Where to Stay

Whatever your reason for visiting Southampton, whether you are visiting friends or family, enjoying the Boat Show, negotiating a sale or planning a conference, you will find accommodation that suits all tastes and pockets, ranging from small family run bed and breakfasts to luxury waterfront hotels. And you don't even have to stay in the city.

City Centre

The larger and more luxurious hotels are located around the town centre and waterfront areas. The five star De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel boasts a quayside location, yet is within walking distance of the town centre shops, art galleries and museums, as well as being close to the Isle of Wight ferry terminal, the docks, Ocean Village and Mayflower Park. For those preferring something a little less grand, the Hotel Ibis just along the road has good quality two star accommodation from just £52.00 per room per night. Hotel chains such as Forte and Novotel are also represented in this area of the city.

The Southampton Park Hotel in Cumberland Place, north of the Civic Centre, is a three star hotel situated opposite one of the Central Parks and is very convenient for the railway station, the Mayflower Theatre and the City Art Gallery. Nearby, in the area known as the Polygon, there are a variety of reasonably priced guest houses, such as Acorn Lodge Guest House and Linden Guest House, both with parking facilities - an asset in any city center location. You have a good choice of places to eat in this popular part of the city and nearby Bedford Place also has a wealth of cafes, bars and restaurants.

Out of Town

For those wishing to stay on the outskirts of town, perhaps near the University, the Common, or the General Hospital, there is a good choice of hotels and guest houses. This area is easily accessible from the airport and the motorway. Areas to look for include Bassett, Highfield, Shirley and Portswood. As well as privately run hotels and guest houses, such as the Nirvana Hotel or the Carmel Guest House, you can also find lodge-type accommodation, particularly convenient for those arriving in the city from the motorway. Try the Granada Travelodge off Junction 12 of the M3.

Countryside

If you'd rather have the peace and quiet of the countryside, whilst at the same time enjoying good access to Southampton, why not try the Marriott Meon Valley Hotel and Country Club, which is set in acres of countryside and offers opportunities for a round of golf after lunch. You could even stay in a lovely New Forest village hotel, such as the Watersplash at Brockenhurst and maybe have a swim at the end of a long day's sightseeing or watch the ponies, donkeys and other forest wildlife from your bedroom window.

There is plenty of good quality, reasonably priced bed and breakfast accommodation in the New Forest area, in towns and villages such as Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst and Beaulieu. These all have good access to Southampton. Dale Farm House, built in the 18th century and set on the edge of the New Forest, has six rooms and offers a warm welcome at reasonable cost.

If you enjoy your food, perhaps a restaurant with rooms would suit you. Try the Old Well Restaurant at Copythorne.

Apartments and Self-Catering

For those wanting to stay a little longer or perhaps thinking of relocating to the area, fully serviced hotel apartments, such as Pimm's or Town or Country, provide your own space, with the option of self-catering. Self-catering accommodation is also available at Riverside Park, Hamble, which has touring pitches and luxury self-catering lodges.

Camping

Of course, not everyone wants to stay in a hotel or guest house and for those who want to spend their nights under canvas or in a motorhome, New Forest camp sites like Holland Parks are ideally located for anyone visiting Southampton. There are ten very well equipped sites in the forest, all within easy reach of Southampton and the local beaches. Call Southampton Tourist Board for information.

Staying in Southampton can cost as much or as little as you want to pay for it. Starting at £16 per person for bed and breakfast accommodation, to over £300 for a suite in a waterfront hotel, there is something to suit everyone.

Whether you decide to stay in or out of town, on the waterfront or in the heart of the city center, in a tent or in a luxury hotel, you will find an excellent choice of accommodation for your visit to Southampton. If you require any assistance in choosing somewhere to stay, Destination Southampton offers a free booking service.