Red Lion Hotel
By the Top3Hotels editorial team. Based on Booking.com guest scores and reviews, location data and reference prices. We did not stay at this hotel. Updated 2026-10-24.
A good call if you want a central, staffed-around-the-clock base near Basingstoke station with free parking, for about a third less than the local median. If a firm, roomy bed matters more than location, read recent reviews first, since mattresses are the recurring complaint.
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Sold out? See available alternatives →Who it suits and who should skip it
This is our Budget choice in Basingstoke. It works for rail travellers, business visitors and anyone who wants shops and restaurants on foot. Families will find listed family rooms, and drivers get free parking.
Skip it if sleep quality is your top concern. Many guests find the beds comfortable, but some say mattresses feel too soft, too hard or too small. It also has the lowest score of the 4 hotels we compared, so if you want the best-rated room in town, our other two picks score higher.
Location and getting around
The address is Red Lion Lane, and the location score is 9.2 out of 10. Guests describe a central setting near shops, restaurants and the train station.
Basing House is the only sight in our data. It is about 2.4 km away, roughly 30 minutes on foot. That is a long but manageable walk if the weather is kind; otherwise a taxi is the simple option.
Walking times are straight-line estimates, so the real route may be longer.
What guests say
The score is 8.2 out of 10 from 2,051 reviews. In our sample it ranked fourth of 4 eligible hotels, which says more about how strong the other options are than about any major problem here.
Staff get the most praise: friendly, helpful and professional, with a warm welcome. The location is the second big plus, especially for anyone arriving by train.
The complaint to know about is the beds. Reviews are mixed, with some guests finding mattresses too soft, too hard or too small.
Price and what you get against our other Basingstoke picks
The reference price was €121.82 per night, about €243.64 for two nights. It is a reference price seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults, not a live quote. Check today's price for your dates.
The sample median was €181.39, so this hotel came in 33% below it. Our Luxury pick, Audleys Wood Hotel, Basingstoke, scored 8.9 at €170.43. Our Best Value pick, Oakley Hall Hotel, scored 8.8 at €192.34. Both are 4-star; the Red Lion is 3-star.
The saving of roughly €50 to €70 a night buys you a central address, free parking, free Wi-Fi, a terrace and a 24-hour front desk. Breakfast options listed include continental, full English or Irish, vegetarian and buffet, but whether breakfast is included in your rate is not confirmed.
Why it made our top 3
We compared 4 eligible hotels in Basingstoke. For the Budget slot we set aside the upscale choice and then took the lowest eligible reference price. The Red Lion was that hotel, and with 2,051 reviews its score rests on a very large base.
Before you book
Room size, noise, renovation condition, breakfast inclusion and cancellation terms have not been assessed. Check them in the listing.
If bed comfort matters to you, look at recent reviews or ask the hotel about room types. Confirm that free parking applies to your dates and whether spaces need to be reserved.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Questions travellers ask
Is the Red Lion Hotel close to Basingstoke train station?
Guests say it is central and near the train station. Our data does not give an exact walking time, so check a map.
Does the Red Lion Hotel have free parking?
Free parking is listed by the property. Confirm availability for your dates when you book.
What breakfast does the Red Lion Hotel serve?
Listed options include continental, full English or Irish, vegetarian and buffet. Whether breakfast is included in your rate is not confirmed.
How much does the Red Lion Hotel cost?
The reference price was €121.82 per night for 2 adults, seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026. Check today's price for your dates.
Can I walk to Basing House from the hotel?
Yes, but it takes about 30 minutes for roughly 2.4 km, based on a straight-line estimate. A taxi is quicker.