The Elephant at the Market
The Elephant at the Market descritpion
The Elephant at the Market sells fast on our site. Centrally located in historic Newbury, The Elephant at the Market is just 6 minutes’ walk from Newbury Train Station, and offers en suite rooms with free WiFi. With a bar and restaurant on site, it’s 3 minutes' walk from a cinema and moments from the Corn Exchange and town centre.
Boutique rooms have stylish design and an en suite bathroom with a shower or bath. Each room has luxury bed linen, towels, bathrobes, a Smart TV, Nespresso coffee maker and White Company toiletries.
The property serves fresh homemade food, including Josper-oven-cooked steaks and wood-fired pizzas, as well as Sunday roasts.
Newbury Racecourse is just a 5-minute drive from The Elephant at the Market and the town is within easy reach of many of the south’s major towns. Reading, Basingstoke, Swindon and historic Oxford are all around 35 minutes' drive away.
Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey is filmed, is just 15 minutes' drive from the property. There is also easy access to the Ridgeway National Trail across the North Wessex Downs.
Recommand
Low rates——Best price for 2 guests: $136+ • No booking fees • Save money!Best price guarantee — enter dates to see these prices!
29 properties in Newbury——Including hotels, apartments, villas and more.
Manage your bookings online——Sign up for a FREE account·View a single booking.
193 independent reviews——We verify all reviews from guests who've stayed at The Elephant at the Market. Find out more about Booking.com Reviews.
The staff speaks English——The Elephant at the Market's staff speaks:English
Booking is safe——When you book with us your details are protected by a secure connection.
Facilities of The Elephant at the Market
Pets ：Pets are not allowed.
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
General ：Non-smoking Rooms | Family Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
Reviews for The Elephant at the Market
Review 1：On the matter of design, there was need for a towel rail within the bathroom. More seriously, the hotel did not provide left luggage service after check out. This soured the whole experience. Suggesting we have had your money now get lost.
Review 2：The suite and the hotel were well designed and well furnished. The staff were courteous and helpful.
Review 3：The bedroom (Arthur) smelt really bad and obviously had had a leak/flood which made the carpet pong. Really cross that we had to pay extra for a cooked breakfast, wasn't clear when I booked and when you book B & B in a pub for £115.00 a night believe it should have been included in the price. When I complained was told they never have cooked breakfast as standard! The bathroom had a wooden duck board to stand on but when you moved it in order to be in the right position when you get out of the bath/shower it then jammed the door and on re entry you bang into the door and hurt yourself. Water glass in room had a lipstick mark on it. Good quality but stingy amount of tea & coffee in room.
Review 4：We upgraded to a superior room which looked very stylish.
Review 5：Would have been nice to have cooked breakfast included in the rate. Hams and cheeses, don't really leave you feeling satisfield
Review 6：Lovely cosy room, comfortable bed. Liked the nice little touches such as the coffee maker, robes and white company toiletries.
Review 7：Breakfast was advertised as included but this was only for a continental breakfast, the was a supplement for a 'full English'. We had to ask for bread to go with the continental breakfast.
Review 8：Quirky nature of the rooms, clean, friendly, great location
Review 9：rooms outside in outbuildings not inside (fine for one night but not hotel facilities) - high ceilings covered in cobwebs on rafters and corners which hung down and were a little disconcerting (room was otherwise nice and clean) £95 was a little too high all things considered
Review 10：nice location, good parking, friendly staff, decent decoration and beds and a decent breakfast
Review 11：The bed was on a slightly sloping floor which felt odd when one is not used to it. But this is an old hotel with character so this was acceptable.
Review 12：Central location with free parking on site.
Review 13：For the money I have stayed in better hotels. lack of full English breakfast also reduced value for money assessment
Review 14：Good central location with very friendly staff. Excellent parking
Review 15：Water to the shower did not get very hot, I did let staff know on departure but there was a non commital response
Review 16：Great location, decor and service. Breakfast was good with lots of choice
Review 17：The hotel bar closes at 11:00. We had the 1st room in the stable block. The facility for hanging clothes is very poor, no hangers other than those with the complimentary dressing gowns and no rail to speak of. Room and bathroom floor had glitter from a previous guest - not a big enough problem to complain about but there all the same. With only a complimentary breakfast available, the choices were limited and lacked imagination.
Review 18：The location is great for the Town Centre and the hotel has free car parking for residents.
Review 19：Other guest whose room was front facing experienced excessive noise. Would not like to experience this on a planned return. Limited choice of food at 20:00 on a friday! Pizza the only option
Review 20：Superb location for planned raceday. Good continental breakfast (they served us early on the saturday (due to us being unaware it was 8am start).
Review 21：That there was nobody available early hours to deal with guests. Needed to head back into London early but on getting downstairs there was no one available to check me out. So had to wait till about a little past 7 which made me late into London for work.
Review 22：Nice, clean, comfortable and easily accessible hotel in the centre of Newbury. Staff were extremely friendly from the bar staff, to the restaurant staff and hotel staff. Not a bad boutique Hotel which I would definitely stay in again if I find myself in Newbury
Review 23：The stains of a previous guest in the toilet and a room that they couldn't be bothered cleaning during my 2 night stay. I just got an apology at the end when checking out "but please sign your bill" was more important I asked for an ironing board but was forgotten about until I went back 1.5 hours later. The stable block is noisy at night time but eases off by the time you are looking to go to sleep. Easy access to restaurants, shopping centre and cinema though
Review 24：The location
Review 25：Both rooms I have stayed in have been a bit noisy, but this comes with the central location. doesn't bother me but worth noting.
Review 26：Good size clean rooms.
Review 27：I worked out the noise I heard late at night was not someone sawing wood but operating the window blind in a nearby room.
Review 28：Friendly helpful staff. Best pizza I have had in a pub (better than some italian restaurants) Very comfortable well appointed room.
Review 29：In particular what disappointed me was that I booked this hotel to include free breakfast and I was then charged over €10 for 2 eggs. When I complained I was told they'd get that changed on the website but I was still charged. Otherwise quite a nice boutique style facility.
Review 30：Location, Dinner, Evening staff, TV choices
Review 31：Breakfast time of 7:30 is too late in my view. Also, reception door closed when I tried to leave at before 7:30. Not a great experience when you just want to leave for work.
Review 32：The room was fantastic! Stayed in the 'Celeste' room. Very very nice. Location was good. A little noisy with a room at the front - but it is a town centre hotel so kind of expected.
Review 33：I would have preferred a full English Breakfast as opposed to the Continental Breakfast on offer.
Review 34：The hotel is amazing, stylish, comfortable and perfectly situated in Newbury. The staff is amazing, extremely friendly and helpful. The food is phenomenal and the little pub has the friendliest vibe and wonderful bar managers. All in all, I will go back time and time again!
Review 35：Was disappointed that couldn't get a table in the restaurant as was fully booked..but we were able to eat at table in bar.
Review 36：Very friendly and professional staff.lovely place to stay and relax.food was excellent,breakfast was very good.
Review 37：Stayed in the flora room and it was lovely! Everything you need for a nights stay. Staff were excellent as well, all really lovely and helpful! Ate in the pub in the evening and food was fantastic and really reasonable prices. I would stay again.
Review 38：Very noisy hotel. Lots of noise from the bar & plumbing of other rooms. You could clearly hear people in neighbouring rooms. Hard to find someone at checkin.
Review 39：Friendly staff Location Comfy beds
Review 40：A little noisy on a saturday night, but not a major problem.
Review 41：A clean and smart small hotel with friendly and helpful staff ideally located in the middle of town.
Review 42：Check in was a bit of a pain, and staff weren't overly accommodating. No feather pillows - a personal preference. An old property so you could hear every movement at night.
Review 43：It has a lot of character in a great location.
Review 44：The room was bijou, the plug didn't work in the sink and it was noisy at night.
Review 45：The location suited our needs. The staff did their best when told about deficiencies.
Review 46：Our room 'Isabelle' was the smallest in the building (from looking at the fire escape plan on the door), pretty claustrophobic,maybe the other rooms are more comfortable.
Review 47：This is an old pub, with lots of character, interesting decor, recently refurbished and in the 'village' center. The food was good.
Review 48：The rooms were a little exposed to the sound of the road traffic and general closing nosie form the pub, bottle bin filling etc
Review 49：Staff were really friendly and helpful, the bar had a great variety of products and the food was amazing
Review 50：It's a personal thing, but the bed was too hard for my liking.
Review 51：Espresso machine in room and dressing gowns just added a little extra to a lovely room.
Review 52：We made an online booking for a family room. On arrival we were told that there were two beds (a double and a sofa bed suited for max two small children willing to sleep in the same bed). Our teen boys wouldn't fit in that bed so one had to sleep on the floor. The staff would not offer any bedding for him so it was a spartan night for him (no mattress or duvet). He slept on towels and covered himself with a dressing gown.
Review 53：Great lunch and excellent breakfast at this central venue which as been renovated recently (very stylish- elephant theme cleverly worked in to everything!) (We had dinner elsewhere as we were attending a wedding)
Review 54：Only area of opportunity during summer months is to possibly add air con or equip room with portable fan. Tends to get hot during the afternoon and sometimes throughout the night.
Review 55：Love the décor! Nice, quiet and comfy room. Onsite parking and restaurant/bar was a huge plus. Close to high street for nice walks and shopping. Staff was very accommodating and professional.
Review 56：Incredibly noisy both from the revellers at the nearby pubs and clubs and the building's own kitchen extractor unit right outside the room. Completely spoilt it. You can be as stylish as you like, but if you're trying to sleep in the midst of that it's irrelevant. Husband hated the bed. Flies all over the meat and fruit platter at breakfast and nothing available to cover it.
Review 57：Stylishly decorated with great touches like the Nespresso coffee maker. I loved the bed.
Review 58：Rather wearing! Everywhere is a very noisy dining area therefore you cannot get away from this, so not a peaceful stay. Breakfast waitresses were not around enough to feel looked after!
Review 59：The bedroom
Review 60：No directions to car park and signage very poor. Colour scheme throughout very dreary mostly grey (as in elephant?). Made a poor first impression but better than it looked. It's a pub with rooms rather than a hotel.
Review 61：Convenience
Review 62：The hotel is centrally placed it has had a recent refurb which was badly needed and now it is a hotel which deserves more than its 3 star rating. We thought it was excellent value for money the breakfast was one of the best we've had.
Review 63：This wasn't a bad experience but the Wi-Fi didn't seem to work anywhere we tried. We were only there one night so didn't follow it up as it wasn't essential to us at that time.
Review 64：Wonderfully renovated inn with excellent thoughtful and appropriate decore for an old inn. A great fresh feel but with so much character. Perfectly located - so central it is in a mall - parking at the back is excellent but we needed to park elsewhere and walk to find the inn and its parking out the back but that was soon sorted as we found it very easily by walking, then checking in and shifting our car. Everyone very helpful.
Review 65：Continental breakfast very poor. We didn't get down till 45ins before end of breakfast time but selection of dried up salami was all that was left. Coffee not much taste.Had lunch which mediocre at best.
Review 66：We had a room on the front of the building facing the market square. noisy nightclub kicked out at 3am then the clubbers congregated around the Kebab shop until 4am keeping us awake. Usual thing noisy people, police vans etc.
Review 67：Good Food, staff were very helpful. Good selection of food and drinks local beers were worth a try.
Review 68：We were given rooms in the converted shed at the end of the car park, adjacent to a major road junction at at level with road traffic. Rooms are very small and dark, potentially noisy due to the nearby traffic, the location of the rooms within the compound uninviting. Staff was friendly but seemed inexperienced. The breakfast was great but cooked options came at extra cost. We didn't try the evening restaurant; the menu was an unappealing combination of pizza and standard pub grub. Hard to see how they might make their mark in light of the competition within 5 minutes walking radius. Pretty much every leading UK restaurant chain is there, including at least 3 pizza places.
Review 69：While the rooms were dark and tiny, the beds and bathrooms were excellent in quality and design.
Review 70：Food was quite ordinary - big on quantity but small on flavour. Fortunately there are many better eating places nearby.
Review 71：The bed was huge and dreamily comfortable. Separate access to the rooms means you don't have to traipse through the restaurant.
Review 72：Nicely decorated. Very clean, Staff were very friendly. Perfect location for horse racing but also the shops pubs and restaurants were right on your doorstep. .
Review 73：a couple of things could improve - nowhere to do makeup /hair in room - bathroom is steamed up after shower and room I was in it was difficult to do both hair and makeup in the space available (location of mirror/plug etc) but they are minor things in an otherwise lovely hotel.
Review 74：Staff, quality of accommodation. Food is fantastic.
Review 75：My room was set in what appeared to be an old stables block, and was out in the hotel car park, next to a busy road. Lots of noise and delivery trucks, peoples cars coming and going, passing traffic. Didn't sleep much. Also the rooms was very dark. The lighting was very dim and I couldn't open the blind to let light in.
Review 76：The staff were very nice, and th efood was great.
Review 77：Pub, staff!!!! Was a very big issuse. We were spoken to very abrupt. Not friendly..... And the staff were not helpful at all.....
Review 78：Didn't really like anything and will not be staying there again. All the contact before with the pub before we booked on booking.com and nothing was available what we wanted. Not good and very disappointed.
Review 79：The towel warmer in the bathroom kept the room toasty - would be nice in the winter, but it was quite warm outside in late June.
Review 80：The croissants! We were in the carriage house (2 rooms) and they were wonderful! Very clean, attractive and lovely beds.
Review 81：Reported a broken blind on arrival, still broken and unchecked after 3 days Room in outside building was claustrophobic and not well sound proofed. Water from shower flowed freely onto floor
Review 82：The staff were excellent Room was well furnished Breakfast was brilliant
Review 83：Too hot during night would benefit from air con or as a temp measure a decent fan open a window noise from bars below but this ceased after closing time for price cooked breakfast should be included.
Review 84：Clean bedding and towels plenty hot water fresh decor not a bad stay
Review 85：WIFI in the car park annex did not accept connections at all. Worked well in public areas inside the bar
Review 86：First visit after the change of name and the hotel has received something of a refresh. Food in the evening very good and breakfast combination of included and charged elements worked well
Review 87：B+B means continental breakfast, which was ok, but not absolutely clear on booking. Cooked breakfast charged extra. Plenty of secure car parking at the back but the route to access it was unclear.
Review 88：Large room, Comfortably appointed. Bags of character. Attentive staff who were in no rush to get rid of you in the morning. Restaurant there so you could eat in. Plenty of eat-out options nearby too.
Review 89：Thudding music until 3am from nightclub opposite kept us all wide awake. As did Screaming and swearing from nightclub goers in the street. We should have been warned!!
Review 90：Clean and new. Pleasant staff. Good food.
Review 91：nothing really
Review 92：The location is great, and the room was very comfortable. It was different from a normal "formula" hotel room. The staff were great, and the free continental breakfast was fine. The "paid for" breakfast was also great - and cheaper than any hotel that I can remember being in (and I travel a lot)
Review 93：Not t really a moan but the car park wasn't easy to find as wasn't signposted. Eventually got in there but was getting stressed as I thought I was a fool for being unable to see it easily.
Review 94：The whole hotel was beautiful, modern & clean. But the room, Flora, was fantastic. We were in Newbury for a wedding but felt we would've like to stay at the hotel a bit longer as it was so nice. The staff were very friendly & helpful. Couldn't fault anything.
Review 95：No healthy options with continental breakfast which is included only cured meats & cheese every day with fruit and package cereal. When I requested muesli and soya milk they said they didn't have any and I was there a week. You could hear people in adjourning rooms use toilet & shower. Very noisy fan above bed head in another room. Cleaner cleaning floors during breakfast. Pub noise was okay for a busy place.
Review 96：New, clean & tidy
Review 97：Breakfast was poor. Continental is fine, but old, dry cheese was left in the open with meats, I noticed a fly was having a ball. Evening meals were great, but don't order the fudge brownie, the portion was incredibly mean. I was told it was rich, but after complaining I got a second portion for my 15 year old son who didn't understand what that meant!
Review 98：I would return to this hotel despite some grumbles. We had been travelling and stayed in several hotels that week. This was one of the best. Sort out the basic food issues and my rating would have been much nearer 10
Review 99：The material of the sheets felt a little odd, but was tolerable. Washcloths for bathing my daughter would have been a nice inclusion in the towel set up, but I neglected to ask if they were available on request. The Eggs Benedict were a little sparse for £9, but still delicious :).
Review 100：The staff are all outgoing, friendly, and incredibly accommodating, working as a team to attend to all of our requests and concerns. We felt very welcomed and looked after during the whole stay, which was especially appreciated since my husband was sick. The family room was quiet, spacious and generally toddler-friendly, with a high standard of quality in all the fittings, right down to the lovely teas and biscuits. The ground floor restaurant has excellent food with an intimate, uncrowded ambience. It was relaxing to walk down and enjoy friendly, delicious meals, then retreat to the privacy of our room at will. The location is also conveniently situated near a walking shopping area, with many other restaurants, cafés and lovely shops. And parking, breakfast, and WiFi are free!
Review 101：The room was next to the car park in the middle of a town and we were woken at 5 am by the rubbish being collected.
Review 102：Quirky pub and restaurant. The stable block had a few unusual rooms.
Review 103：Such hospitable staff who are very friendly and try and meet your every need. Really liked the decor of the hotel - very cosy feel, a home away from home!
Review 104：Loo was full of waste when I arrived Could not get out of the building to reception on checkout. Had to walk out emergency exit and around outside of building with luggage to then check out. Manager was rude on checkout and suggested customer didn't listen at checking that you can't get to checkout until after 7:30 (some of us have to leave earlier than that). Parking is not clearly signed. Breakfast was a few pieces of meat and juice. Poor. Over-priced rooms (don't let them put you in the barn as its overloooked in the car park and its dark - like a barn). Asked for manager call back - didn't get it. They don't care.
Review 105：Bed was comfy. Bathroom would have been better had someone not used the loo to do their business upon exit.
Review 106：Do not stay in room Flora located above the bar if you want any sleep. No table service at breakfast, no plates, cutlery or glasses left at 9 am and drinks arrived at the table as we were leaving.
Review 107：We were not asked on check out how we enjoyed our stay. The checkout was very impersonal and spoilt the end of our stay.
Review 108：Restaurant food was excellent. Attentive waiting staff.
Review 109：Room was a little on the small side, but perfectly doable.
Review 110：What a lovely hotel, so clean, absolutely spotless in fact. Bed was divine. The coffee machine in the room was a fantastic touch - and the free coffee pods provided were fab.
Review 111：Comfortable room with great amenities. All of the staff were very cordial and helpful. I'd recommend this hotel and would like to return some day.
Review 112：Room was a bit small No chair to sit on A biscuit would have been nice! The noise from the ring road was a bit of a problem My window was tiny - so the room was very gloomy
Review 113：Staff were really friendly and helpful Food was lovely Coffee machine in the room Clean tidy and very comfortable Fluffy robes
Review 114：None.
Review 115：Everything about it, staff were very accommodating, the rooms were excellent, the location is perfect to enjoy what Newbury has to offer and the hotel manager brings a very relaxing atmosphere to your stay.
Review 116：Centre of town, parking onsite, comfy bed, fluffy robes, great food, we had steak and pizza and the full English like something I've never seen amazing just like the decor, staff were really attentive and smiley and they gave the place a great vibe, I really cannot say enough about the place. Needless to say we'll be back, keep up the good work guys!
Review 117：This place has had a complete makeover since the photos on the website. The look of the place is great, decor nicely done. Continental breakfast was really good, best we've had anywhere.
Review 118：Located above noisy bar, not good for early night Coffee machine with pods Instead of instant, no instructions on how to use. Only two hangers provided
Review 119：Location Redecorated room Comfortable bed
Review 120：bed and sheets were amazing,
Review 121：No hot water in the morning, noisy room above the bar after asking for a quiet room.
Review 122：Very central hotel, nice secure car park, modern room
Review 123：Cooked Breakfast was at an extra cost.
Review 124：The rooms were very clean and modern
Review 125：Room situated in car park and exposed to leaving drinkers
Review 126：Decor has been refreshed and room / bedding were clean and comfortable
Review 127：Breakfast was lovely!
Review 128：No hot water from the bath tap.
Review 129：Closeness to the town centre, character of the building.
Review 130：It was to stay I would in it again
Review 131：no elevator
Review 132：comfy bed, room quiet and warm even during cold weather.
Review 133：Great staff. Helpful, friendly, nothing too much trouble.
Review 134：Good location - restaurants within walking distance, nice breakfast, helpful staff.
Review 135：Checkout was at 11am but we were not told.
Review 136：Great room, good size, big bed.
The Fine Print
Any damage caused will be charged for by the hotel.Please contact the property in advance if you expect to arrive outside reception opening hours. Contact details can be found on the booking confirmation.