoes.) But here’s the win: there’s a Greggs and a McDonald’s a 3-minute walk away. Need I say more? It’s the breakfast of champions—or at least of people who forgot to pack snacks.

If you’re aiming to explore Newbury’s history or its canal, you’ll need a taxi or a determined stride. The hotel is perfectly fine for business travelers or families passing through, but don’t expect to step out and be wowed by boutique shops. That’s not what this place is for.

The Breakfast: A Test of Willpower

Breakfast is the usual Premier Inn buffet: scrambled eggs that look like a science experiment, sausages that are 90% breadcrumb, and those tiny hash browns that somehow disappear in three bites. But I’ll admit it—the beans are reliably hot, and the toast is fresh. The best part? The staff keep refilling the coffee without being asked, which is basically a four-star service in my book.

Should you pay for it? Only if you’re starving or have kids who will revolt without fried things. Otherwise, the Greggs next door sells a sausage roll for a fraction of the cost. (I’m not saying I did that, but I’m not not saying it.)

The Verdict: Who Is This Hotel For?

This hotel is for the pragmatist. It’s not a romantic getaway or a luxury escape—it’s a clean, quiet, reliable base for a night or two. You come here because you need to sleep, shower, and leave without drama. It’s the unsung hero of stopovers: nothing flashy, but it won’t let you down.

I’d stay again, but I’d save the satnav coordinates first. And if you’re someone who loves ironic hotel reviews, this place is gold—just prepare to explain to your friends why you took a picture of a car park. (Trust me, it’s for the blog.)