Portsmouth hotels

I’m always wowed by the astonishing amount of history packed into one place at Ye Spotted Dogge. The building dates from the early 16th century and some of its timber beams are even older.

But that’s only the beginning of what makes this one of the best hotels in Portsmouth; owned by a sea captain who went on to found New Hampshire, it was also the site of a duke’s murder, and you can even see the dagger that’s thought to have been used.

The six rooms are packed with period details too: a hand-carved Tudor bed in the Oak Room, a four-poster in the China Room, more antique furniture and panelling in the Red Room, along with historic portraits and freestanding baths. This is easily one of the most unique hotels in Portsmouth, as well as one of the best for location.

This converted Edwardian mansion in Portsmouth’s Southsea area is only a short stroll from Southsea Castle, one of the forts constructed by Henry VIII to defend against the French. It’s also within easy reach of the city centre.

It’s worth the journey for the boutique style at Somerset House too. With eight individually styled rooms, there are some gorgeous flower-print feature walls – I love the explosion of colour in the Executive King Room, offset by the pale pink velvet seats – as well as Egyptian cotton bedding.

It’s one of the best hotels in Portsmouth for vegans, with vegan toiletries and plenty of plant-based dishes on the menu (alongside classic breakfast items and veggie versions). Part of the city’s Mercer Group, it includes two restaurants; go for woodfired pizza in The Garden in summer, or grab a cosy table at The Florence Arms gastro pub.

Calling itself Portsmouth’s funkiest place to stay, there’s no question that G Boutique Hotel has gone firmly with the theme of ‘eye-catching’. This is hands down one of the best hotels in Portsmouth if you’re looking for Instagrammable interiors.

While it won’t be to everyone’s taste, you won’t forget a stay here, from the purple padded loveseat curved into the shape of a moustache in reception to the unique room names; everything from Grinning From Ear To Ear to Giddy With Delight.

They live up to their promise too. Grandiose’s giant high heeled chair always makes me smile, Glittering sparkles and shimmers, while Gosh and Gold Dust both glimmer with gilded touches. Some have spa baths too. There’s a choice of breakfast in bed or a buffet, including a full English breakfast, plus an on-site bar.

This modern hotel on the outskirts of the city makes a great base if you’re looking to explore the surrounding area. It’s also a prime spot if you want to be close to the marina, bars and restaurants of Port Solent, as well as Portsmouth University.

Expect smart speakers to order room service in some rooms, walk-in rainfall-head showers and super-comfy beds, as well as ultra-bright colours throughout. I was impressed to discover that even the hangers in the wardrobe come in an array of vibrant shades rather than boring black.

There’s also an impressive state-of-the-art gym and a huge heated indoor pool, as well as a pub and grill and a coffee shop on-site.

This award-winning spot is one of the best boutique hotels in Portsmouth, and in one of the city’s best locations. Just a short walk from the centre, the 200-year-old townhouse is close to Southsea and the beaches.

Becketts is also one of the best hotels in Portsmouth if you prefer somewhere stylish but simple, with clean lines and warm yellows and plums in the six guestrooms, plus wood panelling and marble effects in the bathrooms. All the rooms have flatscreen TVs and deliciously comfortable mattresses, while some have en-suite wet rooms too.

One of my favourite corners is the courtyard, with a log burner for cooler nights, as well as the snug stocked with board games to go with your cocktail. Mine’s an Enzo martini, named after the hotel dachshund, or order a Tipsy Mermaid with Mermaid pink gin from the nearby Isle of Wight.

Set just minutes from the beach and The D-Day Story attraction, I love the nature theme that runs throughout many of the rooms in this quirky Southsea boutique hotel.

Framed bird wallpaper transforms one bedroom wall into a mini natural history display, while you’ll find African-inspired prints in another room, in subtle neutrals and black for an effect that’s both eye-catching and relaxing. Others are more colourful, with bright blooms and butterflies or deep blue palm fronds.

Another hotel in the Mercer Group, which includes several of the best hotels in Portsmouth, it has many of the same attractions – quirky lighting, plenty of mod cons, vegan toiletries and a choice of shared restaurants – as well as some original Edwardian touches, such as fireplaces in the rooms.

The Royal Maritime Hotel doesn’t hold back when it comes to embracing the city’s nautical history, especially its links to Lord Nelson. You can eat in Horatio’s restaurant and drink in the Victory bar, named for the ship where he died. Then you’re just a few minutes’ walk from my top Portsmouth attraction, the Historic Dockyard, to see the original.

The 90 guestrooms include family rooms with bunk beds, as well as standard single, twin and double options, with a sea blue colour motif in the Deluxe Rooms and artwork depicting sailing ships above the bed. Some have spa baths or rolltop baths too.

Breakfast includes locally sourced ingredients, with meat, dairy products and fruit and veg coming from providers within 15 miles of the hotel. Plus, there’s an indoor pool and steam room, as well as pool tables and even a two-lane skittle alley.

Portsmouth seems to specialise in quirky little places to stay, but, for me, what sets Ashbys apart when it comes to the best hotels in Portsmouth is the fact it has its own private spa. Guests (and visitors) can book sessions where the spa is exclusively yours, with an outdoor hot tub and a sauna, steam room and ice machine indoors.

Once you’ve relaxed, there’s a games room with a pool table, arcade games and more, plus a self-serve bar – you’ll need to stock that yourself though – as well as the chance to play your own music through the sound system. Southsea Common and the seafront are just a stone’s throw away.

The 16 guestrooms range from studios to suites, including a four-poster bed in the Deluxe Studio, as well as splashes of colour and velvet throughout, plus a few Art Deco touches.

Another lovely converted Edwardian building in Southsea, the Clarence Boutique rooms have more of a contemporary edge than some of their sister hotels in the Mercer Collection. But rest assured, the vibe here is just as stylish.

You’ll find eye-catching prints on the feature walls of the eight guestrooms, although the chaise longue and white painted four-poster style bed in one Superior King room get my vote for an added slice of historic style. Another has a spacious mezzanine bathroom, with an impressively big tub and quirky details such as a fox head holding a light in its mouth.

Another of the best hotels in Portsmouth for vegans, with breakfast served at The Florence Arms pub and vegan toiletries in the rooms, it’s a great chilled-out base to enjoy Southsea’s charm after a busy day exploring Portsmouth’s attractions.

Set across the water in Gosport, the pet-friendly Alverbank Hotel is a lovely way to escape the city but still have all the attractions in easy reach. Just a short drive from the Gosport ferry, approaching Portsmouth by water is a great way to arrive.

One of the best hotels in Portsmouth for those who love to be active, guests have access to tennis courts, while there’s also a diving centre and scuba diving on offer nearby.

If you prefer to relax, my tip is to check into one of the Seaview rooms, where the baths look out through the window across the Solent – trust me when I say you’ll want to stay in and soak for quite a while. You’ll find plenty of other lovely details, from green glazed tiles around the fireplace to carved posts on beds in some of the rooms.