![](https://cdn.berksnostalgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/west-reading-hotel-1948.jpg)
The West Reading Hotel was built in 1819 on land originally owned by John and William Penn. For 145 years in was a meeting place and social scene for locals and travelers. It stood at 527 Penn Avenue until July of 1964, when it closed its doors for good. A development firm demolished the hotel and replaced it with a shopping complex. This complex currently holds Chef Allen’s American Bistro, Rite Aid and a medical supply store. Image below taken from LoveWestReading’s instagram page.
![West Reading Hotel](https://cdn.berksnostalgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/westreadinghotel-1950-912x1024.png)
A commemorative sign now stands in in it’s place.
![West Reading Hotel](https://cdn.berksnostalgia.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/westreadinghotel-1024x1024.jpg)
West Reading Hotel actually didn’t close for good. They were the first restaurant in that shopping complex, prior to Chef Alan’s.