17 IDEAL Hotels in Southampton Before or After Your Cruise

Southampton is by far the busiest passenger cruise port in the UK and it is served by many hotels in Southampton. Most people departing on a cruise choose to stay in one of the hotels in Southampton UK near the port, ready to check-in the following day without a problem.

Whether you are heading off on a Mediterranean, Transatlantic, Norwegian Fjords or Baltic cruise, or perhaps just hopping across to the Isle of Wight, we have selected some of the best hotels in Southampton conveniently close to the ferry and cruise terminals.

If you’re looking for hotels in Southampton with cruise parking and/or a shuttle, no problem. We have a selection for you to choose from. We also provide a selection of hotels closest to Southampton cruise port, luxury hotels, budget hotels and hotels offering Cruise and Stay packages. Whatever accommodation you’re looking for, you’ll find it right here!

Where Should I Stay in Southampton before a Cruise?

Southampton is a busy city for business, cruises and tourists so it has hundreds of hotels and apartments offering accommodation. If you’re looking for a hotel in Southampton before departing on a cruise, it makes sense to stay close to the port and cruise terminals. You don’t want to get caught in traffic if you’re travelling to Southampton from London, for example, as it could jeopardize your cruise check-in.

There is no train or bus service to the cruise terminals so you either need to walk from your hotel or use a taxi or Uber to get there. Some hotels offer a shuttle service, usually as part of a package with cruise parking. However, all hotels will be happy to arrange a taxi for you. Expect to pay around £7-10 for the trip if you are staying in the city centre.

Helpful: London City Center and Heathrow to Southampton Transfer

There are lots of things to consider when booking hotels in Southampton UK near the port. Price, convenience, standard of luxury, options for Cruise and Stay Parking and the distance from the port can all influence your choice. It makes sense to choose a hotel with a shuttle service or one closer to the port for a shorter (cheaper!) taxi journey.

Know your Cruise Terminal Before Booking a Hotel

Bear in mind that there are four cruise terminals in Southampton port and they are widely spread apart. The Mayflower and City cruise terminals are closest to the city and are within reasonable walking distance (10-15 minutes) from hotels if you do not have too much luggage.

The hotels listed below show the distance from Mayflower Cruise Terminal, which is the part of the Western Docks, along with City Cruise Terminal. The closest hotels to City Terminal are Novotel, Ibis and Holiday Inn hotels. Ibis and Novotel are opposite Gate 10 entrance to the port and the Holiday Inn is outside Gate 8.

If you are cruising from Ocean or QE2 cruise terminals, some hotels around Ocean Village may be considerably closer than indicated. However, the Queen Elizabeth II cruise terminal is over ½ mile from the port entrance so you really need a taxi to take you right to the ship.

We’ve laid out all the facts to help you, so take your pick below.

Closest Hotels to Southampton Cruise Port

Ibis Southampton Centre Hotel

The Ibis Southampton is a modern budget hotel in central Southampton with 93 smart guest rooms. Guests have tea and coffee facilities and Wi-Fi. Opposite Gate 10 to the port and close to West Quay Shopping Centre, the hotel offers bar snacks and has a café. Some upper rooms have views of the cruise ships as they come and go from the port. 

• Distance from port: 1.3 miles
• Address: 9 West Quay Rd, Western Esplanade
• Phone number: 023 8063 4463
• Shuttle? No

Holiday Inn Southampton

Just a hop from the cruise port and opposite Gate 8 to the port, Holiday Inn Southampton offers modern refurbished bedrooms and mid-range prices. Make use of the pool, gym and lounge bar and upgrade to an oceanview room to get yourself into cruise mode before you depart!

• Distance from port: 1.4 miles
• Address: Herbert Walker Ave
• Phone number: 0871 942 9073
• Shuttle? Yes

Novotel

The Novotel is a reliable chain hotel opposite West Quay Shopping Centre and as close as you can get to the Mayflower Cruise Terminal (opposite Gate 10 port entrance). Rooms are spacious and comfortable and include Wi-Fi. This hotel also has a bar, indoor heated pool, gym, sauna and restaurant. Parking is £10 per night.

• Distance from port: 1.3 miles
• Address: 1 West Quay Road
• Phone number: 023 8107 2800
• Shuttle? No

Ennios Hotel

Ennios Boutique Hotel is a small hotel offering a personal service. Modern rooms have air-conditioning, flatscreen TV, mini bar and Wi-Fi. It is the closest hotel to Ocean Terminal (0.6 miles) and the shops at Ocean Village as well as being just 0.1 miles from the Town Walls and Medieval Merchant’s House attractions.

• Distance from port: 2.3 miles (Mayflower terminal)
• Address: Town Quay
• Phone number: 023 8022 1159
• Shuttle? No

Luxury Hotels near Southampton Port

Southampton Harbour Hotel and Spa

This five-star luxury Southampton Harbour Hotel will get your cruise off to a great start. Just a short walk from Ocean Village Marina and 0.7 miles from Ocean Cruise Terminal, it has 119 sumptuous guest rooms, two restaurants, spa, pool and rooftop terrace for enjoying waterfront views.

• Distance from port: 2.4 miles (Mayflower terminal)
• Address: 5 Maritime Walk, Ocean Village
• Phone number: 023 8110 3456
• Shuttle? No

Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour Hotel

Relax at the Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour Hotel before setting sail on your cruise. Overlooking the waterfront, this grand four star hotel has a leisure centre with indoor pool, sauna, gym and Rena Spa along with a bar and grill. Free Wi-Fi and parking (fee). 

• Distance from port: 1.7 miles
• Address: 5 West Quay Road
• Phone number: 023 8063 3033
• Shuttle? No

Hotels with Shuttle to Southampton Cruise Port

Doubletree by Hilton Southampton

Convenient for the M3, M27, Southampton Airport and city centre, Doubletree by Hilton is a top choice for those looking for hotels in Southampton with Cruise and Stay packages. Your stay starts with a complimentary chocolate chip cookie as you check in. Upgraded deluxe rooms include bathrobes, slippers, welcome snacks and extended checkout times. There’s a bar, restaurant, gardens and restaurant. Check out the cruise package with parking options for the best deals.

• Distance from port: 4.8 miles
• Address: Bracken Place, Chilworth, Southampton
• Phone number: 02380 702700
• Shuttle? Y

Holiday Inn Eastleigh

Just off M3 Junction M13, the Holiday Inn Eastleigh has 129 rooms including family rooms all with Wi-Fi for staying in touch. The Health Club has a 15m long pool, gym, sauna and steam room along with massages and beauty treatments. There’s a bar, lounge and restaurant and Park and Cruise packages include one night’s accommodation, breakfast, parking and transport to and from the cruise port.

• Distance from port: 6.5 miles
• Address: Leigh Road, Eastleigh, Southampton
• Phone number: 0871 942 9075
• Shuttle? Yes

Careys Manor Hotel

Nestled in the countryside within the New Forest National Park, Careys Manor Hotel and SenSpa is the ultimate luxury retreat with 77 bedrooms, restaurant, spa and more. Book a Cruise and Stay package which includes overnight accommodation, an award-winning New Forest breakfast for two, parking and chauffeur transport to the cruise terminal from just £249.

• Distance from port: 12.1 miles
• Address: Lyndhurst Rd, Brockenhurst
• Phone number: 01590 624467
• Shuttle? Yes (Chauffeur transport with Cruise and Stay packages)

Budget Hotels near Southampton Cruise Port

Hunters Lodge BnB

Hunters Lodge Bed and Breakfast is a welcoming private hotel with free Wi-Fi, bar and guest lounge. The price includes a tasty cooked breakfast before you head off to the cruise port (taxi required). This charming mid-range BnB has excellent reviews and is one of the top BnBs in Southampton.

• Distance from port:  1.6 miles
• Address: 25 Languard Rd
• Phone number: 023 8022 7919
• Shuttle? No

Travelodge Southampton

The three star Travelodge is centrally located and offers clean comfortable rooms with “bare bones” amenities. Rooms have flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi (fee) and a buffet breakfast is available in the onsite restaurant. Parking is available nearby for an additional fee.

• Distance from port: 1.8 miles
• Address: Castle Way, Southampton
• Phone number: 0871  559 1869
• Shuttle? No

Premier Inn Southampton West Quay

Southampton Premier Inn West Quay is a modern purpose-built hotel close to the High Street shops and restaurants. Rooms include luxury Hypnos beds, tea and coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi, Freeview TV and a desk. Look forward to a full English breakfast at the Thyme Restaurant before hopping in a taxi to the cruise port. 

• Distance from port: 1.7 miles
• Address: 96 Harbour Parade West Quay
• Phone number: 0333 321 9233
• Shuttle? No

Premier Inn Southampton City Centre

If you want a well-priced hotel in Southampton city centre, this three star Premier Inn on New Road is the best pick. Close to East Park it is within walking distance of the City Art Gallery and several shopping centres. Spacious ensuite rooms have free Wi-Fi and rates include a free breakfast.

• Distance from port: 1.8 miles
• Address: 6 New Road, Southampton
• Phone number: 0333 321 9006
• Shuttle? No

City Centre Hotels Near Southampton Port

The Pig-in-the-Wall

The Pig-in-the-Wall is a quirky four star boutique hotel in Southampton’s oldest districts within the medieval walls of the city. The Georgian property includes a well-known deli/bar and has just 12 bedrooms, all individually decorated and furnished. Due to its central location close to the Maritime Museum and Guildhall, parking is an additional daily fee.

• Distance from port: 1.6 miles
• Address: 8 Western Esplanade
• Phone number: 0345 225 9494
• Shuttle? No

Mercure Dolphin Hotel

The Mercure Dolphin Hotel is in the heart of Southampton City Centre and one of the closest hotels to the cruise terminals. It is the oldest hotel in the city, dating back over 500 years. This gorgeous hotel is in a Grade II listed building oozing charm from its huge bay windows and original Stables Rooms with old beams. Close to shops, restaurants and nightlife. 

• Distance from port: 1.6 miles
• Address: 34-35 High St, Southampton
• Phone number: 023 8038 6460
• Shuttle? No

Jurys Inn

The smart contemporary façade at Jurys Inn sets the tone for a comfortable stay at this four star city centre hotel at a surprisingly competitive price. It has 270 air-conditioned rooms with flatscreen TV, work desk and tea/coffee facilities. The hotel has free Wi-Fi, business and conference facilities, 24-hour front desk and a colourful lounge/bar with snack menu for guests along with Costa Coffee Bar. Most attractions are within walking distance including West Quay Shopping Centre and Southampton Railway Station.

• Distance from port: 2.0 miles
• Address: 1 Charlotte Place, Southampton
• Phone number: 023 8037 1111
• Shuttle? No

Room2Southampton

Room2Southampton is one of the most popular hotels in Southampton with spacious air-conditioned rooms that include a mezzanine study area. This Hometel offers spacious rooms with kitchenette, refrigerator and microwave as well as a flatsceen TV and Wi-Fi. There’s an onsite bar, lounge and fitness room making it ideal for longer stays.

• Distance from port: 2.0 miles
• Address: 1-8 Queens Terrace
• Phone number: 023 8057 2222
• Shuttle? No

Southampton Hotels FAQ

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