The Best Hotels to Book Near Gunwharf Quays Shopping Centre
Shopping at Gunwharf Quays is an unforgettable experience. This leisure complex, overlooking the historic harbour in Portsmouth, guarantees waterside views and shopping and dining opportunities aplenty.
Bag a bargain at the 90-store designer outlet, then head to one of the 30 restaurants, bars and cafes: why not try the seafood at Loch Fyne, followed by cocktails at the Alchemist? Finish your day at the casino or art gallery, or on a rip-roaring powerboat ride, before heading to your pick of these nearby hotels. Whether you’re looking for boutique, historic or pub-based – they’re all bookable on Culture Trip.
1. Keppel’s Head Hotel
Hotel
This 1779-built hotel breathes local harbour history: it’s named after Royal Navy officer and politician Admiral Augustus Keppel, while its 1803 post-fire restoration was funded by naval officers and midshipmen. Tuck into perfectly done lunchtime mussels and fries at the Captain’s Table restaurant, and visit the 24-hour bar to sip cocktails of pink gin, prosecco and lemonade till the early hours. This dog-friendly hotel offers rooms with views across the nearby harbour.
2. Somerset House
Hotel
4. Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays
Hotel, Chain Hotel
You couldn’t be closer to the action at this hotel in the Piazza Gunwharf Quays, where everything is as convenient as the location – from the free wifi to the breakfast buffet featuring cooked and continental items. Post-shopping, chill out in the relaxed lounge with a refreshing coffee, then head to your room and choose from the pillow menu for a cosy night. Need to work? You’ll appreciate the in-room desk, two meeting rooms hosting up to 20 and the grab-and-go breakfast bags for busy mornings.
5. The Ship Leopard Boutique Hotel
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
6. Duke of Buckingham
Pubs with Rooms
This traditional British pub in picturesque Old Portsmouth – minutes from the beach, the harbour and all the rest – offers cosy rooms, great family accommodation and stays at the separate, cobbled street-lined Buckingham Cottage. Lounge by the open fire with a wine from the long list before tucking into excellent pub classics such as the seafood platter with filo prawns. Look out for ever-changing seasonal and daily specials and dine out on the well-priced three-course fixed menu.
7. Becketts Southsea
Boutique Hotel
Pass through the flowered archway to this Grade II-listed, 200-year-old townhouse, meticulously restored by award-winning developers. Expect handmade wood designs throughout – including in the stylish boutique rooms, just a 10-minute walk from Gunwharf Quays. Grab a table in the brightly tiled courtyard for brunch of wild mushroom mac and cheese, or Sunday lunch with topside beef. Vegan options such as pumpkin and spinach pithivier, are well reviewed. Special occasion? Hire the decorated-on-request Bellevue private dining room.
8. Queen’s Hotel
Hotel
Green Southsea Common is home to Queen’s Hotel, visited by famous faces such as Winston Churchill, Rowan Atkinson and Joan Collins. Rooms with luxuriously vintage-style furnishings nod to the Edwardian baroque style of the building – some offer balcony views over the Solent. Don’t miss the locally sourced food served in the garden or chandelier-topped 1865 restaurant: think veggie full English, pork belly and lobster, and afternoon tea with bottomless bellinis. Summer visit? Catch the garden parties with live bands, cocktails and kid-friendly fun.
For more excellently located Portsmouth stays, see the best hotels near HMS Victory. Book your room now with Culture Trip.
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