Portsmouth Hotels

Best places to stay in Portsmouth

The rejuvenated docks area and Gunwharf Quays is one of the best places to stay in Portsmouth for attractions, shopping and pure convenience. Here you’re close to HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, the Mary Rose Museum and the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, as well as an easy walk from the hop-on point for Portsmouth Harbour tour boats. You’ll find the iconic Spinnaker Tower, as well as Aspex Portsmouth arts venue and a smorgasbord of shopping opportunities and outlets all close by. If you arrive by train, Portsmouth Harbour train station drops you in the heart of the action, and you have three ferry options; to Ryde and Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight, and to Gosport, just across the harbour. For international ferries, you’ll need the north end of the port and the larger ferry terminal. For Portsmouth city centre, you can hop off the train at Portsmouth and Southsea main station and find yourself in the original centre, complete with high-street shopping, pubs, bars, parks and the university.

Head to Southsea to enjoy Portsmouth’s serene, seaside-y atmosphere, stroll along the esplanade and go to the beach. You’re close to the cathedral and Clarence Pier amusement park, and the entire seafront is backed by green Southsea Common. There’s plenty for kids here, from the D-Day Story museum and Cumberland House Natural History Museum to the aquarium and Exploria indoor adventure centre.

Where to stay with your family in Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a great destination for families, with plenty of exciting things to see and do come rain or shine. The Holiday Inn Portsmouth is perfectly situated between Southsea beach and the main Gunwharf Quays shopping area, and conveniently close to Clarence Pier amusements too. This reasonably priced, modern hotel has plenty of family and twin rooms, and an on-site restaurant. The real bonus is that kids aged 17 and under stay for free when sharing their parents’ room and up to two kids aged 12 and under eat free with an adult ordering from the main menu. The hotel also boasts an indoor heated pool – just in case the sea is too chilly.

Where to find cheap hotels in Portsmouth

Cheap hotels are pleasantly easy to come by, even in the buzzing centre of Portsmouth. Ibis Portsmouth Centre is modern, sleek and comfortable, with multiple room configurations to choose from for all group sizes, and frequently with rooms around £50/night. The three Premier Inns, Premier Inn Portsmouth City Centre, Premier Inn Portsmouth Dockyard hotel and Premier Inn Southsea are all conveniently located – for the city centre, historic docks and the beach respectively. They offer exactly what you know and love from a Premier Inn – modern rooms, comfortable beds and a smooth service – and often have rooms for under £60/night. To be slightly further out of the city, but enjoy stays for around £55/night, try the Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth - North. The en-suite rooms are spacious and sleek, and there’s a bright restaurant, as well as outdoor seating for sunny weather.

Where to stay as solo traveller

There are dozens of great options for solo travellers exploring Portsmouth. The Ship Leopard Boutique Hotel is an adults-only boutique hotel, with Georgian frontage right on the historic dock. It has modern rooms, with a great harbour view and offers breakfast. For something more luxurious, head for the Florence Suite Boutique Hotel, a modern, four-star delight with elegant decor, luxurious furnishings and a sunny courtyard for dining. Stattons Hotel is another four-star boutique in the Southsea area, promising modern luxury, ultimate comfort and even providing chic single rooms for solo travellers. Solo business travellers to the area should consider staying at the Village Hotel Portsmouth. It’s a budget-friendly four-star just outside of central Portsmouth in the Lakeside area – easily accessible from the M27. It has a gym and fitness centre, pool, pub, Starbucks and offers breakfast. It also has handy meeting and workspaces and high-speed wifi.

Budget and luxury Portsmouth hotels

Big chain hotels such as Holiday Inn, Travelodge, Ibis and BEST WESTERN have at least one branch in Portsmouth. As a seaside resort, the city also has plenty of B&Bs and guesthouses. Boutique hotels are a stylish option for city breaks and weekends away, with many of them claiming 4 and 5-star amenities.Many hotels are dotted around the harbour area, giving you beautiful sea views. You can also choose to stay near Portsmouth Harbour rail station or by the ferry terminal.

Visiting Portsmouth

The Spinnaker Tower is Portsmouth's iconic landmark. It stands 170 metres tall, and has a Sky Walk on the viewing deck where you can look straight down to the ground.Britain's maritime history is very strongly tied to the city - it has the oldest dry dock in the world. Portsmouth is home to HMS Warrior, the Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory, the D-Day Museum and the Royal Marines Museum.Clarence Pier is one of the biggest amusement parks in the local area. Kids can explore Pirate Pete's Indoor Adventure Playground, and taller kids and adults can try out rides including rollercoasters and a carousel.The main venue for events is the Portsmouth Guildhall. There are regular comedy and music evenings and since 2014, the Guildhall has also been the home of the Portsmouth Beer Festival.

The 14 must-sees of Portsmouth

• Spinnaker Tower – Portsmouth’s most iconic structure.

• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – a large area dedicated to naval and seafaring history.

• Portsmouth Harbour Tour – Take a boat trip exploring Portsmouth harbour, Cowes or other coastal destinations.

• Southsea beach and esplanade – A long, shingle beach, backed by greenery with an esplanade and classic seaside amusements.

• South Parade Pier – A classic British pier with amusements and cafes in summer.

• Clarence Pier – Amusement park with arcades and seasonal attractions.

• Southsea Castle – Historic fort with a view from the battlements.

• Round Tower – 15th century fortification now housing a gallery and promising great views.

• Aspex Portsmouth – Gallery with changing exhibitions and a cafe.

• Blue Reef Aquarium – With freshwater, saltwater and tropical tanks, and expert talks.

• Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery – Exploring the city’s history through art and exhibitions.

• Exploria – Children’s indoor adventure centre with soft play, slides and trampolines.

• Action Stations – Navy inspired obstacle courses, games and climbing.

• Day trip to the Isle of Wight – take a ferry from Portsmouth docks and explore the Isle for a day.

Museums and cultural heritage

• HMS Victory – Explore on deck and below deck on the warship made famous by the Battle of Trafalgar.

• HMS Warrior – Historic Victorian ship with a museum on board.

• Mary Rose Museum The recovered Tudor shipwreck and exhibition.

• National Museum of the Royal Navy – Maritime history museum with interactive exhibits.

• The D-Day Story – Artefacts, exhibitions and archive films of the D-Day landings.

• Cumberland House Natural History Museum – Natural history museum with fossils, art, taxidermy and a butterfly house.

Party and Nightlife in Portsmouth

Portsmouth's nightlife offers a dynamic and vibrant scene for partygoers and night owls. From bustling nightclubs to intimate concert halls and secret party spots, this coastal city knows how to entertain its visitors after dark. Here’s where you can dive into the lively atmosphere of Portsmouth’s nightlife:

Night Clubs

• Pryzm: A high-tech nightclub that is a staple of Portsmouth's nightlife. It's known for its regular dance music events, spanning a variety of music genres from R&B to hip-hop and dance tracks. Despite some mixed reviews, Pryzm remains a popular choice for those looking to dance the night away.

• Popworld: Specializing in chart music from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, Popworld is the go-to place for a fun-filled night. With themed nights, excellent drink deals, and a light-up dance floor, it promises an unforgettable experience.

Concert Halls

Portsmouth hosts a variety of venues that regularly feature live music and performances, catering to a wide range of musical tastes. While specific concert halls weren’t highlighted in the provided sources, the city's diverse music scene suggests there are plenty of places to catch live bands and solo acts.

Secret Party Spots

For those seeking a more underground or unique night out, Portsmouth’s historic streets and waterfront offer hidden gems where locals and in-the-know visitors gather. Although not mentioned in detail, exploring areas like Albert Road and Old Portsmouth might reveal some of these secretive locales.

Best Neighbourhoods for Going Out

• Gunwharf Quays: While it's known for its shopping during the day, Gunwharf Quays transforms into a bustling nightlife spot after dark, with numerous bars and restaurants offering evening entertainment.

• Southsea: This vibrant area is a hotspot for nightlife, with a mix of traditional pubs, trendy bars, and clubs. It's a great neighbourhood to experience Portsmouth's lively and eclectic night scene.

Portsmouth’s nightlife scene is diverse, with options ranging from high-energy nightclubs to laid-back bars and pubs. Whether you’re looking to dance until the early hours, enjoy live music, or discover a secret party spot, Portsmouth has something to offer every night owl.

Going Shopping in Portsmouth

Portsmouth, a vibrant coastal city, offers a diverse shopping experience that caters to every taste and budget, from trendy boutiques and high-street brands to unique crafts and bustling markets.

Trendy Shopping Area

Gunwharf Quays is the premier shopping destination in Portsmouth, attracting visitors with its over 90 premium outlets. This waterfront location doesn't just offer shopping but also a variety of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a bustling spot for those looking to indulge in a bit of retail therapy.

Cheap Shopping Area

For budget-friendly shopping, Cascades Shopping Centre in the city centre presents a mix of high-street favorites and specialist independents. Whether you're after fashion, books, gifts, or health and beauty products, Cascades has a wide selection to choose from.

Craft Shops

Hotwalls Studios, situated in the historic Point Battery and Barracks, is a hub for creative types, housing a collection of artist studios. It's the perfect place to find unique handcrafted items, from art to jewellery, and to see artists at work.

Markets in Portsmouth

Traditional Markets

While specific traditional markets weren't highlighted, Portsmouth's vibrant city life suggests a presence of markets where you can find fresh produce and local goods. Keep an eye out for pop-up events and seasonal markets around the city.

Local Weekly Farmers Markets

Portsmouth likely hosts local farmers markets where you can purchase fresh, local produce direct from the growers. Check local listings for up-to-date information on where and when these markets take place.

Trendy Markets

Port Solent offers a picturesque shopping experience with its waterfront setting, featuring a variety of shops and eateries. It's an excellent spot for those looking for a leisurely shopping day out, with the added bonus of beautiful marina views.

Flea Markets

The city's flea market scene might require a bit of exploration but promises unique finds and bargain treasures. Keep an eye on local community boards for the latest on flea market days and locations.

Where to Buy Holiday Souvenirs

Portsmouth and Southsea's seafront and historic areas offer numerous shops where holiday souvenirs are abundant. Look out for sea-themed memorabilia, historical replicas, and locally made crafts to remember your visit.

Shopping Malls

Apart from Gunwharf Quays and Cascades Shopping Centre, Portsmouth is home to Ocean Retail Park and other retail parks, offering a convenient one-stop solution for a wide range of shopping needs, from clothing to electronics.

Shopping in Portsmouth provides a delightful experience, blending the charm of seaside retail with the convenience of modern malls and the uniqueness of local crafts and markets.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

A stay at Carter & Co. in Portsmouth’s Southsea area, is all about the food, drink and ambience. This warm and colourful venue promises elevated casual dining – so no stuffy, formal dining rooms here. You can expect exquisitely presented cocktails and modern takes on British pub classics, as well as a full Sunday Roast menu, delicate nibbles and small plates, and a slap-up breakfast. There are seven boutique rooms, each bright, comfortable and modern, with a focus on quality furnishings and minimal, seaside-inspired decor.

Spa hotels in Portsmouth

Just behind Southsea Common and the esplanade, Ashbys Accommodation and Spa is a colourful and modern spot to rest your head – and doesn’t feel like your usual spa hotel. The bright and spacious en-suite rooms and studios are thoughtfully decorated and there are plenty of family and group configurations available. The communal spaces are equally fun; you’ll enjoy a well-equipped games room, lounge, self-service bar and you can connect to the speakers and play your own tunes. There’s even a neon-light photo area for posing. The spa is designed to make you feel like royalty and, if you’re visiting as a group, you can book the entire space out just for you. There are outdoor steam and sauna cabins, as well as a hot tub, plus an indoor steam, sauna, ice space and experiential shower. And all of this just steps from the sea.

Luxury Hotels

Tucked behind the glorious seafront and Clarence esplanade, quiet luxury awaits guests staying at Somerset House Boutique Hotel. You’ll sleep in exceptionally spacious and serene rooms, with a focus on luxury linens and state-of-the-art bathrooms. You can dine in The Florence Arms, which has a modern pub feel, or the romantic Garden Restaurant with a beautiful outdoor space and an indoor glasshouse and covered cabana with heating in cooler months. Alternatively, head for the popular Ye Spotted Dogge hotel, located conveniently between the harbour shopping area and the beach. The unassuming exterior gives way to an opulent interior, with large four-poster rooms decorated as if for royalty of a past era – think elegant bedsteads, dark-wood furniture, roll-top baths and extravagant wallpaper. The antique grandeur, especially in the China Room and the Red Room, is truly unique. There’s also an intimate courtyard dining space, as well as an opulent indoor dining room and bar.