Photo of Southampton

About Southampton

Southampton is where the Titanic set out from, and where the Mayflower first raised sail. And it’s still a huge port, home of several major cruise lines, and transport hub. It’s also a gateway to the New Forest, and the Isle of Wight. The Solent creates inviting sailing opportunities on one side of the city, there are salt marshes perfect for salmon fishing on another, and the welcoming green woods of the New Forest on another. So it’s a beautiful site, as well as an historically significant one. If you suspect there might be quite a bit of nautical decor at play in the best places to stay in Southampton, you’d be spot on. Our recommendations also all share a great reputation for food, whether they’re restaurants-with-rooms, or fancy hotels.

Southampton’s historic sites are another good reason to visit. It’s got the UK’s longest stretch of medieval walls; a very impressive Tudor-era house (now a museum to the period); a Medieval Merchant’s House Museum; God’s House Tower, an archaeological museum within the walls of the city; the SeaCity Museum, which has many of Southampton’s Titanic artefacts; and, of course, the Southampton Maritime Museum. Southampton’s city centre Cultural Quarter is also home to a number of galleries, theatres, and music venues. This is a city with everything! Our pick of the best places to stay in Southampton are all centrally located and ideal for any trip, be it for business or leisure.

The Best Places to Stay in Southampton

For Waterviews

  • From the right angle, the Southampton Harbour Hotel looks like a super-yacht, or some kind of elegant cruise ship ‘parked’ in the marina. It is on land, though, with balconies and terraces, and windows, right beside the water. It’s quite big, with 85 rooms and suites, decorated in a contemporary, nautical style, with bright pops of coral and lemon. There's a fun bar, with its ocean views and sundowners vibe, and good restaurant, which offers a very seasonal menu.

Restaurants-with-Rooms

  • The Pig In The Wall is the smallest Pig, but still more than lives up to the Pig chain’s reputation for stylishly cosy and unique decor, fantastic locally sourced food, and individually decorated rooms. Two of the rooms are downstairs, behind the deli bar and restaurant, and the other ten are upstairs, within the historic walls of Southampton.
  • Ennios is an Italian restaurant-with-rooms right on the harbour, with ten individually decorated, and very chic, rooms and suites. If you like monochrome there’s something for you, and if you prefer bright colours, you’ll also find a room you like. The restaurant is the main event, authentically Italian, with a wine list to match.

City Centre

  • The White Star Tavern is a smart, city-centre pub-with-rooms. There are 13 rooms, decorated in a palette of greys and greens, with sultry lighting, and contemporary details. And in the lively restaurant and bar you can order pub classics, a great selection of ales, and a good range of cocktails and spirits.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • You can get to Southampton by train from London in around an hour and a quarter — its rail station is on the South West Main Line, the Wessex Main Line, and the West Coastway Line, so it’s very well connected. Southampton has its own small airport, Southampton International Airport, which is just ten minutes from the centre of town by taxi, or train.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • Being on the coast, Southampton is busiest during the warmer months, but it’s perennially popular with sailors and there’s always a reason to visit if you’re interested in anything maritime. As with any big and lively cities, Southampton has a calendar packed with fun events, including the Southampton International Boat Show in September, which is probably the busiest time of year for accommodation.

Still not sure where to stay?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Southampton

Best Hotels in Southampton

  • Southampton Harbour Hotel Southampton 85 rooms from CA$211

    Spa  -  Featuring hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, mud rasul and state-of-the-art gym. Plus a wide range of ESPA treatments
    Sailing  -  Take a trip on a sailing boat out to sea.
    Swimming Pool  -  Indoor heated pool and hydrotherapy pool
    Sights nearby  -  Pay a visit to Southampton Guildhall.
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolViewsParking

    From the right angle, Southampton Harbour Hotel could easily be a super yacht in the marina. Swish and sleek, its luxurious rooms offer fantastic views out over the harbour. The hotel bar is a great place to start the evening off and in the restaurant you will find delicious seasonal dishes. See More

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  • The Pig In The Wall Southampton 12 rooms from CA$219

    Local exploring  -  Set in the heart of the historic city giving easy access to its main attractions
    Coastal  -  HMS Titanic set sail from the harbour
    Chic  -  Shabby chic style with wooden floors
    Retro/Vintage  -  Vintage touches in all the rooms
    Restaurant
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    Traditional English boutique hotel in central Southampton. Vintage style rooms with luxurious bathrooms and fantastic breakfasts. Ideal for a city break filled with shopping and history in the city from where Titanic set sail, or perfect for a pre or post cruise stopover. See More

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  • The White Star Tavern Southampton 13 rooms from CA$228

    Local exploring  -  Perfectly located in the centre of the city, ideal for reaching all the main attractions.
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the restored 14th century Tudor House and Garden.
    Full of character
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    RestaurantNo pets

    A smart tavern located in the heart of the city and just a short walk from the harbour. The rooms are chic and contemporary with soft grey hues, simple furnishings and plenty of light. A lively restaurant and bar serves up pub classics alongside a choice selection of real ales. See More

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  • Ennios Southampton 10 rooms from CA$234

    Foodies  -  Come for a touch of authentic Italian fare with a wine list to match.
    Great walks  -  Take a stroll through the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens.
    Restrictions on children  -  Adult only
    Restaurant with rooms
    RestaurantParkingNo pets

    An excellent Italian restaurant complete with a handful of chic rooms located on the harbour. Stylish rooms are all different, but all feature crisp white linen, plenty of light and simple contemporary furniture. The restaurant serves authentic fare and is worthy of a visit alone. See More

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