The Best Places to Stay Around Southampton Before Your Cruise
The convenience of sailing from Southampton, or most ports in the U.K. for that matter, is second to none. Having the benefit of an unlimited luggage allowance, avoiding busy airports lounges, not having to worry about liquids in your hand luggage nor suffering from jet lag if cruising long haul, cannot be compared. Simply arrive, board and you’re on holiday.
Most of our clients, will arrive at Southampton on the day their cruise departs, however, in this article, we would like to share with you some of the places to stay if you decided to arrive the day prior to your cruise.
Luxury Hotels within 1 Hour of Southampton
There are several 5-star hotels located within an hour’s drive of the port of Southampton. Depending on where you are driving from, some are more conveniently located than others.
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa is a luxurious five-star country house hotel nestled in 130 acres of Hampshire countryside, on the edge of the New Forest and near the south coast of England. It offers a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities. The hotel features 72 rooms, including contemporary Treehouse Suites elevated among the trees, and classic rooms adorned with antiques. Guests can enjoy a range of facilities such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, gym, tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course, and a cookery school. Dining options include The Dining Room and The Kitchen by James Martin, offering dishes prepared with ingredients sourced from the hotel’s walled garden. Nightly rates start from approximately £360 when booked 30 days in advance under the Early Bird offer
Located at Christchurch Road, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 6QS (45 minutes from the Port of Southampton)
Lainston House Hotel & Spa
Lainston House is a luxurious 17th-century country house hotel nestled in 63 acres of Hampshire countryside near Winchester. This Grade II* listed building offers 50 individually designed rooms and suites, blending historic charm with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy facilities such as two award-winning restaurants—The Avenue and The Wellhouse— , a cookery school, tennis courts, a gym, and extensive gardens featuring England’s longest line of limes. Nightly rates start from approximately £234.
Located at Woodman Lane, Sparsholt, Winchester, Hampshire, SO21 2LT (40 minutes from the Port of Southampton).
Four Seasons Hampshire
Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire is a luxurious five-star retreat set within a restored 18th-century Georgian manor, nestled in 500 acres of picturesque countryside. The hotel offers a tranquil escape with a rich historical backdrop.
The hotel boasts 133 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, blending classic English charm with modern amenities. Guests can indulge in a variety of facilities, including an indoor-outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness centre offering classes like yoga and Pilates, two tennis courts, and a luxurious spa housed in the former stable block. For families, the hotel features a supervised kids’ club, an indoor adventure pool, and an equestrian centre. Dining options include the Wild Carrot restaurant, offering seasonal dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
Located at at Dogmersfield Park, Chalky Lane, Dogmersfield, Hampshire RG27 8TD (1 hour from the Port of Southampton)
Convenient Hotels to the Port
Harbour Hotel & Spa, Southampton
The Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa is a five-star, superyacht-inspired hotel. Positioned directly on the marina, it offers sweeping views across the Solent and is within walking distance of the city centre and cruise terminals.
The hotel features 119 luxury rooms and suites, many with private balconies and marina views. Each room includes Egyptian cotton linens, Nespresso machines, and complimentary gin decanters. Facilities include the HarSPA, which offers a heated indoor pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and eight treatment rooms. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy a well-equipped gym and yoga classes.
Dining options include The Jetty, an award-winning seafood restaurant, and HarBAR on 6th, a rooftop bar and kitchen with panoramic views and live DJ sets on weekends.
Nightly rates start from approximately £130–£140, depending on the season and room type .
Located at 5 Maritime Walk, Ocean Village, Southampton, SO14 3TL (5/10 Minutes to the Port of Southampton
The Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl
The Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl is a contemporary 4-star hotel. Within the grounds of the renowned Ageas Bowl cricket stadium. This modern property offers 171 stylish rooms, including pitch-facing options, executive rooms, and suites, all equipped with 42-inch TVs, air conditioning, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Guests can unwind at the eforea spa, which features a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and a range of treatments. For dining, BEEFY’S by Lord Botham serves modern British cuisine with views over the cricket ground. The hotel also boasts the Boundary Lakes Golf Course, an 18-hole parkland course with USGA standard greens.
Additional amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, EV charging stations, and extensive event spaces, including the Ageas Ballroom accommodating up to 700 guests.
Nightly rates typically start from around £95–£130, varying by season and room type.
Located at Botley Road, West End, Southampton, SO30 3XH,
