Southampton Hotels - which floats your boat?
There are a multitude of hotels to choose from in Southampton, for all budgets, close to the port and a little further out. We’ve got three reviews for you to give a range of hotels at all budget levels. Some we’ve stayed in very recently, others a little further back but this is all about considering location, cost, convenience and whether you want luxury. We often stay in different hotels to try them all and bring you the best options.
The Premier Inn (Cumberland Place)
Looking for a no-nonsense, budget-friendly option before embarking on your cruise? The Premier Inn Southampton Centre delivers exactly what you need without unnecessary frills or surprise charges. During our pre-cruise stay, I discovered this property has become a popular choice for travellers seeking reliability, convenience, and value in the heart of Southampton.
Arrival & Parking
The Premier Inn Southampton Centre's purple signage is easily spotted as you approach the city centre. For guests arriving by car, the hotel offers nearby off-site parking at a reasonable daily rate - (Grosvenor Square multi-storey car park (SO15 2BE) - a 3 min walk to the hotel and £11 per 24 hours.
While not free, the parking represents good value compared to other central Southampton options and provides peace of mind while you're away on your cruise. If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious read on for the Hilton - parking there is only £5 per day and be sure to watch our YouTube video too!
Check-In Experience
As you’d expect in a popular port location and with many ships sailing at the same time - we didn’t have the best check-in experience. However, this was a little while ago and the reception / check-in area has been refreshed since then, with some self-serve kiosks. The reception area now maintains the brand’s more modern theme. The lifts are nearby reception but not the largest around.
The Rooms: Consistent but not the best.
If you've stayed at any Premier Inn across the UK, you'll know exactly what to expect - and that predictability is precisely the point. Our room featured the brand's signature comfortable Hypnos bed (which consistently delivers a good night's sleep), but at the time we stayed, they were a little past their best. The bathroom was clean with powerful shower, efficient climate control, and just enough space to manoeuvre cruise luggage.
The room wasn't luxurious or unique, but it was spotlessly clean, perfectly functional, and provided everything needed for a comfortable night's rest before embarkation. All rooms include tea/coffee making facilities, a small desk area, and reliable Wi-Fi.
Dining Options: Thyme Restaurant
The on-site Thyme restaurant serves as both the breakfast venue and evening dining option. The all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet (approximately £9.99 per person) offers both hot and continental options that provide excellent value and convenience. Plus when an adult orders breakfast, up to 2 kids eat free - this is outstanding value for a hotel breakfast.
For dinner, Thyme offers a menu of British classics and international favorites at reasonable prices (main courses £11-18). The food won't win culinary awards, but it's reliably good, generously portioned, and represents solid value. After a long travel day, having a convenient dining option just steps from your room is a welcome convenience.
Don’t forget Premier Inn offer a meal deal which gives a two course dinner with drink and breakfast for a discounted price. You should check at the time of booking if this option is available as if you’re going to eat in the hotel, it is the best value.
The bar area serves a good selection of drinks, including local beers and standard cocktails (£4-9), creating a casual space for pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap.
Cruise Terminal Convenience
The Premier Inn Southampton Cumberland Place is situated approximately 17 minutes walk from the various Southampton cruise terminals and transportation is straightforward and affordable. However, we appreciate you’re probably not going to walk with all your luggage so reception can arrange taxis or you could book an Uber. It’s not going to cost the earth for a 5 minute drive.
Budget-Friendly Basics
You know exactly what you're getting - clean, comfortable accommodations with all the essentials and none of the extras you don't need for a simple pre-cruise stay.
The hotel also offers excellent accessibility features for guests with mobility concerns, including accessible rooms and public areas - an important consideration for many cruise passengers.
Final Thoughts
For cruise travellers prioritising value, reliability, and location over luxury amenities, the Premier Inn Southampton Cumberland Place provides a decent choice. It delivers exactly what it promises - a sleep in a convenient location at a reasonable price, with all the essentials.
Room 2 Southampton
Room 2 Southampton - entrance.
Tucked away just minutes from Southampton's cruise terminals is a refreshing alternative to traditional hotels. Room2 Southampton describes itself as a "hometel" - a clever hybrid between a hotel and a home - and after my recent stay, I can confirm it lives up to this unique concept perfectly. Particularly popular with builders and long-term business travellers, this innovative property offers a different kind of pre-cruise experience worth considering.
Arrival & Parking
For guests arriving by car, parking is conveniently provided for £13 per night during your stay. The parking area is secure and well-maintained, giving you peace of mind while you enjoy your stay or embark on your cruise. However, it is very tight and there are limited spaces so be sure to book a parking spot. You may also like to know there are two EV charging points.
Check-In Experience
The reception area immediately sets the tone for your stay with its stylish, laid-back atmosphere that feels more like entering a trendy apartment building than a traditional hotel. Check-in was refreshingly straightforward and personal.
The Rooms: Practical Comfort
Our studio room was a revelation in practical design. Unlike standard hotel rooms, each space at Room2 features a well-equipped kitchenette with everything needed for self-catering - refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, dishwasher, and all essential cookware and utensils.
The living/sleeping area was thoughtfully laid out with comfortable furnishings that prioritize functionality without sacrificing style. High-quality mattresses, ample storage space, and multiple USB charging points throughout reflect a deep understanding of what long-term guests actually need.
Dining Options: Cook or Be Cooked For
While Room2 doesn't offer a traditional hotel restaurant experience, it provides something potentially more valuable - freedom. The well-equipped kitchenette means you can prepare your own meals exactly to your preferences, perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to save on dining expenses during a longer stay.
If you want to cook then there’s a pantry to buy ingredients, spices, condiments or if you prefer, ready meals.
However, if you want to go out then there’s plenty nearby - we ate at La Regatta - a Spanish restaurant and thoroughly enjoyed it - if you like Spanish food then give it a go! And why not stop for a drink first at the Dancing Man Brewery - it serves a great pint as well as being very welcoming.
Community Spaces
What sets Room2 apart are the thoughtfully designed common areas that foster a sense of community. The ground floor features comfortable co-working spaces, casual seating areas, a self-service laundry room (£4 per wash & dry cycle) and a gym - all amenities that cater perfectly to longer-stay guests.
Cruise Terminal Convenience
Located approximately 10 minutes walk from Southampton's Ocean cruise terminal (a little longer to Horizon) Room2 offers excellent convenience for pre-cruise stays. Reception can arrange taxis though many guests with lighter luggage opt for the pleasant walk along the waterfront to reach some terminals. The combination of parking and proximity to the port makes this an exceptionally practical option for cruise passengers.
Final Thoughts
For cruise travellers seeking a pre-departure accommodation with more space and flexibility than traditional hotels, Room2 Southampton offers exceptional value. The on-site parking, well-equipped kitchenettes, and community atmosphere create an experience that feels more like staying in a well-designed apartment than a hotel room.
While it might not offer the traditional luxury hotel experience, it provides something potentially more valuable - authenticity and practicality. The fact that working professionals choose to make this their temporary home speaks volumes about the quality of the experience.
The Hilton Utilita Bowl - Southampton
Terrace - Southampton Utility Bowl - great for summer pre-cruise drinks.
Nestled just 20 minutes from Southampton's bustling cruise terminals lies a hotel that exceeded all my expectations. The Hilton Utilita Bowl Southampton offers a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and surprisingly exceptional dining. If you're planning a pre-cruise stay in the area, here's why this property deserves your attention.
Arrival & Parking
Pulling into the Hilton Utilita Bowl Southampton, I was immediately struck by the hotel's elegant exterior and well-maintained grounds. One of the standout perks for guests was the completely free parking throughout your stay - a rare and valuable amenity that instantly adds value to your booking. However, it is now chargeable but at £5 per day. Still not a bad charge for hotel parking these days so it won’t break the bank as some other hotels charge upwards of £15 per day. no worries here, just pull in, park, and enjoy your stay.
Check-In Experience
The reception area welcomes guests with a modern, open design. Check-in was remarkably efficient – I was handed my room key within minutes of arrival. The staff displayed that perfect balance of professional yet friendly service that makes you feel immediately at ease. Their knowledge of local attractions and transportation options to the cruise terminal was particularly helpful. They confirmed all the information we required. However, with Hilton hotels you can skip the front desk on check-in and by using the app ands your phone for the room key - depending on your preference, this can be a great feature, especially if there are long wait times to check-in.
The Room: A Cricket Pitch View & Live Training Sessions
We booked a room featuring a private balcony overlooking the adjacent cricket pitch – a quintessentially English view that added unique charm to our stay.
What made our experience truly special was watching the Hampshire County Cricket Club first team train right below our balcony. There's something magical about enjoying your morning coffee while professional cricketers perfect their bowling techniques and batting stances just yards away. The natural rhythm of cricket practice created a peaceful soundtrack to our stay - the distinctive crack of leather on willow and the calls between players added an authentic English sporting atmosphere you simply can't find elsewhere.
The room itself was spacious, with contemporary furnishings and thoughtful touches. For a complete room tour, check out the video below – it captures the amazing balcony view and room layout better than words ever could!
Dining That Surprises: Meet "Beefy's"
Here's where the Hilton Utilita Southampton truly shines. The hotel's signature restaurant, "Beefy's," is themed around and named after cricket legend Sir Ian Botham (affectionately known as "Beefy" throughout his illustrious career). The restaurant embraces cricket heritage with tasteful memorabilia and photographs celebrating Botham's remarkable achievements.
The cricket theme extends beyond mere decoration - the menu features robust, hearty dishes that would satisfy even Botham's legendary appetite. I've stayed in countless hotels, and restaurant food often falls into the "acceptable but forgettable" category. Not here.
Beefy's offers an impressive menu ranging from British classics to international cuisine. Starters hover around £8-12, while main courses typically range from £16-28. I opted for their signature seafood dish (you'll have to watch the video to see this beautifully plated creation), and it rivaled meals I've had at standalone restaurants.
Breakfast deserves special mention – a comprehensive buffet with everything from full English options to continental selections. At approximately £18 per person, it's worth every penny for the quality and variety.
The lounge bar provides a more casual setting for lighter fare and drinks, with an excellent selection of local beers and creative cocktails (£8-12).
Cruise Terminal Convenience
Despite being about 20 minutes from Southampton's cruise terminals, transportation is hassle-free. Reception can arrange taxis (approximately £25-30 one way), or if you're driving, the £5 per day parking parking makes this an excellent value option. The video below includes some helpful tips on the best transportation options depending on your luggage situation.
The Details Make the Difference
What truly elevated my stay were the thoughtful touches throughout the property. From the attentive housekeeping to the 24-hour fitness centre (closed from 21st May - 16th June 2025 due to renovations) the Hilton Utilita Southampton has clearly considered the needs of travellers at every turn.
Before You Book
While my review is overwhelmingly positive, I encourage you to watch the complete video tour linked below. It captures several features you should see for yourself.
The video also showcases those little details that truly make this property special – elements that are difficult to capture in words but immediately apparent when you see them.
Final Thoughts
For cruise travellers seeking pre-departure accommodation, the Hilton Newton Southampton offers exceptional value with its great parking rate, surprising culinary excellence at Beefy's restaurant, and comfortable rooms with potential cricket views. The slight distance from the terminal is more than compensated by the quality of the stay and the competitive pricing compared to properties directly adjacent to the port.
Have you stayed at this property before your cruise? I'd love to hear your experiences in the comments on your YouTube Video!
Team Five Holidays - our travel agency
Feeling overwhelmed by all the pre-cruise accommodation options in Southampton? Not sure which hotel best suits your specific needs, budget, or cruise line? Let me handle the details for you!
At Team Five Holidays, we specialise in creating seamless pre-cruise experiences tailored to your exact requirements. Whether you're looking for luxury accommodations with cricket pitch views, a homey extended-stay option, or a budget-friendly basic room near the terminals, we've personally vetted each property to ensure it meets our high standards.
As cruise travellers ourselves, (take a dive into our cruise content) we understand the little details that make a big difference – from luggage handling logistics to early check-in options for those afternoon embarkations.
Want personalised recommendations based on your cruise line, terminal assignment, or travel style? Have questions about any of the hotels featured in these reviews? We'd love to hear from you!
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