The 7 Best Hotels in Southampton

The White Star Tavern ticks all the boxes: stylish decor, a great location and a restaurant to rave about. Situated in Southampton’s pedestrianised Oxford Street, there’s a great local vibe and plenty to do nearby. Inside the hotel, you’ll find trendy painted walls adorned with framed pictures, and rooms have their own desks and inclusive minibars. The restaurant is a favourite thanks to its delectable fare, local ales and extensive and creative cocktail list.

If you’re not immediately won over by the quirky cruise ship design and harbour location of Southampton Harbour Hotel, its spa is likely to do the trick. The hotel’s nautical theme extends to beauty treatments, with a surprisingly good shell massage on offer. Rooms stick to the ship theme, with blue walls, harbour views and The White Company toiletries in the stylish bathrooms. As a plus, the hotel offers complimentary sherry and gin.

Set in the Medieval city walls, The Pig instantly feels like somewhere special. It was originally Southampton’s first public house but is now a 12-bedroom boutique offering that is favoured by stylish types. There’s a modern country feel about the place, and the pine furniture, roll-top baths and an enthusiastic staff make guests feel very well looked-after. Be sure to book in for dinner at the Pig at Brockenhurst; you’ll take the journey there in the hotel’s own Land Rover. The next morning, enjoy the ‘deli counter’, where you can pick and choose what you want for breakfast.

A proper thatched roof is a real treat nowadays, but this traditional pub has bucketloads of Tudor charm. Located on the edge of the New Forest, a 15-minute drive from the cruise terminals in Southampton, The Pilgrim Inn feels like your own cosy hub away from the world. Inside, you’ll find all of the traditional features: wood beams, log fires and a proper bar. Rooms are in a separate building, which means they’re modern with a boutique feel. The decor is trendy and understated, with some simple antique furniture being the main feature. Breakfast is a delicious buffet, or you can order classics like eggs benedict or french toast.

The Marriott group owns Meon Valley Hotel & Country Club, but as it boasts a 225-acre wooded estate, it is far from a cookie-cutter experience. Go for a stroll and enjoy the clean, crisp air, or golfers might like to make the most of the estate’s impressive course. There are spa and treatment rooms, and an indoor pool for those who prefer to be active. Rooms are simple, but spacious and comfortable enough for a pleasant weekend stay.

Ennio’s Italian restaurant is renowned locally, but the 10 rooms in this boutique hotel are equally luxurious. The five-star offering was once a warehouse where wealthy Titanic passengers stored their luggage before setting sail. It has a firm focus on quality, with king-size beds, L’Occitane toiletries and sumptuous velvet throws. Located a short walk away from the ferry terminals, it’s a prime location for exploring the town – but it goes without saying that you’ll want to tuck into a plate of pasta before you leave, especially the linguine.

Grand by name, grand by nature – this iconic building situated on the waterfront stands out thanks to the eye-catching glass pyramid design. The Grand Harbour Hotel was recently sold to a new owner and will be undergoing a makeover within the next few years. However, it “will retain its renowned ambience”, by which they’re probably referring to the often-busy Marco Pierre White steakhouse or the Serenity Spa, which is a relaxing retreat.