England's leading football players were mingling in reception, making mobile phone calls, generally trying to look cool...and all the while hoping that they wouldn't get told off by the hotel staff.

The Millennium Madejski Hotel, connected to Madejski Stadium, the home of Reading Football Club, was abuzz. A tournament featuring Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool had started and players were staying overnight.

But since this was a school contest, there were no Rooneys or Ronaldos around. Just the Rooneys of the future - and they were a dastardly lot.

Stepping into the lift, all the buttons were pressed and a group of Liverpool players giggled as we stopped at each floor. Staff in the small health spa looked distraught. “I'm afraid that you can't use the pool,” a nerve-frayed manager said. He peered at a flickering monitor showing the Newcastle United team leaping about in the water. “Oh, my God!” he gasped.

In the bar/café atrium, Chelsea's stars of the future were screaming as they chased each other in a game of “tag”. Waitresses ran after them crying: “Please come back! Please!”

As a test of hotel's child-friendliness, several dozen energetic youngsters in football shirts is about as tough as it gets. But the Millennium Madejski somehow pulled through, despite the occasional feeling of barely controlled mayhem.

Since the 1990s, as grounds have been updated, football stadium hotels have cropped up at clubs across the country, including Bolton, Chelsea, West Ham and, since 1998, Reading.

The Millennium Madejski is named after John Madejski, the team's chairman, who made his fortune on the back of Auto Trader magazine. He is also known for his sponsorship of the fine art room at the Royal Academy in Piccadilly.

The hotel is just how it should be: reasonably priced, well run (patient, good-humoured staff), with simple, decent-sized rooms. Ours had a retro-1970s feel, with lime-green designer swivel chairs and brown-striped lamp shades. There was a large desk, plus a big bed with a brown and lime-green cover. Ceiling- to-floor windows gave a bright feel.

Our visit was on a Sunday and we were able to stroll into the ground, where we met a steward. He was a little glum since Reading had just been relegated from the Premier League. “I'm not sure we'll make it back up,” he said dolefully.

Dinner at Le Café was served amid the chaos of England's next generation of football stars. Pork with apple and mash, and a broadbean and roast garlic risotto, were fine.

For a place to watch a match, the Madejski shoots...and scores.

Bottom line Mystery Guest paid £135 for a double

Sampling the fare £45 for two courses and wine

Best thing Short walk to turnstiles

Worst thing Slow room service

Need to know Millennium Madejski Hotel (0800 414741, www.millenniumhotels.co.uk), Reading RG2 0FL

Room 5.5 out of 10

Food 6 out of 10

Service 8 out of 10

Value 6 out of 10

Score 6.34

PUT TO THE TEST: 20 Mystery Guest questions for... Millennium Madejski Hotel

1. Do rooms have kettles/coffee makers? And is there fresh milk?

Kettles and cartons of milk.

2. Is there a hairdryer, and is it fixed to a wall?

Hairdryers are handheld and are fixed inside draws.

3. Are coathangers metal, wooden, removable?

Wooden with metal bobbles at top to allow them to be removed.

4. Complimentary bottle of water?

Yes.

5. Sheets and blankets or duvets?

Duvets.

6. What about a 'pillow menu'?

No.

7. Is lighting good enough for reading?

Reasonable.

8. Is there a shaving/make up mirror? And is it well lit?

No magnified mirrors but bathrooms well lit.

9. What about the in-room entertainment system?

TV with films on demand.

10. Is there a temperature control panel?

Yes, with air-conditioning.

11. Do the windows open?

In some rooms, but not the ones facing internally.

12. Is there good sound-proofing?

Reasonable.

13. Is there wi-fi internet access?

Only in public areas. Rooms have wire connections. The daily fee is £15.

14. Is there a good place to go jogging nearby?

Around the stadium.

15. What is the vegetarian food selection like?

Not bad.

16. Is there baby listening/babysitting? And are children welcome at adults’ evening meals?

Babysitting can be arranged if requested in advance.

17. Is there wheelchair access to all areas?

Yes.

18. Do you get a free paper in the morning?

Only on week days.

19. Is there a pub round the corner?

No but there is a jazz cafe connected to the stadium.

20. Is there free car parking? And is it secure?

Yes, but not secured although there is CCTV.

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