One of Britain’s most important maritime cities, Portsmouth is among the best places to discover the country’s nautical history, with links to Henry VIII and Admiral Nelson as well as its present thriving port.
There’s little to beat the views out across the Solent from the top of the Spinnaker Tower on a sunny day – I love looking down onto the forts in the wide expanse of water and over to the Isle of Wight as bright-sailed yachts scud across the sea.
Whether you’re catching a ferry on...Learn moreOne of Britain’s most important maritime cities, Portsmouth is among the best places to discover the country’s nautical history, with links to Henry VIII and Admiral Nelson as well as its present thriving port.
There’s little to beat the views out across the Solent from the top of the Spinnaker Tower on a sunny day – I love looking down onto the forts in the wide expanse of water and over to the Isle of Wight as bright-sailed yachts scud across the sea.
Whether you’re catching a ferry on to Europe, browsing for bargains at the outlets in Gunwharf Quays or discovering history-making ships like the Mary Rose and HMS Victory at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, you’ll also find stylish boutique escapes and converted historic houses among the best hotels in Portsmouth. Here’s my pick of the best hotels to stay in Portsmouth.
I’m always wowed by the astonishing amount of history packed into one place at Ye Spotted Dogge. The building dates...Learn more
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...Learn more
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...Learn more
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.
Lakeshore Drive, Po6 3Fr, Cosham, Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom
This modern hotel on the outskirts of the city makes a great base if you’re looking to explore the surrounding area....Learn more
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....Learn more
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...Learn more
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...Learn more
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...Learn more
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...Learn more
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...Learn more
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.
Useful Info
KAYAK’s insights for hotels in Portsmouth
Discover seasonal trends, ideal booking windows, and other data-driven tips to plan your stay in Portsmouth with confidence.
Which month has the cheapest hotel rates in Portsmouth?
Hotels are cheapest in Portsmouth in January, with average rates of £44. In comparison, August is the most expensive month, with prices at £86.
What is the cheapest day of the week to book a hotel in Portsmouth?
Sunday offers the lowest rates in Portsmouth, with an average nightly price of £53. The highest prices are found on Wednesday, with average rates at £85.
How much is a hotel in Portsmouth for tonight?
The best deal for a 3-star hotel room in Portsmouth found by KAYAK users in the last 3 days was £54, while a 4-star hotel the lowest price was £83. The cheapest room found overall was for £54.
How much is a hotel in Portsmouth for this weekend?
The cheapest hotel room in Portsmouth for the upcoming weekend found on KAYAK in the last 3 days was for £70 per night. For the same dates, 3-star hotel rooms have been found for as low as £70 per night and 4-star hotel rooms from £90 per night.
How early should you book a hotel in Portsmouth?
Book at least 34 days before your stay begins to get the best price for your Portsmouth hotel.
Cheapest month to stay with an average 31% drop in price.
Most expensive month to stay with an average 42% rise in price.
Average Sun - Thu price over the last 2 weeks.
Average Fri & Sat price over the last 2 weeks.
KAYAK's top tips for finding Portsmouth hotel deals
If you’re looking for a cheap hotel in London, you should consider visiting during the low season. You'll find cheaper hotels in London in January and December.
Hotel room prices vary depending on many factors but you’ll most likely find the best hotel deals in London if you stay on a Friday. The opposite is true for, Wednesday, which is usually the most expensive day.
The cheapest 3-star hotel room in London found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was £74, while the most expensive was £155.
How long should you stay? KAYAK users usually book their hotel in London for 2 days.
If you are looking for a luxury boutique hotel in the summer in Portsmouth, then look no further than The Clarence Hotel in Southsea. It is right by the ocean and visiting the sandy beaches of Portsmouth in the summer is a must. The Number Four Boutique Hotel is another such hotel, also in Southsea, which is a 5-minute walk from the beach.
For those who like to be in the centre of it all, the Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth GunWharf Quays is ideal for you. It is within walking distance from GunWharf Quays which is the outlet shopping centre, Spinnaker Tower, University of Portsmouth and HMS Warrior 1860, the warrior ship.
Southsea Rocks Hotel in Southsea is a popular economy hotel. Free self-parking is available on site. It’s within walking distance to the Albert, Palmerston and Osborn roads, which are home to plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and vibrant nightlife. Ibis Budget Portsmouth Hotel, another budget hotel, is a 5-minutes’ drive from Portsmouth City and also offers free on-site parking and is surrounded by fast-food restaurants.
Business travellers can stay at the Village Portsmouth which is centrally located. They have state-of-the-art technology, super-fast Wi-Fi and meeting rooms/conference rooms with a maximum capacity of 240 people. Their app, exclusively for members, makes planning seamless. Portsmouth Marriott Hotel also has an excellent business centre. There are 11 event rooms and their planners assist in every aspect of the event.
To make your family holiday fun, stay at the Holiday Inn in Portsmouth. Kids under 17 years stay for free if they are sharing the room with their parents and kids under 12 years also eat for free. It’s within walking distance to the Clarence Pier where the little ones can enjoy their day out at the Pirate Pete’s Indoor play.
For those that are looking to save money on Portsmouth hotels, you can stay outside of the city centre and use the good transport system that’s in place to make your journey. For instance, Portsmouth Marriot Hotel is about a 20min journey to the city centre on the X4 Solent Rangers bus.
If you are heading to Portsmouth for the International Kite Festival, then you should know that prices tend to be more expensive during this event. You should also try to book your hotel as far in advance as possible and stay close to Southsea Common at accommodation such as The Jolly Sailor.
When you’re flying into Portsmouth for business you should look to book accommodation that’s close to Southampton Airport (SOU), as well as the city centre. An great example of a Portsmouth hotel that offers this type of location is Meon Valley Hotel, Golf and Country Club, which is about a 20min drive from the both the airport and the city.
If you are looking for Portsmouth hotels that offer a great view then you should stay close to Portsmouth Harbour. For example, Lady Hamilton Public House B&B is one such accommodation that gives you great views of the water.
FAQs when booking a hotel in Portsmouth
Are there hotels in Portsmouth with sauna and hot tub?
You can relax and unwind at the spa and hot tub area at The Royal Maritime Club Hotel in Portsmouth. It also has sauna cabins and is known to be one of the best wellness hotels.
Which hotels in Portsmouth provide breakfast?
You can eat a full a la carte cooked breakfast at The Florence Suite Hotel, which is not so far from the Southsea beach in Portsmouth. It’s a quaint boutique hotel and guests can enjoy their meals in the garden area. The Ship Leopard Hotel, located next to the historic dockyard in Portsmouth, serves an English breakfast with tea or coffee.
Which hotels in Portsmouth serve the traditional afternoon tea?
The Queens Hotel in Portsmouth offers traditional afternoon tea every day. It includes assorted sandwiches, scrumptious sweet treats and unlimited tea and coffee. It’s an afternoon ritual to be experienced.
Are there hotels in Portsmouth with on-site pubs?
For travellers who want to take it easy and spend the afternoon relaxing in their hotel, Stattons Boutique Hotel in Portsmouth is just the place. This hotel is very close to the Southsea seafront and has a lounge bar and gastro pub. You can munch on pub food and drink ales, beer, wines and cocktails without stepping out of your comfort zone.
Where is the best to stay in Portsmouth for food?
One of the best places for Portsmouth hotels if you’re looking for food is Gunwharf Quays, which is an area that boasts a selection of top restaurants. For instance, Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays is only a 4min walk to popular food establishments like Pizza Express.
Where is best to stay in Portsmouth for nightlife?
If you want to experience the nightlife that Portsmouth has to offer then you should look to book accommodation close to Southsea. An example of a Portsmouth hotel that is close to a popular haunt such as the Dockyard Club is Seacrest hotel.
After you launch a hotel search on KAYAK, you can refine your research by neighbourhood, which allows you to pick the central Portsmouth districts. You can also do a search using the city map to choose a specific location, like Portsmouth city centre
How can I find hotels near me?
Take a look at our extensive hotel map to find the best hotels near you.
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